Report: Bubba Franks Returns to the Jets

The Jets have been in the market for a veteran blocking tight end for some time. They visited with such luminaries as Michael Gaines (who signed with the Bears on Monday) and Robert Royal, but missed out on both, which left them getting back together with a familiar friend. Bubba Franks has re-signed with the team, according to Dave Hutchinson of the Newark Star-Ledger.

The move is a bit of a surprise since Franks isn’t really known for his blocking skills. At 6-foot-6 and 265 pounds, he’s got the size, but he excelled as a red-zone option with the Packers, scoring 27 touchdowns from 2001-04. Injuries have limited him to just 16 games over the past two seasons, however, and he’s only caught 24 passes in that time.

Franks played with the Jets in 2008, but injuries limited him to eight games in the lineup. He had just six catches as a third tight end option behind Chris Baker and Dustin Keller. Baker’s departure may open more of a role in the passing game for Franks, although he\’ll need to stay healthy to take advantage of the increase in playing time.

It will be interesting to see if the Jets remain in the market for a blocking tight end since the offense figures to be focused on the run in 2009. With Baker and Alex Smith joining the Patriots this offseason, there\’s been some speculation that Benjamin Watson will hit the unemployment line and he’d be an interesting addition to the Jets roster. Not only does he fit their needs better than Franks, he’d also continue the long tradition of Patriots and Jets players swapping rosters every season.



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