49ers Rebuffing Brandon Aiyuk Trade Inquiries
Taking the increasingly common step of unfollowing his team during a contract situation, Brandon Aiyuk has not requested a trade. But the 49ers’ situation complicates his future. And teams are looking into this situation.
Receiver-needy teams have reached out to the 49ers about Aiyuk’s potential availability over the past several months, according to NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport. Thus far, per RapSheet (video link), San Francisco has rebuffed those efforts and is moving forward with Aiyuk on the roster. That said, John Lynch has acknowledged the challenges of this process at multiple points this offseason.
[RELATED: Jed York Addresses Brock Purdy Contract]
The draft looms as the calendar’s second trade window of sorts and should be seen as one of the deadlines in this situation. The 49ers are in a good spot contractually for 2024, with Brock Purdy forced to stay on a rookie contract. By 2025, however, the team stands to have a much more complicated situation on its hands. As Purdy becomes extension-eligible, Deebo Samuel, George Kittle and Christian McCaffrey are signed to upper-crust or top-market (in McCaffrey’s case) extensions.
Kittle, McCaffrey and Samuel will be in contract years in 2025 as well. That sets up a difficult landscape for the 49ers, who have Aiyuk and Charvarius Ward contract years presently. Aiyuk, 25, led the 49ers in receiving — by a wide margin, with a career-high 1,342 — last year. With the DeVonta Smith contract (three years, $75MM, $51MM in practical guarantees) potentially settling in as the floor for an Aiyuk deal, the 49ers will need to determine their future with their talented wideout tandem.
Although extension talks have begun, the 49ers and Aiyuk — as of late March — were not close on terms. Like the Bengals and Tee Higgins, the 49ers keeping Aiyuk would provide a team on the championship doorstep — no team has ever been closer to a title without winning it than last year’s San Francisco edition — with a better chance of stepping over an elusive hurdle. But the 49ers also faced an eerily similar situation in the past. They responded to the DeForest Buckner–Arik Armstead situation, which came to a head just after their first Super Bowl loss to the Chiefs, by unloading the more expensive player for a first-round pick.
Indeed, GMs are monitoring this latest San Francisco contract quandary. One anonymous front office boss told the Washington Post’s Jason La Canfora he expects the 49ers to move either Aiyuk or Samuel but noted “if Deebo was the guy to go, I think he’d already be gone.” This GM said he would be “shocked” if the 49ers do not move one of their receivers.
The team gave Jauan Jennings a second-round RFA tender in March, but losing Aiyuk would not exactly mean the former seventh-round pick steps into the WR2 role — even if the team is eyeing a Jennings extension. Given how close the 49ers have been over the past three years, the team would seemingly need to add a starter-caliber wideout in the event it did accept a trade offer for Aiyuk.
Multiple factors might keep a trade haul low, which would make 49ers tabling this matter to 2025 understandable. Aiyuk is in the final year of his rookie contract (a $14.12MM fifth-year option); a team needing to sign off on an extension north of where the Eagles went for Smith would naturally decrease the compensation coming back to San Francisco. This draft also features a deep receiver class, which could prompt teams to take their chances with a first- or second-round wideout that will be attached to a rookie contract into the late 2020s.
A tag-and-trade situation could conceivably come up for the 49ers next year, but it is clear teams are looking closely at this storyline ahead of the draft. The Jets and Lions made offers for Samuel during the 2022 draft; the 49ers held onto their versatile weapon and extended him later that summer. After four seasons with Samuel and Aiyuk together, will the 49ers unload the 2020 first-rounder and pivot to a cost-controlled replacement?
Justin Jefferson Not Present To Start Vikings’ Offseason Program
Offseason programs do not shift to the mandatory attendance portion until near their conclusion, with minicamps residing on teams’ calendars in June. But this week will bring a minor chapter in a few contract sagas. Justin Jefferson‘s status with the Vikings is among them.
