The New York Jets at least started to address their blocking issues by signing former Los Angeles Charger Dan Feeney.
Whoever suits up at quarterback for the New York Jets come September, they’re going to need protection. The Jets have reportedly begun to address that area of major concern.
Per Adam Caplan of SiriusXM, the Jets have agreed to terms with interior blocker Dan Feeney. The Indiana alum entered the league as a third-round pick of the Los Angeles Chargers (71st overall) in 2017 and was named to the PFWA All-Rookie Team at the end of his debut year.
Feeney has started every game over the last three seasons at left guard in Los Angeles and has also taken snaps at center.
#Jets agreed to contract terms with former #Chargers 3rd-round pick G/C Dan Feeney, source said.
He started 57 games in his 4 seasons of play. Has started at LG, C.
— Adam Caplan (@caplannfl) March 18, 2021
Despite some underwhelming grades on Pro Football Focus, Feeney was a fan favorite with the Chargers, becoming notorious for his mullet haircut and mustache. Los Angeles backup quarterback Easton Stick referred to Feeney as “one of the hardest workers we got,” per Joshua Fischman of the Chargers official website.
“He’s fun to be around,” Stick said in Fischman’s 2019 report. “You can tell he’s passionate about the game, (and) he loves his teammates. It’s a really good energy that Dan brings every day.”
From the get-go, Jets general manager Joe Douglas has made an apparent effort to reform the team’s blocking, an endeavor somewhat neglected under the prior regime. The Jets’ first-round gambit in last year’s draft, choosing Mekhi Becton over some name-brand receiving talents, appeared to pay off, but Douglas’ free agent acquisitions have struggled to contribute.
As for where Feeney fits in on the current Jets’ roster, it’s possible he could take over if Alex Lewis departs, potentially competing with fourth-round sophomore Cameron Clarke. Connor McGovern is set to return for another season in the middle.
Geoff Magliocchetti is on Twitter @GeoffJMags
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