The New York Jets are keeping one of their own.
NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport shared on social media that the Jets have agreed to terms with tight end Jeremy Ruckert on a two-year contract extension for $10 million. The deal includes incentives that could make the contract worth as much as $11 million.
Rapoport described Ruckert as a “key piece.”
Ruckert Saved His Jets and NFL Career This Season
The former Ohio State product was scheduled to be an unrestricted free agent this offseason.
Ruckert, 25, entered the league as the No. 101 overall pick in the third round of the 2022 NFL draft.
To be candid, Ruckert was a disappointment through the first three years of his NFL career. He struggled with injuries and inconsistent play.
Heading into 2025, the pressure was on for Ruckert. If he continued his downward spiral, his Jets tenure would have been over.
Instead, Ruckert has delivered a career season as a quality TE2. He has appeared in 14 games and has made 12 starts. Ruckert has already set new career highs in receptions (20), receiving yards (163), and touchdowns (one).
There are still three games remaining in the 2025 regular season for the Jets. Ruckert will have a chance to add to his already career-best statistics.
Ruckert staying with the Jets has extra meaning for the family.
The former Ohio State product was a very loud and proud Jets fan growing up. When the Long Island native was drafted by his childhood team, the Ruckert family lost their collective you know what in one of the best feel-good viral moments of that draft.
Now that dream gets to stay alive with Ruckert being rewarded for his play on the field with an extension.
General Manager Darren Mougey Continues His Proactive Strategy
This is the second player in as many weeks that the Jets have locked up early.
Last week, the Jets extended veteran offensive lineman Josh Myers on a two-year $11 million contract that included $6 million in guaranteed money. Myers was scheduled to be a free agent in 2026.
Beat reporter Nick Faria of Jets X-Factor posted on social media, “Jets have a ton of cap space to work with this offseason. [It] wouldn’t surprise me if this isn’t the only extension done in the future.”
Top Social Media Reactions to Ruckert Contract Extension
“The Jets have now extended Ruckert and C Josh Myers. Neither one is a high-profile signing, but they’re team-oriented players who have bought into the program. Glenn/Mougey have prioritized those guys,” ESPN’s Rich Cimini said.
“The Jeremy Ruckert extension is very similar to the Josh Myers deal. Essentially a 1 year deal for a solid depth player and it keeps the door open for the Jets to upgrade through the draft or free agency. I like the proactive approach by Darren Mougey,” ESPN Radio’s Jake Asman wrote.
“Darren Mougey is getting ahead of the offseason. Last week, Josh Myers received an extension and now Ruckert. Maybe more are coming before the season ends in three weeks,” Antwan Staley of the New York Daily News said.
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