With the Jacksonville Jaguars addressing the linebacker position by adding Joe Schobert, most fans would argue that tight end is the most pressing need on the team. They seemingly feel it should be a priority, too, as NFL insider Ian Rapoport reported that the team is now working towards a deal with former Cincinnati Bengals tight end Tyler Eifert.
The #Jaguars and former #Bengals first-round TE Tyler Eifert are working diligently towards closing a deal, source said. If completed, it would be another free agent move in Jax to fill a spot that plagued them last year — and one that coach Doug Marrone really wanted.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 24, 2020
Eifert, 29, is a player most speculated the Jags would be interested in because he played under current offensive coordinator Jay Gruden as a rookie. In the process, he had one of his best seasons, accumulating 39 catches for 445 yards (his second-highest total) and two touchdowns.
Tight end has long been a need for the Jags dating back to general manager Dave Caldwell’s early tenure in Jacksonville. Now, they could be getting a player with seven years worth of experience to help bolster the position and groom young tight end Josh Oliver.
Eifert was a first-round selection for the Bengals in the 2013 draft (No. 21 overall). He’s struggled to stay healthy throughout his career, so the Jags in all probability are looking to get him on an incentive-based and team-friendly contract.
Eifert will enter 2020 with a career total of 185 catches, 2,152 yards and 24 touchdowns. In 2019, he totaled 43 catches for 436 yards and three touchdowns and accumulated a Pro Football Focus grade of 65.7.