The New York Jets added a tight end with local ties and playoff experience on Tuesday afternoon.
The Jets signed New Jersey product Anthony Firkser to the 90-man roster while releasing veteran fullback Nick Bawden, who was primarily a special teamer. The 29-year-old Firkser, who hails from Manalapan High School, played in all three Detroit Lions playoff games last season.
Firkser has appeared in 71 regular season contests since entering the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2017. Coming out of Harvard, he joined the Jets as a rookie and was released at the end of the preseason. He appeared in all four preseason contests, totaling three catches for 22 yards.
The underdog tight end eventually made his regular season debut with the Tennessee Titans in 2018 and spent four seasons in Nashville. Firkser made 11 appearances for the 2022 Atlanta Falcons but entered free agency following the season.
In 2023, the veteran signed to the New England Patriots 53-man roster but did not survive final cuts. The Lions added him to their Practice Squad last October. Firkser, who dressed for two regular season games, was needed as an injury replacement during the postseason. He logged 13 offensive snaps in the NFC Championship Game, making one catch for eight yards. Prior to his stint in Detroit, Firkser made five playoff appearances for the Titans.
Joining New York's Aaron Rodgers-led offense, Firkser will seemingly compete for the TE3 spot against Kenny Yeboah, Zack Kuntz and rookie Lincoln Sefcik. The Jets' newest addition has caught more than 75 percent of his career receiving targets and averages 10.5 yards per reception.