Now that Aaron Rodgers is officially on board and a member of the New York Jets, the organization is trying to put its best foot forward with the future Pro Football Hall of Famer. In 2022, New York had issues with its offensive line staying healthy, so the Jets have made some necessary additions to their depth in recent days. Over the weekend, the Jets drafted offensive linemen Joe Tippman (Wisconsin) and Carter Warren (Pittsburgh) in the second and fourth rounds of the 2023 NFL Draft, respectively.
Since then, Gang Green made a move for a former Rodgers teammate, while also adding a veteran to the mix. After hosting Billy Turner on a free-agent visit, the Jets announced that they had agreed to terms with the veteran free-agent offensive tackle.
Let's get it, @Big_Mountain77!! Welcome to NY 🛫
📰 https://t.co/Z2NCvtfGEq pic.twitter.com/sk7ndLDh1E
— New York Jets (@nyjets) May 1, 2023
NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero reports that the deal is for one year and worth up to $3.15 million.
Turner, who has previously made 75 career starts, has multiple connections to Rodgers and offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett. He played in Green Bay from 2019-2021 and made 43 starts between right tackle and right guard for the Packers over the course of three seasons. After being released by Green Bay, he followed Hackett to Denver, where he started seven games for the Broncos.
Surely, Turner’s connection to Rodgers and his knowledge of the offense plays a big role in why the Jets brought him in. At the same time, the 31-year-old brings a lot of versatility to the fold and has played every offensive line position — minus center — at the pro level.
Turner provides the Jets another option at offensive tackle, joining the likes of Warren, Duane Brown, Mekhi Becton, Max Mitchell and Cedric Ogbuehi. In any event, the Jets are doing what they can to protect the 39-year-old Rodgers. It’ll be an interesting training camp, to say the least.
[Tom Pelissero on Twitter]
