Jets' Offseason Moves: Analyzing the Offensive Line and Key Decisions
Good morning, sports fans! Let's dive into the latest updates from the Jets' camp, where Aaron Glenn and Darren Mougey recently shared some insights with the media.
Breece Hall's Future and Quarterback Decisions
First up, it looks like Breece Hall isn't going anywhere. Mougey mentioned they're aiming to secure a deal, but they're also considering using the franchise tag if necessary. As for the quarterback situation, discussions about Justin Fields are ongoing, but no final decision has been made.
Coaching Dynamics and Draft Strategies
Glenn addressed rumors about his coaching staff decisions being influenced by others, emphasizing that the owner is supportive and non-intrusive. "The owner's approach is always about helping me succeed," Glenn stated, highlighting the positive dynamic in their leadership.
Mougey confirmed that trading for the #1 pick is off the table, putting an end to that speculation. Meanwhile, the Jets are likely to exercise the 5th-year option on Will McDonald, expressing confidence in his potential.
Offensive Line: A Closer Look
The NFL draft primer updated yesterday underscores the Jets' needs, with quarterback at the top, followed by defensive line, cornerbacks, wide receivers, and offensive line. The focus on the offensive line is intriguing, given the Jets' recent investments in this area.
Currently, the Jets seem to have four starters set: Olu Fashanu at left tackle, Armand Membou at right tackle, Joe Tippmann at right guard, and Josh Myers at center. This leaves the left guard position open.
Josh Myers recently signed a 2-year, $11 million deal, with a $4.3 million cap hit in 2026, making him a top-20 paid center. Despite some skepticism about his starting role, the Jets appear committed to him at center.
Last season, Myers ranked near the bottom in several key metrics among centers who played at least 500 snaps. His PFF grade was 52.9 (33rd), with a run block grade of 51.7 (32nd) and a pass block grade of 62.9 (19th). While not stellar, these numbers align with his career averages, indicating the Jets knew what they were getting.
Joe Tippmann's versatility is noteworthy. Although he was graded higher as a center in 2024 (73.4) than as a guard in 2025 (66.0), the Jets seem to prefer him at guard for now.
Options for Filling the Left Guard Spot
Option 1: Alijah Vera-Tucker (AVT)
When healthy, AVT is a top-tier run-blocking guard and a solid pass protector. However, his availability is a concern, having played only 43 of 85 possible games since 2021.
If the Jets sign AVT, they'll need a reliable backup due to his injury history. A one-year, incentive-laden deal could be a smart move.
Option 2: John Simpson
Re-signing both AVT and Simpson could be another strategy. Simpson had a standout year in 2024 but returned to average form in 2025, allowing 5 sacks and committing 10 penalties. While he’s dependable in terms of availability, his performance may prompt the Jets to explore other options.
In conclusion, the Jets are navigating a critical offseason with key decisions on player retention and draft strategies. Their approach to solidifying the offensive line will be pivotal in shaping the team's success moving forward. Stay tuned for more updates as the offseason progresses!