There's something exciting about fresh starts and the opportunities they offer.
For Jets GM Darren Mougey and HC Aaron Glenn, their new positions open a window for them as they ascend the pro football ladder. Likewise, for a group of players the Green & White signed recently in free agency to bolster the offense, they have a different and important opportunity.
For Stone Smartt, Tyler Johnson and Josh Myers the goal is to put their past experiences in the NFL behind them and play an important role in helping the Jets become a winner -- now and into the future. One key is to keep the expectations reasonable as they each settle into as-yet undefined roles, roles that their play, dedication and personalities will have a big part in their careers. All three recently talked about their moves to 1 Jets Drive with newyorkjets.com reporters Caroline Hendershot and Ethan Greenberg.
Stone Smartt: Has a QB's Brain in a TE's Body
The Jets currently hold the No. 7 overall pick in the draft and many pundits believe Penn State TE Tyler Warren would be a good match in Round 1. With Tyler Conklin (Chargers) leaving in free agency, the Jets signed Stone Smartt, 26 (coincidentally from the Chargers), and he'll join a group that includes Jeremy Ruckert, Andrew Beck, Zack Kuntz and Neal Johnson.
Smartt (6-4, 226) played quarterback in Del Oro HS in California and for two years in college before landing at Old Dominion in 2019 and being shifted to wide receiver in 2021.
"It really was my first year playing at tight end over there," Smartt said, referring to the Chargers. "Developed, had awesome vets in the room I could learn from. And you know that culture over there is you bring your lunch box to work, blue-collar type mentality, and really think that sustained me and fits into who I was, and that's how I try to attack each day."
After going undrafted in 2022, Smartt signed on with the Chargers and in 38 games over three seasons made 31 receptions for 380 yards and a touchdown. Over the span of four games last season, Smartt gave a hint of what he's capable of when he corralled 13 passes. The Chargers, however, opted to decline their right of first refusal for the restricted free agent.
He said the switch from QB to TE afforded him a unique perspective.
"I really think it's just a testament to my village I have surrounding me," he said. "You know, nothing is ever easy in life, and I think just that ability to take what I learned as a quarterback and to apply it to the tight end [position]. It makes that transition a lot smoother, because you got a feel of what the quarterback wants and his process on things and being able to get to those open windows for him or make a certain block. I think that's beneficial and an advantage."