Last season for the New York Jets was a complete wash after quarterback Aaron Rodgers blew out his Achilles just four plays into the season, but the immediate future is still bright assuming Rodgers is healthy again.
New York has had an active offseason working to solidify the team around its four-time MVP, and one analyst thinks a particular recent signing could be a great one.
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport said that the signing of left tackle Tyron Smith has the chance to be a “season-changing move.”
HOLY SCHNIKES!@RapSheet told @eallenjets that the #Jets signing of OT Tyron Smith has the chance to be a ‘season changing move.’ 👀
Ian Rapoport said a healthy Tyron Smith is a ‘top 3 [offensive] tackle in the #NFL’ right now + called him a true expert at his craft, ‘there… pic.twitter.com/rXEJWHetxy
— Paul Andrew Esden Jr (@BoyGreen25) March 30, 2024
Rapoport added that a healthy Smith is a “top 3 tackle in the NFL right now” and said, “there will be games when you will basically not notice when he’s on the field.”
Smith had a lot of those types of games during his 13 years with the Cowboys, but injuries have started to catch up to him in recent years.
The offensive line was a huge problem for the Jets last season, as it ended Rodgers’ season before it even started, and also saw Rodgers’ backups eat 63 more sacks throughout the rest of the year.
Smith signed an incentive-heavy one-year deal that should add plenty of motivation for him to stay on the field and push toward another big contract next offseason.
He’ll also have a chance to win his first Super Bowl blocking for one of the game’s all-time greats.
For the first time in a few years, New York’s offensive line is solidified and could finally be a strength rather than a weakness.
NEXT:
Insider Highlights A Suddenly Stacked Jets Position Group