Jefferson did not report to the first day of the Vikings’ offseason program Monday. It should be noted Jefferson did not show for Vikings voluntary work last year but reported for minicamp. The sides engaged in extension talks leading up to the season, falling just short, and remain without a resolution. The Vikings have Jefferson tied to a $19.74MM fifth-year option, which is fully guaranteed.
[RELATED: Vikings To Not Intend To Trade Justin Jefferson]
“I’ve had a lot of great dialogue with Justin throughout even the early part of this offseason and leading up,” Kevin O’Connell said, via KTSP in Minnesota. “My hope is we can get him around the team. Obviously such a special player, but it goes beyond that this time of year because of just the energy and flat-out way he goes to work.”
Although Jefferson suffered a hamstring injury that kept him off the field for much of last season, the three-time All-Pro remains on track to secure a market-resetting extension. CeeDee Lamb and Amon-Ra St. Brown also being on the extension radar provides a bit of a complication, as Jefferson has accomplished more than his NFC peers. It is understandable the 2020 first-round pick will want to be the NFL’s highest-paid receiver. Tyreek Hill, thanks to a contract that features a lofty nonguaranteed 2026 season to up the AAV, remains in that spot (at $30MM per year). Jefferson, 24, has confirmed he wants to land his big-money deal with the Vikings.
Not showing up at the Vikes’ Eagan, Minn., facility until minicamp this offseason will be a bit different than his 2023 absence. The Vikings have a new quarterback, after six Kirk Cousins seasons, and Sam Darnold will likely be joined by a first-round pick when the team convenes for post-draft workouts. Jefferson working with the Vikes’ post-Cousins QBs would stand to benefit all parties. But this is part of negotiating playbooks; with no resolution in sight, Jefferson may well opt to stay away for a while. No fines can come his way until minicamp.
The Vikings have a history of authorizing wide receiver extensions and then trading the player, as they did with Randy Moss (extended in 2001, traded in 2005) and Stefon Diggs (extended in 2018, dealt in 2020). They also moved Percy Harvin, who signed his second contract with the Seahawks. Jefferson’s early years place him on a plane with Moss and few others throughout NFL history. The Vikings have, however, paid T.J. Hockenson at a top-market rate. Once Cousins’ dead money ($28.5MM) comes off their books in 2025, the Vikes — with Darnold on a one-year deal and the to-be-determined rookie (in all likelihood) tied to a cost-controlled deal for at least three years — also have a clearer runway for a Jefferson deal.
The prospect of how much more it will take compared to Miami’s Hill contract will be a component in Minnesota’s Jefferson talks. The second year of Jefferson extension eligibility has not reached a key juncture, but that point will arrive before the season starts.
Minor NFL Transactions: 4/15/24
Here are Monday’s minor moves:
Cincinnati Bengals
- Re-signed: LB Joe Bachie
- Signed ERFA tender: LS Cal Adomitis
Cleveland Browns
- Re-signed: LB Sam Kamara
- Waived/failed physical: G Drew Forbes
Detroit Lions
- Signed ERFA tender: OL Kayode Awosika, LB James Houston, RB Craig Reynolds
Green Bay Packers
- Signed ERFA tender: P Daniel Whalen, RB Emanuel Wilson
Jacksonville Jaguars
- Signed: TE Patrick Murtaugh
- Waived: S Ayo Oyelola
Los Angeles Rams
- Signed ERFA tender: RB Ronnie Rivers
New Orleans Saints
- Re-signed: CB Shemar Jean-Charles
New York Giants
- Signed RFA tender: CB Nick McCloud
New York Jets
- Signed ERFA tender: T Austin Deculus
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Signed: OL Lorenz Metz
Washington Commanders
- Waived: LS Tucker Addington
Today marks the first day for teams with holdover HCs to begin offseason programs. That date frequently coincides with restricted free agents and exclusive rights free agents officially coming back into the fold. McCloud’s signing and Rams left tackle Alaric Jackson inking his second-round tender leaves 49ers wide receiver Jauan Jennings, also given a Round 2 tender, as the lone unsigned RFA. McCloud will be tied to a nonguaranteed $2.99MM salary.
