Jets Sign TE Stone Smartt to One-Year Deal

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — The New York Jets have signed tight end Stone Smartt to a one-year contract, bolstering their roster as NFL free agency opens this week. The deal comes after the Los Angeles Chargers declined to offer Smartt a tender, making him an unrestricted free agent.

Smartt, 26, has transitioned into the tight end position after starting his career as a quarterback at Old Dominion University. He joined the Chargers as an undrafted free agent following the 2022 NFL Draft and quickly established himself as a valuable asset over the past three seasons.

In the 2024 season, Smartt notably appeared in 15 games, catching 15 passes on 19 targets for a career-high 208 yards. His performance peaked late in the season, particularly during a four-game stretch from Weeks 14 to 17, where he averaged 3.3 receptions and 41 receiving yards per game while filling in for the injured Will Dissly.

“I’m excited to be a part of the Jets organization and looking forward to contributing to the team’s success,” Smartt said in a statement following the signing. “This is a great opportunity for me to showcase my skills and help elevate the tight end position.”

The Jets’ decision to sign Smartt also reflects their need at tight end, as the team faces an uncertain future with their tight end depth chart. Current starter Tyler Conklin is an unrestricted free agent, leaving Jeremy Ruckert, a third-round pick from 2022, as the most seasoned player at the position, alongside fellow undrafted players Neal Johnson and Zack Kuntz.

Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported the signing, noting Smartt’s potential fit within the Jets’ offense. However, he acknowledged that Smartt’s future in fantasy football remains uncertain, given the team’s plans to potentially add more talent at the tight end position.

“While Stone has shown promise, the Jets are likely looking to strengthen their tight end position through free agency or the draft,” Rapoport said. “Smartt will certainly face competition as the Jets continue to refine their roster ahead of the new season.”

In 2024, Smartt’s average depth of target ranked sixth among 58 qualified tight ends, showcasing his proficiency in stretching the field, a characteristic traditionally sought after in modern NFL offenses. With the Jets still in search of a reliable starting tight end, Smartt’s ability to compete for a prominent role will be tested as offseason activities ramp up.

As the NFL free agency period unfolds, the Jets aim to solidify their position with strategic signings and focus on bolstering their tight end unit, a critical aspect of their offensive arsenal.