New England Patriots Sign Former Jaguars Tight End

The New England Patriots keep adding players to their tight end unit. The retirement of Rob Gronkowski came like a shock for the team, but they had a plan B.

The Patriots signed veteran tight end Austin Seferian-Jenkins to a one-year deal. According to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network, this is a minimum deal for the veteran who decided to join the Patriots instead of the Seattle Seahawks.

“It’s a 1-year, minimum deal. Austin Seferian-Jenkins planned to wait, then the Patriots stepped in. He picked NE over the #Seahawks,” Rapoport tweeted.

Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network added that New England offered the tight end a $50k signing bonus and will also offer him another $40k bonus later. Pelissero added that Seferian-Jenkins wanted to play in New England so he could put up great numbers and appear on the market at 27. Nice plan.

“The #Patriots gave TE Austin Seferian-Jenkins a $50K signing bonus on his one-year deal, source said. Another $40K in bonuses available later. It’s a minimum salary benefit contract. He wanted to be a Patriot. Chance to produce and hit market again next year at age 27,” he reported.

The tight end is really thrilled about his contract with the Patriots. He took to social media to express his excitement shortly after the official announcement was made. The veteran wrote, “Thank you [Patriots], I’m ready to go to work! #Year6.”

Seferian-Jenkins was part of the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2018. He played five games before ending on injured reserve due to a core muscle injury. In February, the team declined his option, and he became a free agent. During his short tenure with the team, the tight end caught 11 of his 19 targets for 90 yards and a touchdown.

The addition of Seferian-Jenkins is more like a mystery for the Patriots nation. The team is looking for pass catching stability, and the tight end has some great skills. In 2017, he played with the New York Jets, and had 50 catches for 357 yards and three touchdowns.

Seferian-Jenkins was a second-round pick of the Tamba Bay Buccaneers out of Washington. He spent some time with the Jets, Jaguars and the Patriots are next on his list.