Getty Free-agent offensive tackle Jason Peters with the Chicago Bears in 2021.
If there’s one position on the New York Jets roster that could still use some reinforcing, it’s offensive tackle.
Duane Brown and George Fant appear to be a formidable starting duo but the question mark lies behind them. Rookie Max Mitchell is the only backup O-tackle on the roster right now and the youngster did not look to be ready for NFL action during the preseason.
After choosing to cut both Chuma Edoga and Conor McDermott, the thought was that the Jets might sign a veteran to help take the pressure off Mitchell — should he be called upon at any point. The Jets did free up a roster spot by switching Vinny Curry to the four-week injured reserve but instead of adding another OT, they re-signed linebacker Marcell Harris.
Having said that, some inside NFL circles believe that the Jets are still in the market for a veteran swing tackle and one of their best options could be scooped up as soon as tomorrow (Sept. 5).
Jason Peters ‘Could Land With Dallas by Monday’
Amid a relatively quiet Sunday morning on Labor Day Weekend, NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport reported on a likely free-agent signing.
“The [Dallas] Cowboys are working toward a deal for former [Philadelphia] Eagles star and future Hall of Fame tackle Jason Peters, sources say, after a successful visit this past week,” Rapoport informed. “Nothing is done, but there is mutual interest in getting [this] done. Peters could land with Dallas by Monday.”
It’s a disappointing development for the Jets considering Peters was also named as a top option for Gang Green. During a mailbag column on September 2, Heavy’s NFL insider Matt Lombardo wrote that an NFC personnel executive “suggested Jason Peters as a fit” for New York after guaranteeing that general manager Joe Douglas is still looking for help at the position.
Unfortunately, Lombardo also noted that the Cowboys were interested in Peters.
If the Jets were ever “in” on the veteran, Dallas might have just beaten them to the punch. There’s still enough time for Douglas and the front office to pivot and look elsewhere at O-tackle before Week 1.
Tackle Options, Inside & Out
The Jets still have one promising offensive tackle within the organization — second-year prospect Grant Hermanns — who’s currently on the practice squad.
The former Purdue UDFA outplayed Mitchell in August with a 75.1 grade as a pass-blocker on Pro Football Focus. Granted, this was usually against second or third-team pass rushers, but Hermanns did show potential and his run-blocking scores were better too.
Of course, trusting Hermanns might be too similar to relying on Mitchell.
“The Jets need to go out and get a veteran tackle they can rely upon for respectable production in the event that Brown or Fant get hurt,” voiced Michael Nania of Jets X-Factor.
He continued: “Some of the most notable names on the free agent market include Bryan Bulaga, Daryl Williams, Marcus Cannon, Mike Remmers, and Bobby Massie. All of these players are 30-plus veterans who are past their primes but have tons of starting experience and can likely still play better football in 2022 than Mitchell.”
Nania also suggested two intriguing “waiver-wire cuts,” Roderick Johnson and Jordan Mills.
“Johnson’s pass-blocking is slightly better than the rookie expectations I laid above, and to boot, he is only 26 years old, offers two-side versatility, and can run-block at the level of an average starter,” Nania explained. “Mills is coming off a great pass-blocking preseason in a similar offensive scheme with the [San Francisco] 49ers, and has been a respectable pass-blocker over the past few years.”
Whatever route the Jets go in the coming days, they’ll hope that they never have to find out if they chose right. Brown and Fant will face their first test a week from today.