The New York Jets have ‘warriors’ at a critical position

Reporting from the Atlantic Health Jets Center in Florham Park, NJ—When the New York Jets began their offseason plan, it seemed that most of their offensive line was settled.

Once the team drafted Armand Membou with the seventh overall pick in April’s draft, New York seemingly completed its offensive line. Better yet, four of the five potential starters represented draft picks by the team over the last few years.

That may not be the case, though. While the organization is high on the offensive line as a group, one position battle might commence at training camp.

John Simpson compliments Jets’ center competition

Joe Tippmann has been the Jets’ starting center for two seasons. He had a very strong 2024 campaign, seemingly proving he was one of the up-and-coming players at his position.

That didn’t stop the Jets, with a new front office and offensive philosophy, from bringing in a quality veteran to compete with him, though.

Josh Myers didn’t have the best season in his final year with the Green Bay Packers, but the former Ohio State product has over 50 games as a starter at center and along the offensive line in general.

Head coach Aaron Glenn made it clear that while Tippmann was expected to be given a chance to start during league meetings in March, Myers would push him during camp for the role.

Other offensive linemen on the Jets are taking notice of that competition. Including John Simpson.

“Josh … he’s super smart. He’s one of those guys you can draw something up for, and he can figure it out,” Simpson said during OTAs. “Same thing for Tipp. Those guys are battling their asses off and just competing. Both are super intelligent and fighting. They are warriors.”

As free agent signings go, Simpson has been one of the more successful pickups for New York in the last few seasons. He was excellent in run blocking and held his own in pass protection. As he enters the final season of his contract, he knows he will need the support of the entire Jets offensive line to help him push for a new deal later on.

As the team’s starting left guard, Simpson will be working hand-in-hand with whichever center ends up being the starter.

And as things stand right now, he seems to be comfortable with the veteran in Myers or the young buck in Tippmann.

Myers will look to make an impact similar to what Simpson had last season with the Jets. If Tippmann gets his way, though, Myers will be nothing more than a role player to come in whenever there is an injury.