A former UDFA out of Michigan State, Bachie has been with the Bengals for the past three seasons. The young linebacker has been a regular special-teamer in that time; over the past two seasons, Bachie has been on the field for more than 60% of Cincinnati’s ST plays.
The Commanders signed Tyler Ott in free agency. The longtime Seahawks snapper spent 2023 with the Ravens; the veteran staying in the Mid-Atlantic region will lead to Addington — a three-game Washington long snapper in 2023 — being moved off the roster.
Murtaugh and Metz are coming to the NFL via the league’s International Pathway Program. Murtaugh hails from Australia and has a background in Australian Rules Football. He spent a bit of time with the Lions in 2023. A German, Metz spent time with the Bears last year but did not make their roster. He was not with a team during the season. If Murtaugh and Metz fail to make their respective team’s 53-man roster, they can be carried as a 17th practice squad player via the IPP program.
DL Marshawn Kneeland Adds Six Pre-Draft Visits, To Close With 16
As Marshawn Kneeland logs a spring flight schedule that would potentially impress George Clooney’s Up in the Air protagonist, the Western Michigan alum is viewed as a rising prospect ahead of the draft.
The MAC product has scheduled pre-draft visits with half the NFL. His Chiefs, Colts, Commanders, Jaguars, Jets, Saints and Vikings meetings became known weeks ago, but other teams have since entered the fray. The Buccaneers, Panthers and Texans met with the edge rusher prospect last week, according to NFL.com’s Mike Garafolo. Not stopping there, Kneeland also has meetings scheduled with the Bills, Lions and Packers, NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport adds.
More teams may have stepped in here, with Garafolo indicating Kneeland booked 16 “30” visits during one of the busiest pre-draft itineraries in recent NFL history. Teams have until Wednesday to conduct “30” visits, and Kneeland will presumably be setting foot in a number of new cities before that deadline arrives.
Generally, prospects with notable questions generate the most visits. Kneeland has become a coveted D-end prospect despite playing at a mid-major program and never topping 4.5 sacks in a season. But coaches are certainly intrigued by the versatile performer. As ESPN.com’s Matt Miller points out, Kneeland generated 36 pressures last season. The 6-foot-3, 267-pound edge player posted 26 tackles for loss from 2021-23, and Miller adds his profile has reached the point where a fall out of the top 50 is unlikely.
Kneeland has generated this profile despite never being a first-team All-MAC performer; though, he did play in only nine games as a senior. His mileage count this spring has reflected the curiosity his profile brings. For the teams that do not land a player on the Dallas Turner–Jared Verse–Laiatu Latu level, someone like Kneeland — who profiles as more of a power player capable of sliding inside situationally — would stand to be appealing on Day 2.
Patriots To Host QB Michael Penix Jr.
Doing extensive homework on this draft’s quarterback class, the Patriots will squeeze in another meeting with a prospect before Wednesday’s deadline to conduct “30” visits.
Michael Penix Jr. is heading to Foxborough for a meeting, NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport tweets. The Washington quarterback will meet with team brass tonight and go through a traditional visit Tuesday. Penix has logged a busy visit schedule leading up to the draft, and the team holding the No. 3 overall selection — and one also linked to potentially trading down — is up next on his docket.
[RELATED: Looking At Penix’s Prospect Profile]
Looming as a player who could make his way toward the middle of the first round (depending on trades made and which QBs go where early), Penix could be of interest to the Pats if they trade down from No. 3 overall. A late-March report indicated the Patriots could be in play to move down and still acquire a quarterback. That risky path — not seen as the most likely play for the QB-needy team — could certainly involve Penix, who is not projected to be one of the QBs who go off the board in the top five.
