Ben Hartsock: Stay or Go?

by John B on Feb 6, 2010 9:59 AM EST

The Jets had a long search for a blocking tight end a year ago. They went through many players in camp and the preseason. Between the last preseason game against Philadelphia and the regular season opener at Houston, Atlanta released Ben Hartsock to a 1 year, $1.2 million deal.

Hartsock added next to nothing as a receiver. He only had a single reception, a 2 yard touchdown grab from Mark Sanchez against the Titans in Week 3. It's the only touchdown grab of his career. In his 6 year career, Hartsock's career high was 12 catches in 2007. That would be the only year he caught more than 6 balls. It wasn't just a case of the Jets scaling back the playbook for a rookie quarterback. Hartsock fits the third tackle mold as a tight end. He didn't see much time when the Jets threw it.

He did provide very good in line run blocking. Ben was a part of the jumbo packages that helped the Jets lead the league in rushing yards. Given how little Dustin Keller offers as a blocker, Hartsock ended up being pretty valuable.

Even though Ben did his job well, I'm inclined to hope the Jets let him walk. Blocking tight ends are easy to find for cheap. If Gang Green lets Hartsock walk, the team can sign an unrestricted free agent from another team to replace him. That's valuable for a final eight team this year. Perhaps the team can replace him with a guy like Anthony Fasano, who is an even better blocker and adds more in the passing game. Perhpas the team can fill another hole. Either way, I think the Jets can replace Hartsock adequately without a ton of trouble.

I vote go.

How do you vote?

Poll

If you were running the Jets, would you bring back Ben Hartsock?

Yes

112 votes

No

185 votes

297 votes | Poll has closed

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Comments

Keep

Although that he didn’t do much himself offensively he played a big role in opening those holes for TJ and Greene. I say keep him because if we want the same run offense next year he will allow us to do that. If it a aint broken don’t fix it.

by LostOnRevisIsland24 on Feb 6, 2010 10:04 AM EST reply actions

yeah i saw fasano was an unrestricted free agent and instantly i wanted him. hes one of the best blocking tight ends in the league and he would add a much needed extra target for sanchez, especially in the red zone. if we cant get him though, i say we should stick with hartsock. he did a very good job.

by joey d on Feb 6, 2010 10:12 AM EST reply actions

I voted no, but only if we find someone better. Otherwise, I would say he is adequate.

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by dvdvil on Feb 6, 2010 10:24 AM EST reply actions

I remember the trouble we had finding one, we were fortunate that Atlanta let him go….he made that mistake against Buffalo that seemed to reduce his playing time a bit. However wouldn’t feel comfortable letting him go unless we had someone ready to take over, he had some real nice blocks this season to spring some runs, one against Buffalo which sprang Jones and I think he had one on opening day against Houston on Jones TD run.

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by David_Wyatt on Feb 6, 2010 10:27 AM EST reply actions