The New York Jets recently made waves in the NFL community by finalizing a deal with former Dallas Cowboys left tackle Tyron Smith, completing their offensive line overhaul. However, while Smith’s addition brings significant talent and experience to the Jets’ front five, it’s imperative for the team not to become complacent and neglect their offensive line depth.
Smith’s arrival adds to the Jets’ impressive offseason acquisitions, joining Morgan Moses and John Simpson to bolster an offensive line that already featured Alijah Vera-Tucker and Joe Tippmann. Undoubtedly, Smith’s credentials as a potential future Hall of Famer make him a valuable asset for Gang Green. With an illustrious career in Dallas, including multiple All-Pro selections and Pro Bowl appearances, Smith’s on-field dominance is unquestionable.
Yet, despite Smith’s prowess, concerns linger regarding his durability. At 33 years old, Smith has faced recurring injuries in recent seasons, limiting his availability on the field. While his performance remains stellar when healthy, his injury history underscores the need for contingency planning within the Jets’ offensive line.
The #Jets are only paying LT Tyron Smith $6 or $7 million in base value, a clear bargain.
But that price bakes in that New York probably still needs to sign — or draft — a swing tackle:https://t.co/EwyPsUuRlZ
— Dallas Robinson (@DallasDRobinson) March 18, 2024
Furthermore, Smith’s contract, reportedly valued at around $7 million, reflects a conscious acknowledgment of the potential need for additional depth. Given Smith’s injury-prone status, it’s prudent for Jets general manager Joe Douglas to allocate resources towards securing a capable swing tackle who can step in seamlessly when necessary.
The Jets’ offensive line landscape presents further cause for concern beyond Smith’s injury history. Moses, despite his durability in previous seasons, missed games due to injury in 2023, signaling potential vulnerabilities. Similarly, Vera-Tucker’s recent injury history underscores the importance of fortifying offensive line depth to mitigate risks and ensure consistent performance throughout the season.
Fortunately, the Jets find themselves in a favorable position to address these concerns. With ample cap space and flexibility for contract restructures, the team has the financial means to pursue viable options in the free-agent market. The availability of experienced veterans and promising prospects presents a ripe opportunity for the Jets to strengthen their offensive line depth.
In addition to exploring free-agent options, the upcoming NFL Draft offers the Jets another avenue to bolster their offensive line. With a deep pool of talented offensive tackles, including potential long-term successors to Smith, the Jets can leverage their draft position to secure impactful additions for the future.
Ultimately, while Smith’s signing marks a significant milestone for the Jets, it should not signal the end of their efforts to fortify their offensive line. As the team strives for success in the upcoming season and beyond, prioritizing offensive line depth remains a crucial component of their strategic roadmap. By remaining proactive and vigilant in their pursuit of talent, the Jets can solidify their offensive line unit and position themselves for sustained competitiveness in the NFL landscape.
The New York Jets have caused a stir in the NFL community with the addition of former Dallas Cowboys left tackle Tyron Smith, completing their offensive line overhaul. Smith’s arrival injects significant talent and experience into the Jets’ front five, complementing an already impressive lineup including Morgan Moses and John Simpson. With a distinguished career marked by All-Pro selections and Pro Bowl appearances, Smith undoubtedly strengthens Gang Green’s offensive line. However, concerns loom regarding his durability, given his history of injuries. Despite Smith’s prowess, the Jets must remain vigilant, ensuring sufficient depth to mitigate risks and maintain consistent performance. With ample cap space and opportunities in both free agency and the upcoming draft, the Jets have the means to bolster their offensive line depth and sustain competitiveness in the league.