Tyler Conklin had no idea what to expect at first.
He’d heard a lot about Aaron Rodgers — “Aaron this guy, Aaron that guy,” he said — and spent time watching how the future Hall of Fame quarterback used tight ends when running the offense.
But their only chance to connect on the pitch came in the final preseason game.
As another offseason came to a close and Rodgers recovered from a torn Achilles tendon, Conklin began to understand Rodgers better.
Knowing when you have the freedom to improvise. Knowing when you have to sit in a certain spot.
Despite the Jets’ quarterback turmoil last year, Conklin tied a career-high with 61 catches and set a career-high with 621 receiving yards, and the 29-year-old, who enters the final year of his contract in 2024, could have another breakthrough year.
“I feel like I still have a lot left in me. I have a lot left in my bones to show what I can do on the football field,” Conklin said.
He’s shown that potential throughout camp, including a one-handed catch on Aug. 12.
He said having a unit with “cohesion” would help them make progress when blocking runs.
In 2023, Conklin bounced between tackle, guard and center, a revolving door at most positions.
And even without Rodgers last year, there were many moments when Conklin was the team’s most consistent receiver behind Garrett Wilson.
He caught six passes against the Chargers on Nov. 6, and another seven the following week.
He was the safety behind Zach Wilson, Tim Boyle and Trevor Siemian, but for the first time since 2019, Conklin failed to reach the end zone.
The Jets signed Mike Williams as their second wideout this offseason, and Rodgers is expected to add other players in addition to Wilson.
But Conklin’s role as the top tight end remains intact, and he’s been able to build on the moments they first played together last offseason.
Sometimes, even when he doesn’t get the ball, Conklin can feel like he’s doing something right by doing what the 40-year-old QB loves: a like-minded person like Rodgers.
Maybe it’s a smart read mid-play, maybe it’s a perfect pocket in zone coverage.
Last year, there were moments that didn’t have the chance to lead to a game, but this time, they were able to form an important foundation for a crucial connection in attack.
“I think everyone had a moment with him where they were like, ‘Okay, we’re getting better and better every day,’” Conklin said. “And I think those moments keep happening and things are getting better and better.”
