The Jets are giving Kellen Winslow Jr. a chance to resurrect his career this week.
The veteran tight end and former top-10 pick confirmed yesterday that he has been invited for a tryout by the Jets at their mandatory three-day minicamp that begins Tuesday in Florham Park.
The Jets also invited former Jaguars wide receiver Mike Sims-Walker and journeyman defensive tackle Leger Douzable — a former Giant — to try out at the minicamp.
With Winslow, the Jets appear to be in the market for a tight end after starter Dustin Keller bolted for the Dolphins in free agency, leaving only Jeff Cumberland, Konrad Ruland and Australian project Hayden Smith on the roster.
Winslow, picked No. 6 overall by the Browns in 2004, is just 29 years old but has been out of football since appearing in just one game for the Patriots last season.
The one-time Pro Bowl selection requested his release by New England, reportedly because Winslow didn’t want to endure a painful knee condition for what was expected to be a very limited role.
When healthy, Winslow has been a serviceable and at times prolific tight end. He has at least 66 catches in five of his eight NFL seasons, including 75 catches for the Buccaneers (for 763 yards and two touchdowns) in 2011.
Tampa Bay traded Winslow to the Seahawks last year, but he lasted just four months before Seattle abruptly released the son of NFL Hall of Famer Kellen Winslow on the eve of the 2012 season.