The Jets offensive line is shaping up nicely heading into 2026 training camp. New York is looking to take a major step forward. This is good news for head coach Aaron Glenn, who needs wins to help keep the position heading into 2027. Fortunately for him, the team is in a much better position heading into 2026 training camp. The organization made sweeping changes on the coaching staff, with both offensive and defensive coordinators newly hired. Along with personnel changes that led to 11 new starters across the offense and defense. But can they add one more to help the Jets offensive line?
The New York Jets offensive line is led by a trio of young long-term building blocks, including the young offensive tackle duo of Olu Fashanu and Armand Membou, as well as recently extended right guard Joe Tippmann. They are joined by two veterans in the interior with starting center Josh Myers and new left guard Dylan Parham. This is a solid unit, especially now led by an upgrade at quarterback with the return of Geno Smith. But to maximize their potential, there’s a veteran free agent who can be helpful to the team. It will change up the starting lineup, but it could be worth it to help the Jets offensive line short-term to help solve a top weakness.
15 Year Veteran Can Help Solidify the Jets Offensive Line
The New York Jets are entering 2026 with a desire for progress. With head coach Aaron Glenn’s job on the line after a rough first season, the clock is ticking for his opportunities to keep his job in 2027. Thankfully, Glenn has been open and receptive to the changes 2026 has brought him thus far. Along with bringing in a new offensive and defensive coordinator, Glenn himself will return to calling plays on defense, as he did back with the Detroit Lions. Meanwhile, former Indianapolis Colts and Carolina Panthers head coach Frank Reich has returned to the NFL as the Jets’ de facto leader on offense.
After three years away from the league, Frank Reich is entering a pretty decent situation. He has two great veteran playmakers: wide receiver Garrett Wilson and running back Breece Hall. Those two are joined by young, exciting offensive additions in wide receiver Adonai Mitchell and tight end Mason Taylor, along with a first-round pick duo of tight end Kenyon Sadiq and wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr. They will have 13-year veteran Geno Smith at quarterback, who should be a more effective passer than either Justin Fields, Tyrod Taylor, or Brady Cook were in 2025.
But the Jets offensive line is the key to improvement. As previously mentioned, their offensive line is anchored by two first-round picks in left tackle Olu Fashanu and right tackle Armand Membou. Both men have the potential to start on the offensive line over the next five-plus years. The interior is led by 2023 second-round pick Joe Tippmann, who went from a talented center at Wisconsin to an efficient right guard.
Rounding out the unit, longtime Green Bay Packer Josh Myers stepped up to be the starting center in 2025, and new left guard Dylan Parham joins his 2025 Raiders teammate Geno Smith in New York. While it’s a decent situation, New York could benefit from signing this free agent. Overall, the offensive line is in a great spot, but it could be better.
Kevin Zeitler Makes Sense to Join the Jets Offensive Line
While the Jets offensive line is in a good position, it’s not as good as it could be. One thing the team needs to do is reinforce the interior offensive line depth. Primarily, finding another quality starting center option. While he performed admirably, Josh Myers is on the lower tier of starting centers in the league. However, after the Baltimore Ravens signed free agent Ethan Pocic, the team has limited options. So, a reshuffling of the interior could involve signing this veteran free agent guard.
15-year veteran guard Kevin Zeitler is still on the market. The 2012 Cincinnati Bengals first-round pick out of the University of Wisconsin has had a productive career. Over the last 15 years, Zeitler has played for the Bengals, the Cleveland Browns, the New York Giants, the Baltimore Ravens, the Detroit Lions, and most recently the Tennessee Titans last season.
One thing about Zeitler is his consistency of staying on the field. Since 2014, the veteran right guard has started over 15 games each season. At the same time, Kevin Zeitler has been graded efficiently on PFF. In addition, there is familiarity with the coaching staff after Aaron Glenn was in Detroit with Zeitler. As well as Jets offensive line coach Steve Heiden, who was the Lions tight ends coach when Zeitler was there in 2024.
Free agent Kevin Zeitler was one of six qualified guards with a 70.0-plus PFF pass- and run-blocking grade. pic.twitter.com/fCMEFe1jjR
— Big Blue Vault (@bigblue_vault) March 22, 2026
How would a Kevin Zeitler signing affect the Jets offensive line?
If signed, Kevin Zeitler would be a great depth piece for the interior offensive line. However, how would the Jets adjust with Zeitler’s arrival? Well, that’s easier said than done. If Zeitler is signed, he would likely line up as their starting right guard. But what about Joe Tippmann? It would be an adjustment, but if Zeitler starts at right guard, then New York would transition Joe Tippmann back to center.
Now, ideally, New York would have signed a veteran center to keep Tippmann at right guard after performing well at his new position. But Tippmann has shown that he can be stable at center for the New York Jets offensive line. Especially when situated between two veteran guards in Zeitler and Parham. In addition, Zeitler can be a valuable mentor to Tippmann as a fellow Wisconsin Badger who can hopefully help Tippmann maximize his potential long-term.
But if this happens, who will Zeitler replace among the Jets starters? Moving Tippmann back to center this year means that Josh Myers will transition into a depth role to fill in if something were to happen. While it’s a demotion, it’s for a good reason.
Last season, despite the Jets struggles on offense, the Jets offensive line managed to have the same five starters throughout the season for the first time since 2012. In a position that generally involves consistent contact, that’s such a rarity in the league. Which means it’s highly unlikely New York’s good health can be sustained long-term. Allowing Myers to be on the bench allows New York to have a veteran starter on hand in case one of the starters gets hurt. It’d be a sacrifice for both Myers and Tippmann, but with the skill set that Zeitler brings, it’d be worth it for the Jets offensive line.
Main Photo: [Steve Roberts] – Imagn Images
