The Jets are considering tendering restricted free agent TE Jeff Cumberland at the second-round level. Cumberland, 26 in May, started 12 games last season and caught 29 passes for 359 yards and three touchdowns. The former undrafted free agent caught just three passes in his first two seasons. The second-round tender carries a $2.023 million price tag, and would likely effectively rule out a Dustin Keller re-signing.

Jets TE Jeff Cumberland could become "the starter by default." The cap-strapped Jets are not expected to be able to retain unrestricted free agent Dustin Keller. That leaves Cumberland, a plodding former undrafted prospect out of Illinois. During the eight games that Keller missed last season, Cumberland posted 18 catches for 232 yards and two touchdowns.

Jets TE Jeff Cumberland caught three passes for 36 yards in Week 17. The 36 yards put a bow on Cumberland's 2012 season, which saw him finish with a stat line of 29-359-3. Cumberland, who turns 26 in May, experienced increased playing time due to Dustin Keller's myriad nagging injuries. The former undrafted free agent out of Illinois would be best served returning in a reserve role for 2013. Cumberland is scheduled for restricted free agency.

Jeff Cumberland led the Jets with four catches for 53 yards and a touchdown in Monday night's Week 15 loss to the Titans. Cumberland was targeted a team-high nine times on the night, and two of those Mark Sanchez passes were picked off. Filling in for Dustin Keller in the starting lineup, the lumbering Cumberland is a perfect match for the weak-armed Sanchez as an underneath receiver. His touchdown came from 17 yards out in the third quarter where he beat special teams LB Tim Shaw with ease. Cumberland holds no fantasy value.

Jets TE Jeff Cumberland has been diagnosed with a dislocated right hand, and will be sidelined for Week 8. According to beat writer Manish Mehta, the Jets "hope" Cumberland can return following their Week 9 bye. Cumberland has 14 catches through the Jets' first seven games, but his absence shouldn't be a major concern with Dustin Keller (hamstring) finally back to full health.

Jets TE Jeff Cumberland had his right hand in a cast following Sunday's loss to the Patriots. It looks like Cumberland has a fracture. He's back to strict backup mode anyway with Dustin Keller now healthy.

Jets TE Jeff Cumberland was forced from Sunday's game against the Patriots with a hand injury, and is questionable to return. Cumberland departed in the first quarter, and wasn't spotted again before halftime. Dustin Keller's backup had one catch for four yards before doing down.

Jets TE Jeff Cumberland caught two passes for 51 yards and a touchdown in Week 5 against Houston. Cumberland and Mark Sanchez hooked up from 27 yards out in the first quarter to even the score at 7-7. The tight end started in place of Dustin Keller (hamstring) and saw four targets. Keller is expected to return for Week 6 against the Colts.

The Jets are in the market for a blocking tight end. Incumbent blocking specialist Matthew Mulligan signed with the Rams. With receiving-first options Dustin Keller, Jeff Cumberland, and Hayden Smith headlining the position, the Jets put an unsuccessful waiver claim in on Brody Eldridge. Available free agents include Kris Wilson, Billy Bajema, and John Gilmore.

Jets TE Jeff Cumberland is "95 percent" recovered from Achilles surgery. "I'm feeling real well," Cumberland said. "I'm out there doing everything else everybody is doing." Cumberland will have to be fully healthy to compete for a roster spot in training camp.