New York Jets signing has implications for Aaron Rodgers and NFL Draft
The New York Jets have made a statement of intent by signing eight-time Pro Bowl offensive tackle Tyron Smith, who has left the Dallas Cowboys after 13 years with the franchise
The New York Jets are set to sign eight-time Pro Bowl offensive tackle Tyron Smith, a move that could please Aaron Rodgers for two reasons. After 13 years with the Dallas Cowboys, 34 year old Smith has agreed to a one-year deal to join the Jets at MetLife Stadium, according to ESPN.
He’ll be part of a new-look offensive line alongside quarterback Rodgers, who missed all of last season due to injury. His signing follows that of left guard John Simpson and right tackle Morgan Moses.
Jets coach Robert Saleh hopes Smith, one of the most respected players in his position over the past decade, can revitalise the Jets’ offensive line after a disappointing 2023 season. The Jets allowed 64 sacks last year, ranking them 28th.
Smith’s $20 million (£15.7m), one-year contract could prove beneficial, especially as he could be the perfect blindside protector for Rodgers. However, there are concerns about whether the former Cowboys favourite can stay fit in 2024, given his mixed injury record.
In 2023, he showed off his skills as one of the NFL’s top players as a left tackle, starting in 14 games. However, an old knee injury from eight years ago caused him to miss three games. Smith has also not played a full season since 2015.
But when he is on the field, there’s no doubting his talent – last season he had an 89.1% pass block win rate and a 78.8% run block win rate. Cowboys CEO Stephen Jones spoke highly of smith, knowing he’s going to lose a good player.
He said: “The door is open. Tyron Smith is gonna be a Hall of Fame football player. He’s had an amazing career and we certainly haven’t shut the door on a continued career here in Dallas.
“He’s a man’s man and one of the greatest left tackles to [ever] play the game. No one feels better about Tyron Smith than this organization. We have nothing but big-time thoughts about Tyron and what he’s all about.”
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