In their biggest offseason signing, the New York Jets land All-Pro offensive tackle Tyron Smith
The New York Jets needed to make a big move, and they have finally done so.
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Jets are signing All-Pro offensive tackle Tyron Smith. ESPN’s Adam Schefter then reported that the deal is for one year and, with incentives included, could be worth up to $20 million.
Source: The #Jets are expected to sign former #Cowboys All-Pro and Pro Bowl LT Tyron Smith, a new blindside protector for Aaron Rodgers. pic.twitter.com/VLNEDMzDds
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 16, 2024
Jets are giving OT Tyron Smith a one-year deal that, with incentives, could be worth up to $20 million, per source.
Smith is said to be looking forward to the idea of protecting Aaron Rodgers. https://t.co/9823litxBT
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 16, 2024
Running back Breece Hall, in response to the news, had a very happy reaction on Twitter.
LFG😱😱😱😱😱 https://t.co/ZGxXVYEtcJ
— Breece Hall (@BreeceH) March 16, 2024
The signing is a massive one for New York, to put it lightly. Smith has been one of the best pass-protecting offensive linemen, in football for over a decade, if not the best. He consistently shuts down opposing edge rushers and gives quarterbacks the time they need to make plays down the field.
Smith is no slouch in the run game either, as he still can create lanes and openings for his teammates.
While injuries have been an issue for the veteran offensive tackle (3+ missed games in 8 straight seasons), he played 13 games in 2023 and had a stellar 3.36% pressure rate (second-best among LT) while only giving up one sack. Smith is worth the investment, as even at an older age, he still shuts down every pass rusher in sight.
From an overall roster perspective, the move locks in all five starters for the Jets’ offensive line. Depth is likely needed behind Smith, but the team now has Smith (LT), John Simpson (LG), Joe Tippmann (C), Alijah Vera-Tucker (RG), and Morgan Moses (RT) locked-in as its starting offensive line.
Additionally, the Jets now have options with their 10th overall selection in the 2024 NFL draft. They could still address the offensive line, but players such as wide receiver Rome Odunze and tight end Brock Bowers are now much more conceivable options.
Overall, the move was a critical one for New York. They addressed a massive need on the roster and, as a result, raised the floor and potential ceiling of the team in 2024.
All this talk about how the Jets are free to draft positions other than OT now that they have signed two tackles in free agency is ridiculous. Both of the tackles signed are getting old, injury prone, and signed for only one year! The Jets still need to find their OTs of the future and this draft is said to be great for that position. I think they should draft not one but two OTs with their first two picks, unless they love a WR who is available. The young OTs can then develop as backups, as is ideal, and step in if one of the two FAs get injured, which is very possible. If JD blows this opportunity to settle their OL once and for all, I think he should be fired on the spot.