While the health and performance of quarterback Aaron Rodgers will be vital to success in 2024, the New York Jets will also need their offensive line to be much better. To that end, Gang Green made a big signing on Friday night.
It was reported on Friday that the Jets signed left tackle Tyron Smith. Smith, who’s played his entire career to this point with the Dallas Cowboys.
Jordan Schultz of Bleacher Report reported the news.
BREAKING: Free agent LT Tyron Smith is signing with the #Jets, sources tell @BleacherReport.
The 5x All-Pro finds a new home after 13 seasons with the #Cowboys. pic.twitter.com/EwYduJGmcs
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) March 16, 2024
Smith has been one of the NFL’s best offensive linemen since his rookie season in 2011. He’s earned eight Pro Bowl bids, a pair of First-team All-Pro selections and been Second-team All-Pro three times — including 2023.
Health is a concern for Smith. He played only 13 regular season games in 2023 and has played no more than 13 in eight straight seasons. The 2020 and 2022 seasons were particularly notable, as a neck injury limited him to only two games in 2020 while a hamstring injury kept him out of all but four games in 2022.
Despite the risk, the general feeling on Friday was that it was a good move for the Jets and another in a line of disappointments for the Cowboys this offseason.
Aaron Rodgers has a new best friend! 💪 https://t.co/1rNsnbRYz1
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) March 16, 2024
Look I was fine with the love but to not have a plan in place and then not brining him back? This FO is awful. https://t.co/hkgrU5XdDD
— Dan Ruppert (@Dan_Ruppert) March 16, 2024
Cheap ass Stephen is going to regret this one.
Now the question is, Tyler Smith to LT or trust a rookie (that you now have to use a 1st round pick on) to protect Dak’s blindside.
Lovely. 🫠 https://t.co/3kMh8UVGE5
— Outl✭w (@OutlawCowboyNFL) March 16, 2024
Big risk, massive reward
The Jets with an “All in” type of move here https://t.co/FCq6MqZJGZ
— Joe Blewett (@Joerb31) March 16, 2024
I’m gonna be sick https://t.co/VdcNiMMtdo
— Cowboys Nation (@CowboysNation) March 16, 2024
Smith’s injury history is a concern. But the Jets had the NFL’s worst offensive line in 2023.
1. Eagles
32. JetsUpdated offensive line rankings after 16 weekshttps://t.co/I1bF3c2epg
— PFF (@PFF) December 27, 2023
So, while bringing in a 33-year-old left tackle with a history of injuries is a risk, it’s probably one that was worth taking.
[Jordan Schultz on Twitter/X]
