Smartt finds himself in an enticing situation after signing with the Jets, who parted ways with Tyler Conklin, leaving rookie second-round pick Mason Taylor and Jeremy Ruckert as the chief competition for the starting tight end role. Though Smartt has just one TD through 38 regular-season NFL games, that's one more than Ruckert has in 41 games. Smartt's skill set is better suited for running routes and catching passes than blocking, as he has a slight build for a TE at 6-foot-4 and 226 pounds. He played sparingly in 2024 but filled in capably while the Chargers battled some injuries last season, producing 11 catches for 141 yards in Weeks 14 through 16. If Taylor isn't ready to step into the starting role right away, Smartt could have sneaky upside given the Jets' lack of a clear No. 2 option in the passing game behind WR Garrett Wilson.
