Top offensive line options for Jets in free agency as team looks to finally stabilize area

The position group that the Jets need to improve this offseason is well known.

For months, there has been discussion concerning the offensive line.

 

Joe Douglas, the general manager, will now start trying to solve it.

In order to get some linemen to stop Aaron Rodgers this autumn, Douglas needs to hit the phones when the free agent negotiation window starts on Monday.

 

In free agency, the offensive line makeover won’t be finished.

 

Douglas will undoubtedly select at least one starter in the draft.

 

He is anticipated to select a tackle with the No. 10 overall pick.

But free agency will be the first avenue Douglas can use to reshape the line.

 

The Jets need to find three new starters with center Joe Tippmann and

guard/tackle Alijah Vera-Tucker as the only starters expected to return in 2024.

The free-agent market for tackles looks weak, so Douglas’ could choose to sign

two guards and put Vera-Tucker at one tackle while drafting the starter at the other tackle.

Vera-Tucker might remain at guard for the Jets if he adds a tackle in free agency.

 

Because there won’t be many quality guards available and many teams in need of guards, the guard market could become pricey at the top.

Two guards came off the market Thursday

Kevin Dotson was re-signed by the Rams to a three-year, $48 million deal, while Ezra Cleveland was re-signed by the Jaguars to a three-year, $28.5 million contract.

 

The best guards and tackles waiting to sign free agents are listed below:

Guards

Robert Hunt (28 years old)

Hunt is adaptable in a variety of roles. For the Dolphins, he has started at right guard and right tackle. He may be appealing since the Jets appreciate position flexibility in their linemen. During the previous season, he gave just one quarterback hit on 376 pass-blocking snaps. In 2023, PFF ranked him as the sixth guard out of 79. He should be able to earn a high salary—roughly $16 million annually.

Jonah Jackson (27)

Jackson started 57 games in four seasons for the Lions and made the Pro Bowl in 2021. Jackson is considered a better run blocker than a pass blocker. PFF rated him 34th out of 79 guards.

Mike Onwenu (26)

Onwenu has played left guard, right guard and right tackle for the Patriots. He played in 64 out of 67 games in the last four seasons, showing durability. I am projecting him as a guard for the Jets but he could give the Jets some options if they want to play Vera-Tucker inside and him outside. PFF rated him the 29th tackle out of 81 in 2023.

Kevin Zeitler (34)

Zeitler is older, but he has played well for the Ravens over the last three years. He has made 15 starts in each of the past nine seasons. The Jets need to prioritize durability with their injury luck recently along the line. Zeitler could be more of a bargain because of his age. Could the Jets get him for $7 million per season? That might be worth the age risk.

Tackles

Jonah Williams (26)

In his three seasons with the Bengals, Williams has started 49 games. He started his career as a left tackle but switched to right tackle last year. Williams anticipates earning about $16 million year and will be at the top of the market. He was ranked 59th by PFF last season out of 81 tackles.

Tyron Smith (33)

Smith is one of the best tackles in the last decade, but he has struggled to stay healthy and is getting old. Would Douglas take a risk on a player with age/injury concerns considering the way his line has struggled to stay healthy? When he plays, he is still good. He was second-team All-Pro last year, and PFF rated him No. 4 out of 81 tackles.

Trent Brown (31)

Another Patriots lineman whom the Jets have seen plenty of. Brown has started 93 regular-season games and played on both the left and right side. He has struggled with his weight and may not fit the Jets system well.