The Jets needed to shore up the line for 40-year-old Aaron Rodgers
If Aaron Rodgers isn't running for vice president, it seems he'll have a solid offensive line in front of him.
The New York Jets are reportedly prepared to make a huge splash by signing eight-time Pro Bowl offensive lineman Tyron Smith, 33.
The longtime Dallas Cowboy was a second-team All-Pro selection last season.
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Dallas Cowboys offensive tackle Tyron Smith (77) in action during an NFC wild-card game against the San Francisco 49ers Jan. 16, 2022, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. (Robin Alam/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Earlier this week, the Jets acquired Morgan Moses to beef up their offensive line. Smith will now protect Rodgers' blindside, alongside Moses and Alijah Vera-Tucker.
Smith made the Pro Bowl in each season from 2013 to 2019 and in 2021, living up to his hype as the ninth overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft.
The Jets acquired Rodgers last year in hopes of making the playoffs for the first time since 2010.
Dallas Cowboys offensive tackle Tyron Smith during an NFL preseason game against the Los Angeles Chargers Aug. 20, 2022, at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Calif. (Jevone Moore/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
COWBOYS RELEASE LEIGHTON VANDER ESCH AMID THREAT OF CAREER-ENDING NECK INJURY
However, Rodgers ruptured his Achilles on just his fourth snap of the season, ending the Jets' playoff hopes.
Despite lots of drama surrounding the Jets — especially where Rodgers is concerned — the four-time MVP does figure to be healthy at the start of the season. He nearly returned in 2023 and probably would have if the Jets were in playoff contention.
SNY noted Smith's market "didn't come together as expected," so general manager Joe Douglas "pounced."
The reported deal with Smith opens up a number of options for the Jets' draft pick at No. 10. They desperately need a No. 2 receiver behind Garrett Wilson, but there is a decent chance Marvin Harrison, Rome Odunze and Malik Nabers will be gone by then.
But Douglas is not afraid to trade up, doing so for Vera-Tucker and Breece Hall previously.
Tyron Smith of the Dallas Cowboys warms up prior to an NFL wild-card playoff game against the Green Bay Packers at AT&T Stadium Jan. 14, 2024, in Arlington, Texas. (Perry Knotts/Getty Images)
The question for New York has been its offense. Once again, the Jets' defense was stout. But after Rodgers' injury, Zach Wilson struggled again.
So, it makes sense the Jets would want to protect their quarterback with a better offensive line.
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