The Pats scheduled meetings with Penix, Jayden Daniels, Drake Maye and J.J. McCarthy. New England’s rearranged staff also brought the most representation at the Maye and Daniels pro days. If the Pats stick at No. 3, one of those two passers will almost definitely be available. Unless McCarthy’s rise includes a surprising surge to No. 2 overall and a ticket to Washington, which as of now may be most likely to draft Daniels, the Michigan arm would be available to Pats at 3. Interest in Penix would only further complicate this Patriots situation.
Daniel Jeremiah’s NFL.com big board ranks Penix as this draft class’ 33rd-best prospect; Mel Kiper Jr.’s ESPN.com offering has the southpaw QB outside his overall top 25. But coaches are believed to view the ex-Indiana recruit higher than scouts. Leadership traits and tremendous success throwing deep have drawn coaches to Penix, and some coaches have him listed ahead of some of “the presumed top guys.” That said, Kiper does not have Penix going off the board until the second round (No. 37, to the Rams via trade-up). Penix and Bo Nix reside as wild cards in a draft that may well feature QBs (most likely Caleb Williams and then Daniels, Maye and McCarthy in some order) going from Nos. 1-4 for the first time in history.
Penix, whose Commanders meeting is set for Tuesday night and Wednesday (per Bleacher Report’s Jordan Schultz, will close the pre-draft visit cycle having met with eight teams. In addition to the Patriots and Commanders, the injury-prone (but largely medically cleared) QB went through meetings with the Broncos, Falcons, Steelers, Giants, Raiders and Vikings. The Seahawks, who now employ recent Washington OC Ryan Grubb as their play-caller, also came up on the Penix radar.
Despite two ACLs and significant shoulder trouble in his past, Penix powered the Huskies to the CFP national championship game. He spent six years in college, which is no longer uncommon thanks to the COVID-19 period extending college careers. Like Nix, Penix broke through in the Pac-12. Last season, the 6-foot-2 lefty totaled 4,903 passing yards and 36 TDs. Never showing too much as a rusher (one 100-plus-yard college season on the ground), Penix still looms as a potential option for one of the QB-needy teams that does not land one of the top-tier arms. The Pats would certainly throw a wrench into the draft process by making a move that ends with Penix in New England.
Bill Belichick Had Assembled Staff, Was Prepared To Cede Personnel Control
Famously, only one HC-needy team — the Falcons — conducted a formal interview with Bill Belichick this offseason. While Belichick is believed to have also had reservations about the Atlanta power structure, he was interested in the job and had hoped to land a third head coaching position this offseason.
The 24-year Patriots leader was prepared enough for another opportunity he had a coaching staff in place, according to SI.com’s Albert Breer. While Belichick was under consideration for the Atlanta job, a rumor about the six-time Super Bowl-winning HC having spoken to some of his former staffers about Falcons roles surfaced. It appears Belichick may have been even further along on this road.
Coaches organize staffs during the interview process, with the Rooney Rule only applying to coordinator positions. And it is certainly interesting Belichick had done so. Though, given the Super Bowl mainstay’s legendary attention to detail, it is not exactly surprising he had a group ready to go in the event he landed a job in the wake of his Patriots separation/dismissal.
Longtime Belichick lieutenants Josh McDaniels, Joe Judge and Matt Patricia were viewed by some around the league as likely to follow the NFL’s second-winningest coach were he to have ended up with a job during this year’s cycle. That trio, given the Patriots’ post-Tom Brady stumbles, may not have been especially appealing to an owner. And Belichick ended up speaking with only the Falcons and Commanders about positions. Washington’s new ownership group did not formally interview Belichick. After two Falcons meetings — the first with Arthur Blank, the second with a larger group — Belichick ended up losing out to Raheem Morris.
