Bubba Franks Re-Signs with New York Jets: A Little Less Tight at Tight End

While it would be premature to declare the problem as solved, the New York Jets have made a personnel move that will bring much needed veteran depth to the anemic tight end position.

Finally addressing one of the more significant roster concerns, it's being reported by the New Jersey Star-Ledger that the Jets have reached a one-year deal with Bubba Franks, bringing him back after an injury-shortened 2008 season.

Franks developed a reputation as more of a pass-catching tight end during his best seasons with the Green Bay Packers, but after nine seasons in the league, the 31-year-old should be able to sufficiently occupy defensive linemen on run plays.

Acquiring a suitable player to complement Dustin Keller in his second season was a priority for New York. Keller is expected to have an expanded role in Brian Schottenheimer's offense, but finding support for him was critical.

Keller provides a mis-match for opposing defenses every time he's on the field, as he's too big for defensive backs and too fast for linebackers. However, a more traditional tight end was a necessity as Keller is better suited in a hybrid-receiver role.

James Dearth is listed on the official roster as a tight end, but sees his only action as a long-snapper.

Keller was the only remaining tight end after Chris Baker was released in February and Franks was allowed to walk at the start of free agency.

After neglecting the position throughout the offseason, New York signed three undrafted free agents and met with Michael Gaines, formerly of the Detroit Lions.

It's likely that re-signing Franks was the Jets' contingency plan after Gaines' decided to sign with the Chicago Bears.

Of the undrafted free agents, the most notable performance during rookie mini-camps came from J'Nathan Bullock, a collegiate basketball player at Cleveland State who hadn't played football since his senior year of high school.

While Bullock has drawn comparisons to Antonio Gates, Rex Ryan must have realized that leaving the position to chance with an undrafted free agent would have been irresponsible. After promising a run-first offensive strategy in 2009, finding a veteran to help on the offensive line was critical.

If Franks has returned to full health, the signing proves to be one of the safer moves the Jets could have made. His best years are certainly behind him, but he can contribute effectively in a reduced role.

His familiarity with Schottenheimer's playbook can allow the Jets to maintain consistency in the offense if Mark Sanchez does start from day one.

Entering his tenth season, Franks knows his way around the line of scrimmage; and at 6-6, he could be the tall target every quarterback needs in the red zone.