Jets' Offseason Priority: Protect Aaron Rodgers; But With Who?

With future Hall-of-Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers returning from an Achilles tear, the New York Jets can improve the offensive line by adding a grizzled veteran through free agency.

The New York Jets have their quarterback. Now, it's time to protect him.

Plagued by injuries and subpar performances, the Jets' offensive line seemingly needs a makeover. New York was forced to use 12 different starting offensive line combinations in 2023 while ranking 29th in sack percentage (10.65%).

Sports Illustrated's Matthew Verderame suggests that upgrading the offensive line should be New York's top offseason priority. Identifying one move that each AFC East team should make in the coming months, the SI scribe pointed to potential improvements at offensive tackle and offensive guard.

Dallas Cowboys' left tackle Tyron Smith and Baltimore Ravens' guard Kevin Zeitler are two grizzled veterans who could pique the Jets' interest in free agency. The Jets appear to have a more pressing need at tackle than guard, especially on the left side as penalty magnet Mekhi Becton becomes a free agent and Duane Brown appears to be aging out of the NFL.

The 33-year-old Smith, an eight-time Pro Bowl selection, has experienced trouble staying healthy in recent years. After totaling 17 appearances over a three-season span, Smith managed to make 13 starts in 2023.

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Zeitler, who will turn 34 years old on March 8, spent the last three seasons with Baltimore on a $22.5 million contract, totaling 47 starts. He would likely fit at right guard, meaning Alijah Vera-Tucker would remain at right tackle after he fully recovers from the torn Achilles he suffered last October.

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SI Writes: 

"GM Joe Douglas’s first, second and third goals this offseason should be to upgrade the offensive line. While the injury to Rodgers sunk New York last season, he would have been hard-pressed to win anything significant while playing from his back.

This winter, Douglas can release C.J. Uzomah to save $5.3 million, helping to ease a tight cap situation. From there, Douglas can create additional space by doing a few restructures and extensions. Once that’s done, he should be focused on fixing the front.

A few options are veteran stars such as left tackle Tyron Smith or guard Kevin Zeitler. Both are terrific, and would be short-term investments with them being in their 30s. This jives with the timeline of win-now mode considering Rodgers will be 41 years old next season.

Above all, the Jets must find an answer at left tackle, making Smith a perfect play for Gang Green." 

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