Offensive Line Investment Named Jets' 'Best Offseason' Move
The New York Jets offensive line last season resembled a saloon door as it allowed the fourth-most sacks in the league (64). With an aging Aaron Rodgers coming off an Achilles injury, having an offensive line that struggles to protect is a recipe for disaster.
As such, the franchise's main target this offseason was to fortify Rodgers' protection through free agency and the draft, which they did to a tee.
Due to this investment in Rodgers' offensive line, CBS Sports has named it the Jets' best offseason move.
"No NFL team cycled through more offensive line starters in 2023 than the New York Jets, who had 13 different starters up front in 17 games," CBS Sports wrote. "Their unit allowed 64 sacks, tied for the third-most in the league, and 280 quarterback pressures, the fourth-most in the league, last season. Part of that was because of injuries, and part of that was because of poor play. The Jets were bottom five in the league in every pass-blocking metric last season. Their success rides on how Rodgers performs, so they did what they needed to do to keep him healthy in 2024."
Offensive Line Investment Named Jets' 'Best Offseason' Move
What is best about the Jets' offensive line improvement is that they got savvy veterans in Morgan Moses and John Simpson, and for Rodgers' blindside protection, future Hall of Famer Tyron Smith was signed.
Also, they drafted Olu Fashanu in the first round for further protection for when Tyron needs a rest.
While yes, the addition of Mike Williams to Rodgers' arsenal is a good move (if Williams can remain healthy after his ACL injury), it doesn't matter if A-Rod doesn't have time to throw the football.
After having one of the worst offensive lines in football last year and now having what could at least be called a solid unit, the Jets' offense could look vastly different.
And if Rodgers can remain upright and lead the Jets on a deep playoff run, then the offensive line investment will easily be seen as New York's "best" offseason move.