Jets Work Out Michael Gaines

The Jets are giving free agent Detroit tight end Michael Gaines a look.

The Jets, who are looking for a veteran tight end, worked out veteran Michael Gaines Wednesday, according to a person with knowledge of the workout. He spoke on the condition of anonymity because he's not authorized to speak for the Jets or Gaines.

Gaines, a 6-foot-4, 277-pounder who is primarily a blocker, is a sixth-year pro who has played with the Panthers, Bills and Lions. Last season, he caught 23 passes (13 for first downs) for 260 yards and a touchdown with Detroit.

Gaines, who was released by the Lions after they drafted rookie tight end Brandon Pettigrew (Oklahoma St.) in the first round (20th overall) last month, is scheduled to visit the Bears on Thursday.

The tight end position looks ugly right now for the Jets. Behind Dustin Keller, the team is looking at a coverted defensive end and a converted college basketball player. Let us ignore Gaines' part on the worst team in NFL history. He can at least seal the edge and catch at least a ball per game to force defenses to respect his receiving game. This would avoid the automatic eight man boxes the team saw a year ago with Robert Turner and Wayne Hunter at tight end. This is worth pursuing.