Although linked to tackles at No. 11 overall, the Jets plan to first use free agency to begin their offensive line remodeling. And they have big goals come March.
Gang Green will aim to sign two top-end offensive linemen in free agency, Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News notes. The Jets face the extraordinarily rare prospect of having zero starters return from their 2019 Week 1 lineup, though right guard Brian Winters is not completely out of the picture to return.
After the release of Trumaine Johnson, the Jets are expected to hold more than $52MM in cap space. That is a middle-of-the-pack figure, but the team has been connected to high-priced guards Joe Thuney and Graham Glasgow. They also plan to be in the mix for along with right tackle Jack Conklin, who may exit free agency as the NFL’s highest-paid O-lineman.
The goal, though, looks to be exiting free agency with two of the market’s top blockers rather than supplementing one big-ticket blocker with other low-cost linemen or adding one and waiting for the draft to fill out the unit. Trent Williams may factor into this equation; the Jets are exploring a possible trade for the Redskins left tackle.
The Jets still want to retain left guard Alex Lewis, per Mehta, who adds that the addition of a starting-caliber lineman in the draft is also a priority. Lewis would qualify as a returning starter; he took Kelechi Osemele‘s job after the 2019 trade acquisition suffered an injury. GM Joe Douglas may be planning to use Lewis, two free agent additions and a first-round pick as four of his five starters. This puzzle will be difficult to complete, especially with the Jets still negotiating with Robby Anderson on what would likely be a deal worth more than $10MM per year.
Gang Green is also planning to pursue edge rushers and cornerbacks in free agency. Their cap space may not be enough to accomplish all of this, and it would seem Douglas and Co. would need to prioritize. The Jets of recent years have not been shy about throwing money around in free agency, but Douglas will obviously hope his expenses turn out better than predecessor Mike Maccagnan‘s.
Wow. A lot of money badly spent over the last few years.
Year 3 into Darnold, Jets decide ‘maybe we should get blockers so he doesn’t get hit too much’. Dumb teams amuse me.
if there is one place to invest it is the oline and dline.
thuney would be a good investment. Trent Williams would not.
you’re better off drafting new tackles. mekhi becton at rt would be a Mauler for years to come.
Agreed on Becton. Dude is a flat out mauler. Smart move by Gang Green. Build from the front back.
eagles RT- Halapoulivaati vaitai will end up a jet. Douglas was there in Philly when he was drafted and with the eagles most likely just going to let him walk, he has NY Jets written all over him IMO
If Conklin exits FA as the NFL’s highest paid O-lineman the football world is ending. Talk about hype. He is mediocre at best.
To be honest I’m not that familiar with Conklins play but have heard the hype. I do think he ends up getting big money. The Titans are looking to pay a qb whether that’s Brady or Tannehil or whomever. Conklin will likely be a cap casualty. The only knock I can speak on for him is he’s a RT not a LT. When building an o-line I want my biggest investment playing the blindside to avoid injuries, fumbles, interceptions(hit as he throws), and give my qb at least a chance to see an avoid a rush. If he is as good as the hype and played LT I’d pay the man but not to play the right side