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Henry McKenna
AFC East Reporter
There might not be a harder job in football than New York Jets GM. Not in 2024.
Joe Douglas is expected to rebuild the Jets into a Super Bowl contender this offseason, and while quarterback Aaron Rodgers wants to call it a retooling, he must not have looked at his offensive line. New York has only two starters returning: Joe Tippmann (a rookie in 2023) and Alijah Vera-Tucker (torn Achilles).
New York will need one interior offensive lineman and two tackles. That’s where the Jets will focus their efforts before they get to receiver, which is another position of need. Or safety, another position of need. Or defensive tackle … another — well, you get it.
The Jets have about $25 million in cap space in 2024 and $110 million in 2025. That should help. But it’s hard to imagine them filling their biggest needs without a little luck. Because what they need — receiver, tackle — doesn’t come cheap.
With that in mind, here are some potential targets for New York when the free-agency signing period opens on March 13.
Tyron Smith, OT, Cowboys
Smith is sort of an older and more competent version of Mekhi Becton. And with that comment, I’ve probably lost half my Jets readers. But seriously, I need to state the obvious about the 33-year-old Smith: He is set to hit the market for many of the same reasons as Becton. Smith missed four games last season, 13 games in 2022 and six games in 2021.
The difference between Smith and Becton? While Becton has yet to prove he can play at a truly high level, Smith has done exactly that. If you’re going to bank on a guy who’s a clear injury risk, at least Smith gives you real upside.
There seems to be a wide range of where Smith’s value lies. Spotrac.com, for example, has his value listed as around $7 million per year. It’s $10 million on PFF. I don’t see it. If the Jets want Smith — and I’d bet they do — they are going to have to give him something in…
Source link : https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nfl/10-free-agents-jets-should-target-to-set-up-aaron-rodgers-for-success
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Publish date : 2024-03-05 21:52:54
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