Tag: Tyler Conklin

2022 NFL free agency: Jets signing TE Tyler Conklin

The Jets are adding another pass-catching tight end in Tyler Conklin two days after agreeing to a deal with C.J. Uzomah.

The Jets are adding another free agent tight end in Tyler Conklin, according to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo.

Conklin, 26, will be the second tight end Joe Douglas signed this offseason after the Jets agreed to terms with C.J. Uzomah on Monday. Conklin caught 61 passes for 593 yards and three touchdowns in his fourth season with the Vikings in 2021. While he isn’t known for his blocking, Conklin is a reliable pass-catcher who only registered one drop this past season and earned a 70.4 receiving grade from Pro Football Focus.

A Central Michigan product, Conklin has 93 career catches for 922 yards and four touchdowns. The Vikings drafted him in the fifth round in 2018.

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Former Vikings TE Tyler Conklin signing with Jets

Conklin is leaving Minnesota to join Gang Green in New York

Former Minnesota Vikings tight end Tyler Conklin is headed for the bright lights and big city after agreeing on a deal with the New York Jets.

NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo reported the move on Wednesday.

While the 26-year-old tight end expressed a strong desire to stay in Minnesota, the writing was already on the wall with Irv Smith Jr. returning and Conklin looking for a bigger payday.

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Vikings TE Tyler Conklin bracing for possible exit from Minnesota

Conklin would “love to be back” in Minnesota, if possible

Burgeoning tight end Tyler Conklin started 15 games for the Minnesota Vikings in 2021, but with the new league year rapidly approaching, he’s bracing himself for the possibility that he’ll be playing elsewhere next season.

The 26-year-old former fifth-round draft pick will be testing the open market as an unrestricted free agent. With franchise tags already being placed on other tight ends, such as Cleveland Browns’ David Njoku, Dallas Cowboys’ Dalton Schultz and Miami Dolphins’ Mike Gesicki, there is hope Conklin’s name moves closer to the top of the list of available tight ends.

After nabbing career-highs last season—61 receptions for 593 yards and three touchdowns—Conklin is hoping to maximize his value, even if it means leaving Minnesota.

“I think we’re in a good situation market-wise. There’s obviously the tags, and that took a couple of guys off the market,” said Conklin, per the Pioneer Press’ Chris Tomasson. “…I would love to be back in Minnesota if it makes sense for both parties. But I don’t have those answers. But I love Minnesota. My girlfriend loves Minnesota.”

Conklin has likely played his last snap for the Vikings.

Irv Smith Jr. is expected to return next season from a torn meniscus, and given the team’s tight salary cap situation, they probably won’t be in a position to match other offers on the open market.

This is a great opportunity for Conklin to capitalize on his regular season production and maximize his contract, along with potentially earning a starting job for another team. There will clearly be a market for his services.

Whatever that market ends up being, however, remains to be seen.

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Vikings 2022 offseason preview: Where does Minnesota stand at TE?

An improved Irv Smith Jr. could take the offense to new heights

The Minnesota Vikings never got to show everything under the hood offensively with Irv Smith Jr. going down with a torn meniscus before the season even started. So there’s some genuine excitement to see what the tight end position looks like in a Kevin O’Connell-coached offense.

But things aren’t quite as certain with this skilled group as they are at running back and receiver. A move of some sort is likely coming considering they have multiple players heading into free agency, along with the fact that Smith is coming off a season-ending injury.

The opportunities at tight end should be plenty with the bevy of offensive skilled weapons already on the field for the Vikings.

Here are where things stand at the position right now.

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6 tight ends the Panthers should consider in free agency

It’s not at the top of the Panthers’ to-do list, but the TE position needs some added juice in 2022. Here are six cost-effective options they could target in free agency.

The Carolina Panthers and head coach Matt Rhule need a tight end! They need a tight end!

But seriously, they really do.

Since the departure of franchise great Greg Olsen, the Panthers have had some frighteningly barren production out of the position. Over the past four (yes, four) seasons, Carolina tight ends have totaled 206 receptions for 2,076 yards and 13 touchdowns.

