After a slow start to free agency, the New York Jets made a huge splash on Friday night. According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, New York has agreed to a deal with former Dallas Cowboys starting left tackle Tyron Smith.
Following the tragic loss of starting quarterback Aaron Rodgers to an Achilles injury in Week 1, New York is clearly focused on improving their offensive line in 2024.
Tyron Smith’s Contract Details
According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, Smith signed a one-year deal with the Jets, worth a maximum of $20 million (with incentives). While that might seem like a lot for a 33-year-old offensive tackle with a lengthy injury history, Smith is still one of the league’s best.
Smith was named to the second-team All-Pro last season following an elite performance for the Cowboys. According to Pro Football Focus, Smith surrendered just three sacks in 610 pass-blocking snaps for Dallas last season.
That’s a drastic improvement over New York’s starting left tackle last season, Mekhi Becton. According to PFF, Becton surrendered a whopping 12 sacks in 644 pass-blocking snaps for the Jets last season. Becton was also called for a league-leading 18 penalties.
While Smith is an elite offensive tackle when healthy, he has struggled to stay on the field in recent years. The 33-year-old played 13 games for the Cowboys last season, which was his highest total since 2019. Smith played just 17 games combined from 2020 to 2022. New York must make sure they have a strong plan in place behind Smith next season.
New York’s Revamped Offensive Line
Following the signing of Smith, New York is projected to have a drastically improved starting offensive line in 2024. Jets general manager Joe Douglas has made several other moves to improve the team’s offensive line this offseason.
Douglas signed former Baltimore Ravens starting guard John Simpson to a two-year deal in free agency. He then swung a trade with Baltimore for starting right tackle and former Jets offensive lineman, Morgan Moses.
Here is how New York’s projected starting offensive line looks heading into next season:
- LT: Tyron Smith
- LG: John Simpson
- C: Joe Tippmann
- RG: Alijah Vera-Tucker
- RT: Morgan Moses
Considering how much New York’s offensive line struggled last season, this is a drastic improvement over that disappointing unit. Smith and Moses will bring a ton of experience to New York. While Simpson was Baltimore’s starting left guard on one of the NFL’s best teams last season.
The arrival of Smith and Moses should allow Vera-Tucker to finally focus on playing one position. “AVT” is one of the most versatile offensive linemen in the NFL, but he has been forced to play a variety of positions in New York. He should benefit from the stability of reliable veterans around him in 2024.
KEEP READING: NFL Offense Rankings
Although health is always a question in the NFL, Douglas has put New York’s offensive line in a great position to succeed next season. On paper, they are one of the best units in the NFL as long as they can stay off the injury report. Rodgers is likely ecstatic about his new-look offensive line, possibly even happy enough to solely focus on football right now.
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