Should Jacksonville Jaguars bring free-agent TE Tyler Eifert?

An old adage says that desperate situations call for desperate measures and this could apply to the Jacksonville Jaguars’ tight end room. Even though they upgraded most position groups this offseason, they didn’t make major changes to their tight end group. Could they bring back a familiar face in Tyler Eifert in order to give the unit a boost?

Why should the Jags bring back Eifert after declining his team option earlier this year?  You can’t bring up the fact he’s made a Pro Bowl because that was back in 2015, which in NFL years was ages ago. Also, he has played just one full season over his eight-year career and has caught more than 50 passes in a season just once, so how can the 2013 first-round selection help this Jacksonville team?

You would think that the Jags moved on from Eifert because they had a plan at hand. However, it doesn’t seem to be the case, as they haven’t properly replaced the Notre Dame product. They signed former Carolina Panthers tight end Chris Manhertz in free agency, but the former basketball player isn’t a deep threat and may be better suited for a role as an inline blocker in red-zone and short-yardage situations. Also, Jacksonville drafted Luke Farrell in the fifth-round of 2021’s draft, but catching the football isn’t his forte either.

Meanwhile, Eifert has hauled in 79 receptions for 785 yards and five touchdowns over the last two years. Furthermore, he’s managed to stay healthy and has missed just one game over in the same span after missing 34 games from 2016 to 2018. Keep in mind the veteran isn’t a force but could be one of the Jaguars’ best available options after the draft when you consider he was responsible for most of the production and the only two touchdowns they got from the tight end position in 2020.

Is Tyler Eifert a realistic option for the Jacksonville Jaguars?

Knowing what Eifert brings to the table, and taking into consideration that signing him wouldn’t be cost-prohibitive, the Jags should consider making a move for him. The veteran is still available, which means not many teams are interested in his services or at least were not willing to pay him top-market money. That doesn’t mean he can’t play. In fact, he can and might be one of the best options available, along with Trey Burton.

If the Jaguars haven’t made major changes to their tight end room this offseason, but it’s not too late, and if they want to upgrade the position, giving Eifert a call is an option.