While it’s not totally for a lack of talent or effort, as the franchise has played a sick game of musical chairs under center since then, there’s no doubt the Panthers could see some improvement in that spot. So, here are six cost-effective options they should consider in free agency.

3 pending free agents that should be no-brainer returns for Vikings

3 pending free agents that should be no-brainer returns for Vikings

The Minnesota Vikings have some tough decisions to make to escape from the salary cap hell they currently find themselves in. They’re $12.1 million over the cap right now, which is the fourth-worst situation in the NFL.

The new general manager that comes in will have to roll up his or her sleeves and get to work in addressing multiple bloated contracts, along with making the tough decisions of who stays and goes on the roster.

However, there are a few players on the list that should immediately be signed to a new deal. It’s best not to complicate things and just go ahead and take care of these contracts before handling anything else.

Here are three pending free agents that are no-brainers to return for the Vikings.

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Vikings TE Tyler Conklin expected to play vs. Packers in Week 17

Vikings TE Tyler Conklin, who was listed as questionable on the Week 17 injury report, is expected to play Sunday night, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

Minnesota’s starting lineup is decimated heading into a key game in Green Bay on Sunday night.

But at least Vikings TE Tyler Conklin is expected to play in the Packers matchup, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

Conklin, who is dealing with a hamstring injury, was listed as questionable on the injury report this week. He has 540 receiving yards and three touchdowns this year.

Minnesota downgraded DT Michael Pierce to out for the game against the Packers. The team also has CB Cameron Dantzler listed as doubtful.

Without Pierce, the Vikings will have just one available starter on the defensive line: DT Dalvin Tomlinson. Minnesota edge Danielle Hunter went down with a season-ending injury, while DE Everson Griffen resides on the NFI list.

If Dantzler ends up missing time, the Vikings will likely have to give more reps to CB Kris Boyd. Slot corner Mackensie Alexander and former All-Pro Patrick Peterson will both have to step up as well.

Vikings Week 17 Thursday injury report: Minnesota takes a hit

Here is the Vikings’ Thursday injury report for Week 17:

The Vikings upgraded a few players to full participants on Thursday. Minnesota did that with RBs Dalvin Cook and Kene Nwangwu, in addition to FB C.J. Ham after all three were limited on Wednesday.

It wasn’t all good news, though. The team put Cameron Dantzler on the injury report Thursday after the cornerback was not on the list the previous day. Dantzler earned the “DNP” designation with a calf injury.

Other than that, TE Tyler Conklin and LB Chazz Surratt were both limited after not participating in practice the previous day. Conklin is a crucial member of the Vikings offense. That said, it’s gearing up to be a cold day at Lambeau Field Sunday. Maybe Minnesota shies away from the passing game, anyway.

The Vikings removed Cook from the COVID-19/Reserve list earlier this week, so Cook being fully present in practice as early as Thursday is a good sign for his playing status. Minnesota needs him as soon as possible.

Best Fantasy Football waiver wire pickups for Week 11

These players could help your lineups in Week 11.

After a week full of one-sided games and some crazy upsets, we’re headed into the final stretch of the regular season of the 2021 fantasy football season.

If you’re looking for a player or two to help save your team due to bye weeks (Denver Broncos and Los Angeles Rams) or injuries, or just to improve your roster in the last few weeks, we will scan the waiver wire. We will consider guys who are available in at least 50% of leagues on ESPN.

Let’s take a look at some of the potential waiver wire pickups that could help your teams heading into Week 11 of the NFL campaign.

Kirk Cousins floats fourth-down pass for Vikings’ TD

Kirk Cousins gives the Vikings the lead over the Chargers with a fourth-down pass

Kirk Cousins will be able to tell everyone one day he threw a dart on fourth down for a touchdown pass to Tyler Conklin. Part of that will be true.

The Vikings’ veteran quarterback floated a pass into the end zone in the third quarter Sunday, and thanks to some friendly fire between Los Angeles Chargers defensive players in the end zone, the tight end was able to come down it for six points.

Sometimes it is far better to be lucky than to be pretty.

Conklin had 2 catches for 6 total yards at that point, both for TDs.