Jets trade Herndon to Vikings: source
The Jets traded tight end Chris Herndon and a 2022 sixth-round pick to the Minnesota Vikings for a 2022 fourth-round pick, a source confirmed to the Daily News on Tuesday.
The moves came shortly after the Jets waived tight end Kenny Yeboah, who ended the preseason on a high note, with four catches for 100 yards and two touchdowns.
Herndon started his Jet career strong with 39 catches for 502 yards and four touchdowns in 2018, when Pro Football Focus rated him the 12th best tight end.
But since then it’s been a struggle for Herndon. In 2019, he only played in one game because he missed action due to a suspension and injuries to his hamstring and ribs.
In 2020, Herndon had 31 catches for 287 with three touchdowns.
The former Miami standout never matched his rookie season but now will have a fresh start with the Vikings.
Here are the roster cuts the Jets made on Tuesday:
DE Jeremiah Valoaga, WR Lawrence Cager, S JT Hassell, DE Hamilcar Rashed, WR Vyncint Smith, S Jackson Bennett, CB Lamar Jackson, QB Josh Johnson, OL Corey Levin, DT Aaron Adeoye, OL Jimmy Murray, RB Josh Adams, OL David Moore, TE Kenny Yeboah, DL Ronnie Blair, TE Dan Brown, S Elijah Campbell, LB Camilo Eifler, OL Grant Hermanns, OL Isaiah Williams, QB James Morgan, WR DJ Montgomery, LB Noah Dawkins, S Sharrod Neasman, DL Tanzel Smart, LB Del’Shawn Phillips, DL Kyle Phillips
TAKEAWAYS
The Jets have only two tight ends on the initial 53 man roster, which means the Jets will try to add to that position. There’s no way they can go into the season with just two, so expect an addition.
Morgan and Johnson were released, which means Mike White will be Zach Wilson’s backup. White was the second best quarterback throughout August and if Wilson were to ever miss time, the Jets could still have a functional offense with White. With Morgan, the offense would have been similar to Luke Falk in 2019.
Rashed being released was somewhat surprising since he ran with the second-team defense the majority of camp. But Rashad was an undrafted free agent and with the addition of Shaq Lawson, there wasn’t room for him.
Jeff Smith made the initial roster, which is a testament to his strong performance throughout camp. Smith ran with the first and second team offense during the preseason and practiced well.
Neasman being released signals how comfortable the Jets feel about Ashtyn Davis’s health going into the season. Neasman was starting in place of Lamarcus Joyner after Joyner dealt with back spasms.