5 former Vikings players who thrived in the NFL in 2022
By Adam Carlson
Tyler Conklin, tight end – New York Jets
The Minnesota Vikings spent a fifth-round pick in the 2018 NFL draft on tight end Tyler Conklin. He saw his role with the team increase every season since his arrival, starting 15 games during the 2021 season.
When he hit free agency that offseason, the New York Jets thought highly enough of him to bring him in to play 17 games, starting 16 of those. Although he didn’t have a career-high in receiving yards in 2022, he was still a major contributor.
Conklin caught 58 passes for 552 yards and three touchdowns in his first season playing for Gang Green. Considering how inconsistent and inept the Jets’ passing attack was last season, those numbers are fairly impressive.
Under contract through the 2024 NFL season, odds are that he will return as the Jets’ starter for the 2023 season with an opportunity to surpass his career highs of 593 receiving yards and three touchdowns.