Getty Some New York Jets offensive linemen clashing in the middle of practice.
The New York Jets have secured some protection for veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
Gang Green announced on social media that rookie offensive lineman Carter Warren signed his contract on Thursday, May 18.
Now it’s really real 🖊 @CarterWarren79
It’s a four-year deal with a maximum value of $4.6 million and features a $750,000 base salary in 2023, per Over The Cap.
What Are the Jets Getting in OT Carter Warren?
The 24-year-old was selected with the No. 120 overall pick in the fourth round of April’s draft.
One of his biggest traits is his freakish size. He stands at 6-foot-5 and weighed in at 311 pounds at the NFL combine.
NFL draft analyst Lance Zierlein said the former Pitt product “carries a 7-foot wingspan.”
Warren appeared in over 40 games across his six years with the Panthers football program. He was born and raised in New Jersey and was a hometown pick for the Jets on day three of the draft.
The reason he was available so late in the draft is due to an injury situation. Warren suffered a season-ending meniscus tear in his left knee. That forced him to miss the final nine games of his final season and most of the pre-draft process, per Dane Brugler of The Athletic.
Carter Warren Labeled a ‘Gem’ From Jets Draft Class
Alex Kay of Bleacher Report wrote a column predicting the most surprising rookie gems from the 2023 class.
Warren cracked the top-5 overall NFL list. While Kay believes the Jets were sniped during the draft for a top offensive tackle in the first round he still believes Warren is a “potential piece to build around.”
Kay listed Warren as one of the “older prospects” in April’s draft at 24 but said that experience could give him an early advantage. Typically older players aren’t as raw and in theory can contribute quicker on the field. However, that isn’t always the case.
Kay wouldn’t be surprised if Warren earns the team’s “swing tackle role” by the time training camp rolls around.
During Warren’s time in college, he cut his teeth as a left tackle but the team believes he can play on both sides.
Kay explained that the swing tackle role could be a temporary gig that could evolve into something much greater later in the season.
Naturally, the Jets have more questions than answers along the offensive line in the middle of the 2023 offseason. At the left tackle position specifically, Mekhi Becton hasn’t been able to stay healthy and Duane Brown will be 38 years of age by the time the season starts.
If either option flops during the offseason or even during the 2023 campaign, Warren could quickly accelerate up the depth chart.
Kay believes the coaching staff “should have little hesitation” to throw the former Pitt product into the fire if those situations present themselves.
Protecting your quarterback is important in any season, but in the same year that you acquire Aaron Rodgers, it holds even greater importance.
The good news is the Jets have done a really good job of adding depth on the offensive line so if the injury bug hits again next season they should be as prepared for it as you can be.