New York Jets agree in principle to Kelechi Osemele trade to bolster line
The New York Jets have jump started the offseason, agreeing in principle to a trade to bring Kelechi Osemele to the offensive line from the Raiders.
I guess the New York Jets have found their replacement for James Carpenter. Have a look:
Raiders have an agreement in principle to trade G Kelechi Osemele to the NY Jets, sources tell @josinaanderson and me. Trade cannot be processed until Weds, but two sides have agreement in place. Another Raiders’ trade.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 10, 2019
How about that, fans? Mike Maccagnan is out there making a move prior to free agency. As we heard in the tweet, it won’t be official until Wednesday. According to Jerry McDonald of the Oakland Tribune, the Raiders are getting a fifth round pick and the Jets get back a six in addition to Osemele.
Osemele spent his first four years in Baltimore after being selected in the second round of the 2012 draft. He spent his last three seasons with the Raiders, two of them ended with a Pro Bowl selection (2016-2017).
He was an All-Pro in 2016. Last season was a tough one because Osemele was banged up for most of it. However, just being on the verge of 30 years old, a healthy Osemele has effective play left in him.
This is an excellent move. Take a look at his Pro Football Focus grades. They have been remarkably consistent if you take out his injury-riddled 2018. Over the previous four years, three of them were over 84 and one was a 76.
It has been clear that the Jets had no intention of bringing back James Carpenter. He started off well when he arrived in 2015 with a grade of 83.4. From there, however, it steadily went down until it fell last year to a 56.3.
This is not the type of player we want up front protecting your Mr. Sam Darnold. We want someone who is going to make his life easier and safer. Upon arrival Carpenter fit that bill. He doesn’t any longer. It was time to move on, and there was no guarantee Roger Saffold was going to sign here.
Bringing in a former All-Pro that is a bit younger than Saffold is an excellent idea.
Next. Must go hard after Bell. dark
Maccagnan must keep going, this is obviously just a first step. However, we must give credit where it is due. This is a solid first step.
There could be a ripple effect as well. Making a move to improve the offensive line could get the attention of others. Le’Veon Bell might like the idea that the guys in green are doing what they need to do to get better.
Maybe it pushes him in our direction? We will find out soon, but this move marks a good day for the Jets.
For more grades, advanced statistics and more at Pro Football Focus, subscribe to PFF’s EDGE or ELITE subscriptions at ProFootballFocus.com.