The New York Jets have reportedly signed Ryan Griffin, who earned 1,491 yards over six seasons with the Houston Texans.
The New York Jets are set to sign tight end Ryan Griffin, according to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo. The signing has been made in the wake of the suspension of starter Chris Herndon.
#Jets are signing former #Texans TE Ryan Griffin, source says. With Chris Herndon suspended the first four games, Griffin has a shot step right in and contribute.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) July 22, 2019
Griffin, 29, spent the previous six seasons with the Houston Texans. He joined the NFL as Houston’s sixth-round draft pick (201st overall) in 2013. The call from the Jets allows Griffin a return to the northeast. He was born in Londonderry, New Hampshire and played four seasons with the University of Connecticut. Griffin earned All-Big East honors in 2011 and 2012.
Over 77 games (36 starts) with the Texans, Griffin earned 1,491 yards on 136 receptions. 305 yards came last season despite never reaching the end zone. Griffin did come five yards short of his career-best in a December loss to Indianapolis, reaching 80 yards in the 24-21 defeat.
Griffin was arrested earlier this offseason on vandalism and public intoxication charges in Nashville during the NFL Draft. Police said he broke a hotel window, though charges were later dismissed. The Texans would release him in May after taking San Diego State’s Kahale Warring in the third round of the aforementioned draft.
The Jets will be missing Herndon for the first four games of the season after a violation of the NFL’s substance-abuse policy. Other tight ends on the Jets roster include veterans Eric Tomlinson and Daniel Brown alongside drafted rookie Trevon Wesco (fourth round).
Herndon and Sam Darnold established a connection during their rookie seasons. The tight end finished last season with 39 receptions, 502 yards, and four touchdowns in 2018.
