After losing Jeff Cumberland for the season to a torn Achilles, the Jets have approached practice squad defensive end Jarron Gilbert about working at tight end, Jenny Vrentas of The Star-Ledger reports.
A third-round pick (68th overall) out of San Jose State by the Chicago Bears in 2009, Gilbert has two tackles in five career games with the Bears (2009) and Jets (2010). Gilbert has spent much of the last two seasons on the Jets’ practice squad, but a move to tight end could expedite a promotion to the 53-man roster.
“Hopefully. That’s what I’m hoping for,” Gilbert said according to Vrentas, who notes that Gilbert was recruited as a tight end coming out of high school.
Former Chargers and Bears tight end Brandon Manumaleuna worked out on Tuesday for the Jets, who also visited with former Chiefs tight end Brad Cottam. Neither player was signed.