Issues involving a potential clash between Belichick and Falcons brass, including president Rich McKay and GM Terry Fontenot, were rumored to have been part of the reason the team went in another direction. But Blank said earlier this offseason Belichick did not ask for personnel power during the interview process. While the veteran’s football knowledge and experience would have presented a complication for McKay and Fontenot in a setup in which a coach-only role was in the offing, the Patriots’ drafts and decisions of the past few years — the Patricia-as-OC 2022 move standing out — did not reflect well on Belichick.
But Breer adds Belichick was fine ceding personnel control at his next stop. With the 11-time Super Bowl HC/DC planning to revisit a coaching push in 2025, that will be relevant. It will be fascinating to see how teams navigate a pursuit of Belichick in a coaching-only role, given his 24-year run overseeing all football matters in New England. And Belichick’s age (72 on Tuesday) will naturally be an issue (as it was for the Falcons), as no team has hired a head coach older than 66 in NFL history. But this will continue to be a key NFL storyline, one that will make certain coaching situations — particularly a few in the NFC East — of particular interest.
Buccaneers Re-Sign DL William Gholston
In an offseason featuring the re-signings of Mike Evans and Lavonte David, another player who has contributed more than 10 years of service to the Buccaneers is staying. William Gholston is coming back for a 12th season in Tampa.
The veteran defensive lineman agreed to terms to stay with the Bucs for a 12th season. The 2013 draftee has only played for one NFL team. This will be the third straight offseason in which Gholston has signed a Bucs contract; he agreed to one-year deals in 2022 and ’23. Gholston played for $2.7MM last year and $4.5MM in 2022.
Not many NFL teams in recent years have employed three players who have been around for at least 10 years together. The Eagles’ former “Core Four” held that distinction, and with Evans back after completing his 10th season, this Bucs group qualifies. While Gholston does not hold the kind of role Evans and David do, he is the team’s second-longest-tenured player — behind David, a 2012 second-round pick.
Although Gholston no longer operates as a full-time starter along Tampa Bay’s D-line, he played in 16 games last season (one start) for a team that made a surprise venture to the divisional round. Gholston’s Tampa Bay stay coincides with Jason Licht‘s; the GM’s first offseason doubled as Gholston’s NFL arrival. The team retaining Todd Bowles as head coach certainly helps Gholston’s cause, as the latter has played in Bowles’ system for the past five seasons.
Gholston, 32, is in rare territory in terms of games played as a Buccaneer. Only five players — three of them Hall of Famers — have suited up more times than the Michigan State alum, who has played 169 career contests. Gholston trails only Ronde Barber, Derrick Brooks, tight end Dave Moore, tackle Paul Gruber and David among games played with the franchise. Staying healthy this season would vault David and Gholston into the top three on this list.
After totaling 20 QB hits in 2020 and compiling 7.5 sacks between the ’20 and ’21 seasons, Gholston logged only 244 defensive snaps last season — a career-low number. But the Bucs clearly value his place on their D-line. The team has Vita Vea and recent high picks Logan Hall and Calijah Kancey along its defensive front; ex-Rams Super Bowl LVI starter Greg Gaines remains under contract as well. Gholston, who has 19.5 career sacks (none over the past two years), will rejoin during an offseason focused on the Bucs retaining everyone they can.
The Bucs have brought back Evans, David, Baker Mayfield and Chase Edmonds; they also circled back to Jordan Whitehead, who spent the past two seasons with the Jets. Like Whitehead, Gholston was a key backup in Super Bowl LV. For his career, however, Gholston has started 88 games — including 22 between the 2020 and ’21 seasons — and would be in place to add to that total if injuries affect the Bucs’ younger D-linemen.
LT Alaric Jackson Signs Rams RFA Tender
The Rams have their top free agent back in the fold, announcing Alaric Jackson signed his RFA tender. This transaction places Jackson under contract for 2024 and sets up an important year for the young blocker’s long-term future.
