Jeremy Ruckert Could Earn Second Jets Contract in 2025

Here’s something that no one would’ve considered writing earlier this year. Jeremy Ruckert could be on his way to earning a second contract with the New York Jets.

Before the start of the 2025 NFL season, many Jets fans (including me) thought Ruckert was destined for the cut line when the initial 53-man roster. As the offseason and preseason commenced, it became clearer and clearer that he would likely be on the initial 53-man roster. Now, Ruckert could be on the verge of earning a new contract with the Jets after his rookie contract expires at the end of the season.

In 2022, the Jets had the 101st pick in the NFL Draft. Fans had been clamoring for a tight end to finally step up and be their guy. The excitement was palpable for Long Island native and Ohio State Buckeyes tight end, Jeremy Ruckert. Many fans finally had hope for the tight end position.

Then, he got into an NFL uniform, and things changed.

From 2022-24, things from Ruckert had been very underwhelming, to put it mildly. He wasn’t much of a threat as a receiving option, and he was an average blocker, at best.

This season, though, with the change of offensive coordinators and offensive philosophy, the light bulb seems to have clicked on for Ruckert. By no means is he a top-of-the-line tight end in the NFL. However, through two weeks, he seems to be a fit for this particular offense and how the Jets want to do things under Aaron Glenn.

With all of that said, he will have to continue his upward trajectory in 2025 to justify keeping him in 2026. What could his contract look like following a good-to-great 2025, though?

Well, first off, it will essentially be a one-year contract with two team options for 2027-28, with each subsequent year being guaranteed after that league year starts, giving the Jets an opportunity to cut bait.

Secondly, the new contract I’d propose would be heavily incentivized. In fact, approximately 48.9% of the contract would be incentives.

The deal I would make, if he continues this upward climb, is as follows:
3 years, $14,304,795.

Before rolling your eyes at the total value of the contract, here’s the breakdown:

The $7 million in incentives would be a combination of playing time and statistical achievement incentives for the length of the contract.

It will be up to Ruckert, but if he doesn’t step backward and continues to move forward in this offense, he will definitely be on the team in 2026, and with a chance to continue to earn roster spots in the future.