New York Jets must protect Aaron Rodgers, invest in offensive line in offseason،
FLORHAM PARK, NJ — Playing his first round of golf since his Achilles surgery in September, Aaron Rodgers scored a hole-in-one a few days ago at the exclusive Shadow Creek course in Las Vegas. His playing partners were offensive linemen Connor McGovern, Max Mitchell and Chris Glaser, instantly qualifying it as the best New York Jets quarterback offensive line moment in some time.
Yes, it was another one of those seasons for the offensive line: too many breakdowns, not enough protection and an alarming number of injuries. It was a repeat of 2022 and 2021 and… well, you can just keep rolling back the calendars.
General manager Joe Douglas, who has failed to deliver the type of offensive line he promised when he was hired in 2019, has vowed to take a hard look at the line's past, present and future . This could be his last chance, with 2024 shaping up to be a now or never season for the current regime and its vast Rodgers experience.
“Obviously another big point of reflection (is) the offensive line, and going back and thinking about what worked and what didn't work,” Douglas said at the end of the season. “Obviously we have invested a lot of resources into this position.”
The Jets are one of four teams that have used two first-round picks on linemen since 2020, Douglas' first draft. They spent $165 million over the line, well above the league average over that span, according to Over The Cap. But the results are not up to par. Not even close.
Since 2020, the Jets rank 29th in sacks allowed (tie), 26th in passing win rate, 20th in yards per rush and 32nd in rushing win rate, according to ESPN Stats & Information data. During that same period, which covers 67 games, they started 37 different combinations – a staggering lack of continuity which no doubt contributed to the difficulties.
“They’re terrible,” said a veteran staffer who studied the Jets.
Oh, did we mention they also have three different line coaches and three different offensive systems?
That's not how Douglas envisioned things at first, when he inherited a depleted roster in June 2019. During his introductory press conference, Douglas – himself a former collegiate lineman – said the offensive line will always be a priority. He said: “It's a game of wills and we will try to build a team that can impose its will on other teams and, to do that, you have to be strong up front.”
Over the last 67 games, the Jets haven't started the same five linemen for more than eight straight games and only once have they rushed for at least 155 yards in consecutive games. It's no wonder their record is 20-47, second-worst in the NFL.
The low point came in the first game of 2023, when Rodgers tore his left Achilles during a first-series sack by Buffalo Bills defensive end Leonard Floyd. He beat left tackle Duane Brown, whose failed cut block resulted in the cut block technique being removed from the playbook. The play, one of the darkest moments in team history , served as a warning sign.
Reflecting on another disappointing season, Douglas lamented the string of injuries, an annual problem. The Jets lost guard Alijah Vera-Tucker (Achilles) and center McGovern (knee) to season-ending injuries, while Brown (groin) missed eight straight games before returning in a backup role. The Jets gambled that Brown, 38, who was coming off shoulder surgery, could last one more season — a decision that quickly backfired.
The injury scourge was so deep that seven different players started at right guard.
“I feel like I spend so much time trying to prevent the storm from happening when it comes to injuries,” said Douglas, who created a sports performance department in 2021 – a major investment intended to reduce the injury rate.
Douglas issued a minor mea culpa, saying he should have had 10 linemen on the opening day roster instead of nine – added insurance against injury. In the grand scheme of things, it would have been like having an extra life jacket on the Titanic. The organization is conducting an in-depth study on offensive line injuries, looking for ways — i.e., changing workout and workout regimens — to keep the big guys healthy .
The Jets' chances of ending their 13-year playoff drought depend on their ability to protect Rodgers, 40, who admitted as much at the end of the season: “We had a lot of injuries up front , so we have to consolidate the offensive line. It is important.
Trying to build chemistry (and just have a good time), Rodgers arranged an offensive line trip to Vegas, where 11 players joined him last weekend. They visited the sights, including a trip to a Las Vegas Golden Knights hockey game. They took a group photo in their suite, posted by guard Wes Schweitzer on his Instagram.
Aaron Rodgers arranged for the offensive line to take a trip to Vegas, where they attended a Golden Knights game. This looks like a great turnout. 📸Wes Schweitzer IG. #Jets pic.twitter.com/UK9rXJfhaa
– Rich Cimini (@RichCimini) January 22, 2024
In reality, many players in the photo won't be on the team in 2024. Left tackle Mekhi Becton and McGovern are pending free agents, and left guard Laken Tomlinson — who hasn't missed a snap since signing in 2022 – could be a cap casualty due to his inflated $18.9 million cap charge. Brown, not pictured, is a free agent and may retire. The only sure starters are Vera-Tucker (guard or tackle) and Joe Tippmann (center or guard).
“I feel like we have a few key players,” Douglas said.
Becton was projected as one of those guys when he was picked 11th overall in 2020, but his knee injury history (missed 34 games since 2021) has slowed his development. He changed the narrative in 2023, missing one game, but he allowed 12 sacks, according to Next Gen Stats. The Jets will likely let him hit the open market. Becton, 24, hopes to generate considerable interest.
“Yes, I think there are a lot of people watching me and watching me closely,” he said. “I would love to come home (to the Jets), you know what I mean? But if they don't want me, that's it.”
Like Becton, Vera-Tucker was a first-round pick (2021), but his rapid rise was disrupted by a torn pectoral muscle and a torn Achilles. As a result, he missed 22 games in 2022 and 2023. When healthy, he is considered their best lineman.
Look for perpetual rebuilding to continue this offseason. With the 10th pick in the draft, Douglas could get a chance at one of the top tackles, either Joe Alt (Notre Dame) or Olumuyiwa Fashanu (Penn State). In his first mock draft, ESPN's Mel Kiper, Jr. has them select Fashanu, who would be a day one starter at left tackle.
No one will be surprised if he chooses another lineman. They have drafted six since 2020, but that pales in comparison to the New England Patriots (10), Green Bay Packers (nine) and Chicago Bears (nine). Douglas has yet to find a mid-round pick; these are often the lifeblood of an offensive line. As a result, he will have to invest more money in free agency.
The tackle market is tight, with Jonah Williams (Cincinnati Bengals), Tyron Smith (Dallas Cowboys), Andrus Peat (New Orleans) and Jermaine Eluemunor (Las Vegas Raiders) among the top names. It's slim because teams generally don't let their best linemen out of the building. The Jets failed to master the draft-and-develop technique. The last draft pick to get a second contract was guard Brian Winters, a third-round pick in 2013.
“They need to have free agency,” the personnel manager said. “They don't need stars, they just need solid guys – tough guys, high IQ guys. They need to recruit some of these players for B money, not for B money. money A. Everywhere else they're fine. It's easier to fix one thing than three things.
Douglas, entering his fifth offseason with one year remaining on his contract, is under enormous pressure to repair his broken offensive line. He knows what to do. As the executive said: “No man sees life more clearly than a dying man.”