The rare UDFA to move into a role as a starting left tackle, Jackson received a second-round RFA tender in March. That entitles him to a $4.89MM salary. Unless he and the Rams agree on an extension before the season, that will be the Iowa alum’s 2024 salary. Only Jackson and 49ers wide receiver Jauan Jennings received second-round tenders this offseason.
Jackson, 25, usurped Joe Noteboom as the Rams’ left tackle last year, starting 15 games. Expected to remain in that role in 2024, Jackson has a big opportunity ahead. Barring an extension before the 2025 legal tampering period, Jackson is ticketed for unrestricted free agency next year.
Mid-April annually brings a deadline pertaining to RFAs. This year, the last date for RFAs to sign offer sheets with other teams looms on April 19. The league did see an offer sheet extended this offseason — the 49ers’ Brock Wright effort — but the Lions matched it. Although Jackson has shown himself to be a more important player, the Rams placing a second-round tender on him scared off other teams regarding an offer sheet. Had the Rams failed to match a Jackson contract proposal, they would have received a second-round pick as compensation.
Although the Rams signed Noteboom to a three-year, $39MM deal to succeed Andrew Whitworth at left tackle, he could not retain the job. Entering last season, Jackson had beaten out the former $13MM-per-year player — Noteboom has since taken a pay cut — for the blindside gig. Pro Football Focus slotted Jackson as a mid-pack tackle in 2023, ranking him 43rd at the position.
As of now, a notable crop of LTs are due to be 2025 UFAs. Ronnie Stanley, Taylor Decker, Garett Bolles, Jedrick Wills, Cam Robinson and Dan Moore are unsigned beyond 2024. So are 2021 first-rounders Christian Darrisaw and Rashawn Slater, though that will almost definitely change once the Vikings and Chargers respectively pick up their blind-siders’ fifth-year options. The Rams now have two big-ticket guard contracts on their payroll, via the Kevin Dotson and Jonah Jackson signings, so it will be interesting to see how they proceed with Jackson. Longtime Rams right tackle Rob Havenstein is signed through 2025.
Jaguars Bring Back Tom Gamble
Although Trent Baalke and Jim Harbaugh famously butted heads in San Francisco, Tom Gamble has spent extensive time with both power brokers. The former 49ers assistant GM will move back to Baalke’s side after residing as a Michigan staffer in recent years.
Gamble became part of the Michigan program after a stint with the Jaguars; he is now reversing course. The veteran personnel man is rejoining Baalke in Jacksonville, ESPN.com’s Adam Schefter tweets. He had served as the Wolverines’ director of player personnel during Harbaugh’s final years leading the program. The decision to come back to Jacksonville is interesting due to Gamble being rumored to be coming with Harbaugh back to the NFL, had the latter landed the Denver job in 2023.
This will be a third stint with Gamble working alongside Baalke. They were together from 2005-12 in San Francisco and again from 2015-16, the latter stretch coming after the Baalke-Harbaugh feud produced an exit to the college ranks from the fiery HC. Gamble finished his second 49ers tenure as assistant GM, moving into that role months before Baalke’s dismissal. Gamble left San Francisco shortly after the John Lynch GM hire in 2017.
This will be Gamble’s 31st NFL season, and he has hit the ground running. Gamble has been working with Baalke in Jacksonville for the past several weeks, according to SI.com’s John Shipley. Gamble’s title is unknown, but he served as a Jags senior personnel exec back in 2021, when the brief Baalke-Urban Meyer partnership came apart quickly.
During the first two years of the Baalke-Harbaugh alliance in San Francisco, Gamble served as the reignited team’s director of player personnel. That concluded Gamble’s first stint with the team; the Eagles brought him in as their VP of player personnel from 2013-14. Baalke and Gamble both worked under Scot McCloughan in San Francisco, rising up the ranks before Baalke’s eventual ascent to the GM post.
