It has been no secret that the New York Jets have been beefing up their offensive line. The team selected left tackle Mekhi Becton in round one last season and spent their second first-round pick this year on left guard Alijah Vera-Tucker. Nonetheless, it appears the team may not be done adding blockers in front of rookie quarterback Zach Wilson.
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, former Washington Football Team right tackle Morgan Moses recently visited with Gang Green. Moses, a longtime starter along the Washington front, has been heavily coveted since being granted his release. Obviously, the Jets have competition for landing Moses. But what might Moses bring to the 2021 New York Jets?
Exploring Potential New York Jets Addition of Morgan Moses
Jets Get Experience from Morgan Moses
Now, Morgan Moses is no long-term solution at the right tackle position for the Jets. The tackle just turned 30-years old this past March, which would make him the team’s oldest starter along the front. Then again, his age does come with plenty of NFL experience.
Taken in the third round of the 2014 NFL Draft, Moses has spent all seven years in the NFL with Washington. After only starting one of eight games as a rookie, he started every single game from 2015-2020 for the team. Considering how often the Jets have dealt with injuries to their line, having a consistent rock upfront would be huge.
Morgan Moses Offers a Strong Run Blocker
At the same time, Moses would not just be a solid veteran addition. In fact, Moses might be the Jets best right tackle in years. Simply take a look at his numbers from PFF this past season. Among 79 qualifying tackles, his 79.9 overall grade ranked 18th, backed by an 84.7 run-blocking grade that was 7th among all tackles.
But Not a Great Pass Blocker
Obviously, those grades are excellent. Moses played along a great Washington line, which certainly helped him out. After all, from 2017-2019, Moses posted modest numbers across the board, including often being called for penalties, especially as a pass blocker.
Should the Jets add Morgan Moses, he would take the right tackle job from the uber-athletic George Fant. While Moses gave up five sacks last season with six penalties, Fant only gave up three sacks with two penalties on about 150 fewer snaps. So, in reality, would the Jets be willing to sacrifice pass protection for improved run blocking?
A Right Side Shuffle
If New York were to bring in Morgan Moses, it would likely lock in the team’s fourth starter along the offensive line. Becton and Vera-Tucker will man the left side, with Connor McGovern at center, and Moses at right tackle. Thus, leaving the right guard competition getting even bigger.
Currently, the team has Alex Lewis, Greg Van Roten, and Cameron Clark as the main trio fighting for the job. Lewis, who was an expected cap casualty, recently restructured his deal to remain with the Jets. Like Lewis, Van Roten remains with the team for now but needs to show improvement after an up and down 2020 campaign. Meanwhile, Clark has never taken a snap in the league after being taken in the fourth round of the 2020 NFL Draft.
With these three all having had their issues, it would be interesting to see Moses come into the fold, as it might push George Fant into the right guard competition. Fant, who has always been now for his athleticism, may be capable of playing inside in offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur’s scheme. LaFleur emphasizes outside zone runs and play-action, both of which would highlight Fant’s ability to move in space.
Would Moses Sign with New York?
At the end of the day, the Jets are not the only team interested in Moses. Already, the Chicago Bears have met with Moses, and other teams will too. Who knows if Moses will wind up on Gotham Green. Yet, the idea of bringing on Moses is one that the Jets had to explore once he hit the market.
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