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Jets, Austin Seferian-Jenkins appear headed separate ways

The New York Jets will be in the tight-end market -- again.

Austin Seferian-Jenkins, one of the feel-good stories from last season, appears headed to the open market. The two sides aren't close to an agreement, and Seferian-Jenkins is drawing interest from the Atlanta Falcons and Seattle Seahawks, a source said. The chances of him returning to the Jets are highly unlikely, the source said.

Seferian-Jenkins finished with 50 receptions in his first full season with the Jets, the most by a tight end since Dustin Keller's 65 in 2011. Seferian-Jenkins resurrected his career after an unceremonious release by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers following a DUI arrest in 2016. He acknowledged a drinking problem and turned around his life and career, much to the delight of the Jets' organization, which took a chance on him.

So why are they offering only two years, $8 million to a 25-year-old tight end with upside? Seferian-Jenkins was a non-factor over the second half of the season; that could be a factor. The Jets also believe Jordan Leggett, a fifth-round pick in 2017, can become a receiving tight end. Problem is, he didn't play at all last season because of a knee injury, so he's an unknown. The only other tight end on the roster is Eric Tomlinson (exclusive rights free agent), who is a better blocker than receiver.

If Seferian-Jenkins signs elsewhere, the Jets need to bring in a veteran of his ilk to hold down the fort.