Jets Interested In Trading Down From No. 10; Team Eyeing First-Round Tackle?
Aaron Rodgers‘ Achilles tear prevented the Packers from picking up the Jets’ 2024 first-round pick, as the future Hall of Fame quarterback well miles short of the 65% snap threshold. But the Jets do enter this draft without a second-rounder due to the terms of the Rodgers swap.
The Packers obtained the Jets’ No. 41 overall pick, leaving the AFC East team without a choice between its first-round slot (No. 10) and third-round pick (72). The Jets would be interested in adding another Day 2 choice and would be ready to move down from 10 to make that happen. The Jets would ideally like to add a second-round pick — or at least a top-100 selection — by moving down from 10, ESPN.com’s Rich Cimini notes.
This draft’s run on quarterbacks is expected to take place before the Jets go on the clock at 10, with the Cardinals’ No. 4 overall slot potentially the place QB-needy teams will target to climb up. The Chargers have also expressed a willingness to trade down from 5. By the time the Jets are picking, Jayden Daniels, Drake Maye and J.J. McCarthy will almost certainly be off the board. That would stand to limit the interest in the team’s No. 10 pick, though Cimini adds the team is interested in selling its top choice to one of the QB-needy clubs.
This would probably require Bo Nix or Michael Penix Jr. to generate enough interest it entices the Broncos (No. 12) or Raiders (No. 13) to fork over an asset to be sure of landing one of the draft’s top six passers.
The Raiders may not have a uniform opinion of how to proceed at quarterback in this draft, with a rumor indicating their top two decision-makers are split on a trade-up maneuver. The Broncos are believed to want to move up, but they are limited regarding draft capital. Also down a second-rounder from the Sean Payton trade, Denver may be more likely to move down in hopes of Nix still being on the board. The Vikings (No. 11) have made their intention of finding a long-term passer fairly clear, and despite the franchise never drafting a QB in the top 10, it is ready to move up to acquire a Kirk Cousins successor.
A team like the Giants not selecting a QB at 10 and then considering a move back into Round 1 for a passer could be something to monitor, and a climb back into the top 10 would outflank the Broncos or Raiders. That would also be costly, as the Giants do not pick again until No. 47. The Jets also are probably not interested in dropping that far, as they have a rather important Rodgers-centric season approaching.
If the Jets stick at No. 10, they would have a bevy of first-round tackle options awaiting. Joe Douglas is likely interested in adding a long-term option to initially work behind Tyron Smith and Morgan Moses, SI.com’s Albert Breer notes. This would be an interesting move for a team with its GM and HC on hot seats, as a first-round tackle would not have a direct path to the starting lineup in 2024. Of course, Smith’s injury history — and the injury trouble the Jets have encountered up front over the past two years — will obviously make an O-line move worth considering. Joe Alt visited recently.
Then again, if one of this class’ top three receivers is still on the board at 10, that would be difficult to pass on. The Jets have hosted Rome Odunze on a “30” visit and has another meeting scheduled with Malik Nabers. Georgia tight end Brock Bowers may also be in play for a team committed to maximizing Rodgers after a lost year.
On the O-line front, the Jets are set to meet with Washington’s Troy Fautanu on Wednesday, Bleacher Report’s Jordan Schultz tweets. Already visiting the Jaguars, Ravens, Bengals, Steelers and Eagles, Fautanu is expected to be one of several tackles to come off the board in Round 1.
Some teams are projecting Fautanu as a guard, per NFL.com’s Daniel Jeremiah, who views the former Huskies standout as a tackle. ESPN.com’s Mel Kiper Jr. agrees with the teams that slot Fautanu as a guard. Fautanu spent most of his Pac-12 career at tackle, starting only two career games at guard. The Jets gave John Simpson a multiyear deal and are moving Alijah Vera-Tucker back to guard; with Smith and Moses north of 32 and each on one-year deals, Gang Green is much needier at tackle.