Will Jets Sign Seven-Year Starter to Replace Alijah Vera-Tucker?

Former Cowboys' mainstay medically cleared, work outs for Gang Green on Tuesday

The New York Jets lost a starting offensive tackle for the season, but there happens to be an experienced veteran replacement available on the free agent market.

With 86 career NFL starts under his belt, La'el Collins has apparently completed his recovery from ACL surgery and is interested in joining a team. The 6-foot-4 bookend injured his knee when playing for the Cincinnati Bengals in a Week 16 against New England last December.

The Bengals placed Collins on the physically unable to perform list at the start of training camp this past summer and eventually released the 30-year-old tackle on September 12. Shortly thereafter, Collins received medical clearance to play again. 

Collins, who initially entered the league with the Dallas Cowboys in 2015, made 15 straight starts during what was his first, and only, season in Cincinnati. He received positive reviews for his run blocking in 2022, but his pass protection produced poor grades from the analytics community.

Gang Green apparently has interest in kicking the tires on Collins. NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport confirmed that the former LSU standout worked out for the Jets on Tuesday, the traditional day for NFL teams to look at free agent options. 

Subsequent reports said Collins was on his way to visit the New York Giants, who are also in desperate need of a competent tackle, following the Jets' workout.

The Jets have multiple internal options to fill the starting right tackle spot that was vacated when Alijah Vera-Tucker suffered a season-ending Achilles tear, but none are as enticing as the idea of adding the battled-tested Collins to the mix.

"We'll keep that one close to the vest for the week, but we have our options in house," said head coach Robert Saleh on who will replace the versatile Vera-Tucker on Monday.

Second-year pro Max Mitchell stepped in for Vera-Tucker on Sunday and finished out the 31-21 road win. The former fourth-round draft pick lacks the prototypical size associated with an effective NFL tackle but is certainly a viable injury replacement.

"I thought he did a really good job," said Saleh. "We know Max. A year ago, I think he surprised everybody when he got in there and played at a pretty good level. Thought he did a decent job yesterday, things that we can improve on, obviously, with regards to pass protection. I thought he was really good in the run game."

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Veteran Billy Turner, who spelled Mekhi Becton for a handful of plays at left tackle in Week 5, saw time at right tackle in training camp. He has 96 career appearances, including 75 starts, to his credit.

"Seasoned veteran, knows how to play the game, knows how to keep the quarterback upright," said Saleh.

The 38-year-old Duane Brown could provide some relief when he comes off Injured Reserve in a few weeks. The Week 1 starting left tackle has been hampered by a hip injury.

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