Dave Hutchinson says the Jets have resigned veteran free agent tight end Bubba Franks.

In a mild surprise -- and perhaps as a bit of insurance -- the Jets have re-signed veteran tight end Bubba Franks, according to a person with knowledge of the signing. He spoke on condition of anonymity because the Jets haven't announced the move.

Franks, a 10th-year pro, played last season with the Jets after spending his first eight seasons with the Packers. He missed seven games last season with a hip injury, finishing with just six catches for 47 yards and no touchdowns.

One can only wonder why this move took so long to make. Franks was a free agent disappointment in 2008, but he is an immediate upgrade over anything the team had behind Dustin Keller and knows the offense to boot. Franks can at least seal the edge as a blocker and keep defenses honest as a receiver. Maybe he bounces back this year and regains the form that turned him into a quality receiver for eight years with the Packers. With Chris Baker gone, his chances should increase.

The other tight ends the Jets had included a converted defensive end, a converted college basketball player, and a bunch of undrafted free agents. Franks may not be a great option, but he makes the lack depth at the position a little less pronounced.