Despite nothing occurring on the trade market, the Jets made a move to add depth to the offensive line.
The New York Jets did make a move today, but it was not a trade.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Jets have signed offensive guard Rodger Saffold to their practice squad “with the intention to promote him to their active roster.” The Jets also confirmed the report in their most recent roster moves announcement.
An OL move in NY: Jets bolstered their offensive line, signing two-time Pro-Bowl guard Rodger Saffold III to their practice squad with the intent to promote him to their active roster, per source. Saffold last played with Buffalo in 2022.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 31, 2023
Jets roster moves:
– Placed OL Connor McGovern, OL Wes Schweitzer and DT Al Woods on IR.
– Signed DL Tanzel Smart and OL Dennis Kelly to the active roster.
– Signed DL Jalyn Holmes and OL Rodger Saffold to the practice squad.— New York Jets (@nyjets) October 31, 2023
Saffold, 35, last played for the Buffalo Bills in 2022 and is reunited with his former offensive line coach, Keith Carter, whom he played for in Tennessee. The veteran offensive lineman is a two-time Pro Bowler, earning the accolade most recently in his 2022 season.
Yet, the statistics were not kind to Saffold last season. He graded out as a below-average blocker in both the running and passing games, according to PFF. Saffold was credited 36 pressures, four quarterback hits, and two sacks. This was in addition to 10 penalties called on him.
Despite last season’s struggles, Saffold has been a relatively consistent player along the offensive line for most of his career. He offers the Jets some much-needed versatility, as the veteran has accrued snaps at both guard and tackle positions in his career.
A free-agent addition should not be expected to come in and play like an All-Pro. There is a reason that it took Saffold this long to find a home on an NFL roster. But considering the state of the Jets’ offensive line, specifically on the interior, adding a veteran who has played over 10,000 offensive snaps should only help improve the situation for the Jets.
