The New York Jets have landed a future Hall of Famer. According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, the Jets are signing eight-time Pro Bowl left tackle Tyron Smith.
Source: The #Jets are expected to sign former #Cowboys All-Pro and Pro Bowl LT Tyron Smith, a new blindside protector for Aaron Rodgers. pic.twitter.com/VLNEDMzDds
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 16, 2024
The Jets were undone by their offensive line's struggles in 2023. They lost quarterback Aaron Rodgers to an Achilles injury in the opening game of the season and eventually allowed 64 sacks to four different starting quarterbacks. Smith remains an elite blindside protector, earning an 83.8 overall grade from Pro Football Focus over his 13 starts last year. So long as he's on the field, he'll help the Jets.
Per Adam Schefter, Smith's deal will be for one year and "up to $20 million", a massive sum for the 33-year-old tackle. Smith is one of the greatest linemen of his generation, but he has missed 37 of a possible 67 starts since 2023. Odds are the Jets have protected themselves financially in case he misses time on this contract, but their success as a team will still be highly dependent on him starting and playing well most of the 2024 season. Not only is Rodgers coming off an injury, but he'll be 41 years old in December; he'll need all the protection he can get.
Photo Credit: © Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
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