New York Jets top 5 free agent offensive lineman targets

The New York Jets failed to live up to preseason expectations. Part of the reason for their disappointing record was a dismal offensive line. We look at some free agents who could bolster Gang Green’s front line.

In 2019, the New York Jets ranked 31st in points, 31st in rushing yards, 29th in passing yards and dead last in total yards. Their lack of production could be chalked up to a few things such as Sam Darnold having mono the first couple weeks of the season. However, it was in the trenches that ultimately doomed Gang Green’s offense.

The line ranked 31st in protection-rate at an abysmal 77.5 percent. Darnold seemed to be scrambling constantly and there were many snaps that he was not ready for. Protecting the quarterback is the number one job of the offensive line and they could not do it.

Running back Le’Veon Bell, in particular, was frustrating to watch. Even after sitting out for a year, there was no reason for him to be as bad as he was. Bell always had an amazing offensive line in Pittsburgh. He developed incredible patience to find a hole to run through. There was never a hole to run through with Jets as the men in front couldn’t get a good push, and he suffered because of it.

While this is a particularly good draft for offensive linemen there is no reason to think that New York can’t sign some guys too. With $49.6M in cap space, they definitely have the money to improve something that definitely needs fixing. The defense was great as they ranked second in rushing and seventh in total yards allowed. With a reliable D in hand, GM Joe Douglas should be focused on the offense this offseason.