Protecting quarterback Aaron Rodgers had to be the biggest priority this offseason for the New York Jets after the 4-time MVP went down with a torn Achilles after just four plays in his debut season in New York.
The Jets made a strong move recently by signing left tackle Tyron Smith to a one-year, $6.5 million deal with the potential to be up to $20 million in incentives.
Smith leaves the Cowboys after 13 seasons and eight Pro Bowl selections and revealed to CBS’ Josina Anderson why he chose to go to New York, saying, “I still feel like the Jets have an opportunity to win it, and anything I can do for the team to help them out, I’m going to do my best to do it.”
Free agent T Tyron Smith to me on the phone on why he picked the #Jets while trying to put his daughter to sleep:
“I would’ve love to have stayed home in Dallas, but as we all know it’s a business the way it works. I still feel like the #Jets have an opportunity to win it, and… pic.twitter.com/GtkKec2mJl
— JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) March 16, 2024
Smith will be looking to capitalize on a one-year deal full of incentives to prove that at 33 years old, he is worthy of another long-term contract next offseason.
The former Cowboy hasn’t played a full season since 2015, though he did play 13 games last year which was his most since 2019.
The Jets can ill-afford any more injuries to their offensive line after giving up a disastrous 64 sacks last year.
Smith rounds out what should be a much-improved offensive line, as he slots in as the blind-side starter next to John Simpson, Joe Tippmann, Alijah Vera-Tucker, and the newly-acquired Morgan Moses who will man right tackle once again.
Many probably expected long-time Packers left tackle David Bakhtiari to be the move for the Jets to reunite him with Rodgers, but Smith is still one of the best to do it as long as he stays healthy.
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