Oct 12, 2023; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs offensive tackle Donovan Smith (79) on field against the Los Angeles Chargers during the game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
While some Jets fans have taken the time in recent weeks to pre-emptively voice their future displeasure should the Jets pass on an offensive tackle with the tenth pick in the NFL draft, it’s worth noting that there are still some viable depth options available in free agency.
In fact, it’s possible that the Jets, and most other NFL teams, have allowed the free agent waters to settle as they focus on the draft and look to dip back in to the market once they see how things unfold in Detroit later this month.
With the additions of Tyron Smith and Morgan Moses this off-season, Gang Green is set with their starters on the left and right side respectively. But should either be lost to injury, who steps in?
Well, first of all there’s second-year tackle Carter Warren. A player who seems to have been been counted out by many fans since the day he was drafted. But still a player the Jets are reportedly high on internally.
Outside of Warren, here’s a list of current veteran free agents the Jets could pursue at the conclusion of the draft.
Donovan Smith: If Smith was good enough to start at left tackle for the 2023 Super Bowl champs, surely he’s good enough to back a backup for the Jets, right? And even better, the New York native has said publicly that he grew up a Jets fan and would be interested in coming home.
Cam Fleming: We mentioned Fleming a few weeks back and the former Denver Bronco is still on the market. He started fifteen games at both left and right tackle two seasons ago for current offensive coordinator Nate Hackett. Fleming allowed 7 sacks on 605 pass block reps according to PFF, an average of 1 sack for every 86 drop backs. This of course was with a very lost and confused Russell Wilson under center. With Aaron Rodgers as his trigger man, you would expect that number to improve.
Charles Leno: A 2023 starter with the Commanders, Leno is currently recovering from off-season hip surgery. He has been non-committal in regards to whether or not he’ll play in 2024, but the Jets should, at the very least, pick up the phone and see if they can entice Leno to come back as a backup.
He did say in a recent interview that playing in 2023 would come down to finding the right fit where he’s happy and motivated. Perhaps a chance to play with a future Hall of Fame QB on a team currently seen as one of the top clubs in the AFC would do the trick?
David Bakhtiari: While a case can be made for pursuing Bakhtiari, and equally strong case can be made against it. If the Jets could land the oft-injured star tackle for a bargain price to be a backup, it would be worth exploring. However, carrying two of the most injury prone tackles in the NFL (Smith and Bakhtiari) does carry a lot of risk.