NFL

Jermichael Finley could be Jets’ best chance for tight end upgrade

This is the fourth in a nine-part series examining the Jets’ needs position by position with free agency starting on March 11.

Tight ends

Currently on roster:

Jeff Cumberland

Age: 26

2013 stats: 26 receptions, 398 yards, 15.3 average, 4 TDs

Kellen Winslow

Age: 30

2013 stats: 31 receptions, 388 yards, 12.5 average. 2 TDs

Zach Sudfeld

Age: 24

2013 stats: 5 receptions, 63 yards, 12.6 average, 0 TDs

Konrad Reuland

Age: 26

2013 stats: 1 reception, 7 yards, 7.0 average. 0 TDs

Chris Pantale

Age: 23

2013 stats: N/A

Colin Anderson

Age: 24

2013 stats: N/A

2014 free agents: Cumberland, Winslow, Reuland (exclusive rights)

Overview: The Jets did not get much production out of their tight ends in 2013. Winslow looked like he was going to be a nice comeback story early on when he was one of Geno Smith’s favorite targets. Then he got suspended for PEDs and was never a big part of the offense when he returned.

Cumberland had his moments, but it was not the breakout season he was hoping for with free agency looming.  Sudfeld is an interesting developmental player for the Jets. He was used out of necessity late in the season and made a few plays.

If Smith is going to make strides in his second season, the Jets need to find him a tight end he can count on. The tight end is a young quarterback’s best friend, and last year Smith too often was left with no one to throw to.

Offseason priority rating (1 to 5 with 5 being the highest priority): 5

Possible targets: Brandon Pettigrew, Jermichael Finley, Ed Dickson, Eric Ebron (draft), Jace Amaro (draft), Troy Niklas (draft)

Costello’s call: The Jets should bring Cumberland back unless he’s looking for a huge salary. He can be a solid No. 2 tight end. The problem is they now need to find a No. 1, and unless they’re willing to give up two first-round picks (no chance), they’re not getting the Saints’ Jimmy Graham.

Finley is coming off a neck injury that is going to scare away a lot of teams, but he might come cheaper than he should because of it. If I were John Idzik, I would take a long look at Finley. The rest of the free-agent class is underwhelming.

Ebron is a popular pick for the Jets in many mock drafts, but taking a tight end in the first round scares me. I also think they would be better served grabbing a receiver with the 18th overall pick. Teams have found tight ends in the second and third rounds (Rob Gronkowski and Graham come to mind), and that’s the path I would follow.

COMING TUESDAY: Offensive Line