The New York Jets have focused on strengthening the back end of their depth chart on Thursday. After signing edge rusher Rashad Weaver earlier today, the Jets grabbed a pair of backup offensive linemen.
The team officially announced the signing of tackle Chukwuma Okorafor; the terms of the deal are yet to be reported. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported that New York has agreed to terms with center Josh Myers on a one-year, $3.5 million deal.
The Jets had a need at right tackle after losing Morgan Moses. Okorafor, 27, has played most of his career snaps at right tackle across seven NFL seasons (78 games, 60 starts).
A third-round pick of the Steelers in 2018, Okorafor emerged as the Steelers’ starting right tackle in 2020, holding onto the role until he was benched midway through the 2023 season. He signed with the Patriots in 2024 and started at left tackle in the season opener, but was benched midway through the team’s second drive after being continuously beaten in pass protection.
Unhappy with his role, Okorafor informed the team that he planned to leave the day before their Week 2 game. He was placed on New England’s exempt/left squad list before Week 2. Okorafor did not return to the team after the five-day exemption period expired, which meant he was not allowed to play for the rest of the season.
Myers, 26, was the Green Bay Packers’ primary starting center over the past four seasons, starting all 56 of his appearances. He was a college teammate of Jets quarterback Justin Fields at Ohio State. Myers was selected in the second round of the 2021 draft, one round behind Fields.
Myers struggled to live up to his potential in Green Bay. In each of the past three seasons, he ranked 25th or worse in Pro Football Focus’ overall grade among centers who played at least 500 snaps. The 2024 season was his worst, tying for 30th out of 32 qualifiers with a career-low 55.3 grade.
Interior offensive line depth was a need for New York. Previously, the only backup interior offensive linemen on their roster were Xavier Newman and Kohl Levao. Myers gives the Jets a backup center with starting experience who is still young enough to potentially improve. The Jets got him at a fair price for what he brings to the table.
