The NY jets announced the signing of a new offensive lineman today because they had to place Ben Ijalana on IR.
Ijalana, a 6’4”, 322-pounder in his eighth season out of Villanova, was injured during a Jets-Redskins practice session in Richmond, VA. The veteran swing tackle has appeared in 34 career games and made 13 starts. He made all 13 starts for the Green & White in the 2016 campaign before returning to a depth role in 2017.
Gradkowski spent the last two seasons with the Panthers, but both were cut short because of injuries. Originally a fourth-round pick out of Delaware by the Ravens in 2012, Gradkowski spent three seasons in Baltimore before splitting time with the Broncos and Falcons in 2015. The 6’3”, 300-pounder is the younger brother of former NFL quarterback Bruce Gradkowski.