According to ESPN’s Field Yates, the Jets recently held a workout with WR Luke Tasker. The current Canadian Football League All-Star is the son of former Bills legend Steve Tasker.
Source: WR Luke Tasker, a CFL standout and son of former Pro Bowl WR Steve Tasker, worked out for the Jets today. He posted 104 catches for 1,167 yards and 7 TDs this past CFL season.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) January 31, 2018
Tasker has starred in the CFL with Hamilton for the past several seasons. His career year in 2017 propelled him to his second season with over 1,00 yards receving. Tasker is also a three-time CFL All-Star with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.
Jets Fit:
With Robby Anderson‘s future looking cloudy due to his most recent arrest, the Jets may very well be in the market for a wide receiver. The free agent market brings only a few top-tier names, while the draft projects to be similar. Working out Tasker is likely a good opportunity to see if they can find yet another diamond-in-the-rough type player.
And while the CFL can be quite varying compared to the NFL’s standards, Tasker has proved he has the athletic ability to be a proficient pro receiver.
Tasker’s play-style is not one that is overly consistent, and for good reason. His versatility has allowed him to find success in both the slot and deep routes. Not to mention that when he gets the ball in his hands, he is typically a dynamic playmaker.
The Jets have already seen the type of success someone with this flexibility can have (ex: Anderson). There’s a possibility they think Tasker’s athletic ability could translate effectively to the team’s West Coast offense.
Been There, Done That
While a workout with the team does not guarantee a contract or a spot on the practice squad, it surely is interesting to see the Jets explore all of their options. Tasker is currently entering CFL free agency where he plans on re-signing with the Tiger-Cats if he indeed does stay put in Canada.
And it’s not the first time an NFL team has approached Tasker about a possible career transition. In 2015 the Green Bay Packers offered Tasker a two-year deal that would have provided him with an invite to training camp and a shot to make the roster.
However, Tasker declined.
“When I really thought it about it, it seemed crazy to go some place with so much uncertainty while giving up a situation where we’re already so happy,” Tasker told The Hamilton Spectator.
It will be interesting to see if Tasker’s mindset has altered when/if the Jets decide to put some money in his hands.
– Kyle Hirshkind is the Managing Editor for Full Press Coverage Jets and covers the New York Jets. Like and follow on Follow @kylehirshkind Follow @FPC_Jets
