The Chargers had big plans for Jeff Cumberland a year ago after signing the former Jet to a one-year contract. Unfortunately, the veteran tight end suffered a season-ending Achilles injury during the second preseason game, ending his 2016 campaign before it began.
Cumberland inked another one-year contract with the Bolts on Wednesday, giving him a second chance to make an impact.
Initially signed as an undrafted free agent in 2010 out of Illinois, the 6-4, 260-pound tight end caught 86 passes for 1,119 yards and 10 touchdowns over 65 career games in New York. After injuries limited his productivity during his first two seasons, Cumberland caught 29 passes for 359 yards and three touchdowns in 2012. In the process, he was named the team's Ed Block Courage Award winner for his commitment to the principles of sportsmanship and courage.
Cumberland's strong 2012 season was the first of three straight years in which he caught at least 20 passes despite being used primarily in a blocking role. His top season came in 2013 when he set career-highs in yards (398) and touchdowns (four).