The Jets’ glaring need to address their offensive line is widely acknowledged heading into the offseason. General manager Joe Douglas is now poised to tackle this issue, as the free agent negotiating window opens on Monday. With Aaron Rodgers in mind, Douglas will be actively seeking linemen to bolster protection for the upcoming season.
While free agency will kickstart the offensive line revamp, it won’t be the sole solution. Douglas is anticipated to utilize the draft, likely targeting a tackle with the No. 10 overall pick. Nonetheless, free agency remains the primary avenue for immediate reinforcements.
The Jets face the task of finding three new starters, with only center Joe Tippmann and guard/tackle Alijah Vera-Tucker expected to return in 2024. Given the weak market for tackles in free agency, Douglas may opt to sign two guards and deploy Vera-Tucker at tackle, while drafting another tackle.
However, acquiring top guards in free agency might come with a hefty price tag, as illustrated by recent signings. With limited quality options available, the competition among teams vying for guard talent could drive up costs. Notably, Kevin Dotson and Ezra Cleveland were both taken off the market with lucrative contract extensions.
Below are the top guards and tackles anticipated to enter free agency:
Guards
Robert Hunt (28 years old)
Hunt offers versatility in his position, having commenced games both as a right guard and right tackle for the Dolphins. The Jets prioritize flexibility among their offensive linemen, which could elevate his appeal. Throughout the last season, he conceded just one quarterback hit across 376 pass-blocking snaps. According to PFF, he ranked as the sixth-best guard out of 79 in 2023. Consequently, he is expected to demand a high salary, potentially around $16 million annually.
Jonah Jackson (27)
Jackson played in 57 games across four seasons with the Lions and earned a Pro Bowl selection in 2021. He’s recognized for his superior run-blocking skills compared to his pass-blocking abilities. According to PFF, he ranked 34th among 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)
Tackles
Jonah Williams (26)
Williams has started 49 games in three seasons for the Bengals. He was a left tackle early in his career but moved to right tackle last year. Williams is going to be at the top of the market and projects to get around $16 million per year. PFF rated him 59th out of 81 tackles last year.
