http://www.nj.com/jets/index.ssf/2009/05/new_york_jets_resign_veteran_t.html#more In a mild surprise -- and perhaps as a bit of insurance -- the Jets have re-signed veteran tight end Bubba Franks, according to a person with knowledge of the signing. He spoke on condition of anonymity because the Jets haven't announced the move. Franks, a 10th-year pro, played last season with the Jets after spending his first eight seasons with the Packers. He missed seven games last season with a hip injury, finishing with just six catches for 47 yards and no touchdowns. Franks, 31, is believed to have signed a one-year deal. The move to retain Franks was unexpected, especially because the Jets need a blocking tight end to complement second-year pro Dustin Keller and Franks is known primarily as a receiver. But since the Jets released veteran tight end Chris Baker (who signed with the Patriots) in February, they haven't found a good match in free agency despite bringing in several veterans for visits. The Jets brought in veteran Michael Gaines last week but didn't sign him. Before signing Franks, the Jets had just one veteran tight end on the roster in Keller. They have signed three rookies: Andrew Davie, Robert Myers and Jack Simmons, who was impressive at last week's rookie minicamp. For his career, Franks has 262 receptions for 2,347 yards and 32 touchdowns.
Franks isn't a terrible run blocker. He can hold his own if he can stay healthy and it gives us an endzone threat. I remember in the Cardinals game Bubba was looking for his first TD, but was short on one catch and the other was negated by a holding penalty on Mangold. Haha, his disappointed reactions were pretty great.
offense brick, faneca, mangold, moore, woody, keller, cotchery, stuckey, clowney, clemens/sanchez, leon, tj, greene, Franks WOW
I thought he was more of a blocking TE... never had the chance to see him play much... if he recovers from the injury he might be useful though...
Actually, I'd really love it, if Jets run a heavy dose of double tight end formation. To me, that's the perfect formation to phase a rookie QB in to the NFL - heavy run-oriented, but packs enough punch down the field, and also comes with decent security blanket - the only missing thing is the slot receiver, but that can wait for now.
From Wikipedia: [edit] Green Bay Packers After a promising but unspectacular rookie season, he reached the Pro Bowl following his second NFL year, during which he caught nine touchdown passes. Franks has been to three Pro Bowls altogether (2001, 2002, and 2003). He missed much of the 2005 season with knee and neck injuries. During his time in Green Bay, Bubba would almost instantly fall to the ground after he made each reception. On February 20, 2008, Franks was released by the Packers after an unproductive and injury plagued 2007 season in which he was demoted to second string TE behind Donald Lee. hahaha
Did I miss the starter being named? He may be correct, and even if he is I will leave it for at least a little while.
You know what? Here in 2009 with another year's experience in this Mary Schottenheimer offense Bubba Franks is that imposing physical tight end that can make this Jets team explode. I am loving this signing.
Oh yeah, with this signing, it automatically bumps us up from 11-5/12-4 record to at least 12-4/13-3. Can you smell it? Championship... Breath it in...always goes down smooth.
We just fucked Minny with this signing....because there's no way that Favre will sign with the Vikes now...without Franks holding his hand. :wink:
