The New York Jets made a smart move signing undrafted free agent Connor Hulstein. This 24-year-old tight end didn’t get drafted in April, yet he earned a roster spot quickly. Kenyon Sadiq suffered an injury setback earlier this month, opening the door for Hulstein to step in. According to Gang Green Nation, the team signed him immediately after that injury occurred. He isn’t a project player who needs years to develop.
He’s got game.
Explosive Playmaker From Princeton to Marist
Hulstein brings a unique background that fits the modern passing game perfectly. He started his career at Princeton before transferring to Marist as a graduate student in 2025. There, he had a breakout campaign that should make any Jets fan take notice. He started nine of 12 games and caught 42 passes for an FCS-leading 599 yards. Gang Green Nation reported that he also scored seven touchdowns during that season.
His hands have improved drastically since his days at Princeton. He dropped one in every seven targets while at the Ivy League school. At Marist, he only dropped four of 62 targets. That’s a massive improvement in reliability. He caught six passes as a rookie at Marist, including one touchdown. His ability to hang onto the ball in traffic is a clear asset.
Speed That Defies His Size
Many scouts might overlook him because of his height and weight, but the film tells a different story. The Jets list him at 235 pounds, though he weighed 241 at his pro day. He runs a 4.90 in the 40-yard dash, which is decent for a tight end. More importantly, he posted a 36-inch vertical and a 125-inch broad jump. These numbers show the explosiveness he needs to separate from defenders.
Gang Green Nation noted that he averaged 14 yards per catch in 2025. He isn’t just a red-zone target who waits for the ball to come down. He runs intermediate routes and can turn short catches into big gains. He only played inline one-third of the time in college, meaning he’s built to move around the formation. This flexibility is exactly what the Jets offense needs.
Real Value in a Deep Camp
He played briefly in Friday’s preseason opener but was only on the field for four offensive snaps. Those four snaps are enough to show he can handle the speed of the NFL. He was a third-team FCS all-American last season having led all FCS tight ends in receiving yards. A former coach described him as being able to headbutt a basketball rim, which speaks to his physical play style. He isn’t a finesse player.
The Jets need depth at tight end, and Hulstein offers a different look than the veterans already on the roster. He’s a move tight end who can stretch the seam. If he stays healthy, he has a real chance to make the final 53-man roster.
