At first, Tyler Conklin had no idea what to expect.
He’d heard plenty about Aaron Rodgers — “Aaron this, Aaron that,” he said — and spent time watching how the future Hall of Fame quarterback used tight ends while orchestrating offenses.
But their chance to connect in games was limited to the final preseason contest.
After another offseason, and with Rodgers now recovered from his torn Achilles, Conklin has started to understand Rodgers more.
To know when he has the freedom to improvise. To know when he needs to stay perched in a certain spot.
Even with the Jets’ quarterback turmoil last year, Conklin tied his career-high with 61 catches and set a career mark with 621 receiving yards, and in 2024, the 29-year-old — entering the final year of his contract — could be positioned for another breakthrough year.
“I feel like there’s lot out there left for me, a lot left on the bone for me to go and show what I can do on the football field,” Conklin said.
He has flashed that potential throughout camp, including Aug. 12 when he snagged a one-handed catch.
He said having a unit with “cohesion” will help him make strides when blocking for runs.
In 2023, Conklin was the constant alongside shuffling tackles, guards and centers — a revolving door at most spots.
And there were plenty of moments last year when, even without Rodgers, Conklin was the most consistent receiver behind Garrett Wilson.
He caught six passes against the Chargers on Nov. 6, then another seven the following week.
He was a security blanket for 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 to serve as their No. 2 wideout this offseason, while others, in addition to Wilson, will command targets from Rodgers, too.
But Conklin’s role as the top tight end remains intact, and it has allowed him to build on the moments from last offseason when the pair operated together for the first time.
Sometimes, even if he doesn’t end up with the ball, Conklin can sense he did something right — that he’s on the same page with Rodgers — by simply doing something the 40-year-old QB likes.
Maybe a smart read in the middle of the play. Maybe the perfect pocket in zone coverage.
Those were the moments that didn’t have a chance to translate into games last year. This time, though, they could form a pivotal foundation for a pivotal connection within the offense.
“I think everybody’s kind of had those moments with him where they’re, ‘OK, like, we are meshing more and more every day,’ ” Conklin said. “And I think those moments just keep happening and things keep getting better and better.”
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