Jets lock up key offensive playmaker on $11 million extension

The New York Jets' 2025 season has been a disaster, with the $40 million investment into Justin Fields not panning out, and Steve Wilks getting fired after just one season as the defensive coordinator.

But with the savvy trade deadline moves, the Jets are well set up for the future. To continue building for the future, the Jets have begun to extend some of their key players on offense. While the offensive line is all but secure, the Jets have shifted gears.

As NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport shared on Twitter/x, the Jets have extended one of their key offensive playmakers for the next few years, as tight end Jermey Ruckert is now locked up on a two-year, $11 million contract.

Jets lock up young tight end on $11 million two-year deal

"Sources: The Jets have agreed to terms with young TE Jeremy Ruckert, locking him in for the future," Rapoport reports. "He gets a 2-year, $10< extension with upside to $11M. A key piece."

Ruckert is a former Ohio State tight end who was selected by the Jets in the third round at pick 101 in the 2022 NFL Draft. He's played four seasons with the Jets, and now is locked up for the next two years.

So far in his young NFL career, Ruckert has 55 receptions on 75 targets for 427 yards and one touchdown. This season, he has 163 receiving yards and one touchdown on 20 receptions, all career-highs.

More: Jets agree to $11 million extension with core offensive lineman

Alongside Mason Taylor, the Jets now have a strong tight end duo for the next two seasons as a new quarterback is expected to take the reins of the offense in 2026 and beyond.

After they extended Josh Myers, their center, for a few more seasons, the Jets turned to Ruckert. Neither is a profound playmaker or difference maker for the Jets, but they're key pieces of a functional offense.

When a new quarterback comes into the offense next season, likely a rookie, and hopefully for the Jets, Indiana Hoosier Fernando Mendoza, they will have a strong supporting cast.

The Jets are setting their offense up to be as stable as possible for a new rookie quarterback, and while they still have some hurdles to go before they land that franchise QB hopeful, these moves are a good way to lay the foundation for a new quarterback.

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