The New York Jets have signed two-time All-Pro left tackle, Tyron Smith, to be their starting left tackle in 2024, and they still should take a tackle in Round 1.
NFL Network’s Ian Rapaport was the first to break the news of the Smith signing.
Source: The #Jets are expected to sign former #Cowboys All-Pro and Pro Bowl LT Tyron Smith, a new blindside protector for Aaron Rodgers. pic.twitter.com/VLNEDMzDds
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 16, 2024
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the deal is an incentive-laden one that could reach $20 million.
Jets are giving OT Tyron Smith a one-year deal that, with incentives, could be worth up to $20 million, per source.
Smith is said to be looking forward to the idea of protecting Aaron Rodgers. https://t.co/9823litxBT
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 16, 2024
This should in no way alter the needs with the tenth overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, though. Many are saying the Jets should take a playmaker (tight end Brock Bowers, or a wide receiver), but that makes no sense. Let’s dive into why.
Could the Tyron Smith Signing Impact the New York Jets First-Round Pick
Durability Questions
There are five key numbers when it comes to evaluating this deal: 2015, 2, 11, 4, and 13. The last four numbers are the number of games Tyron Smith has played in each of the last four seasons. The two single-digit numbers from 2020 and 2022 are the most concerning. 2015 was the last season he played an entire season. So, even if he doesn’t miss many starts, he’s likely to miss time; for the Jets’ sake, it needs to be as few as possible.
The 2024 NFL Draft
When you look at a draft class and evaluate who a player should take, it’s not just about roster need. Depth at a position is a key component to when you select players too.
Given the durability questions, the Jets are going to have to land an offensive lineman who can take Smith’s place during the season. As of now, Max Mitchell or Carter Warren aren’t likely to be able to be good enough to fill in. That’s where the depth of the class comes in.
This class has a deep well of pass-catchers, especially at wide receiver. On the other hand, when you get beyond the middle of the second round (likely), there are a lot more developmental tackles who likely won’t be ready to step in in a pinch.
The future at left tackle is also murky. While they drafted Carter Warren, and believe he could be the future, they need some insurance for that too.
“If he can stay healthy”
Unfortunately, the Jets have to think about one of the most unlikeable five-word phrases in the NFL on their offensive line, again, “if he can stay healthy”. If he can, the signing of Tryon Smith will be a good one for the Jets, but they need to stay away from drafting a wide receiver in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft, even though many think it’s still a possibility.
The Jets need to have learned a lesson from 2023. The depth on the offensive line — along with the loss of Aaron Rodgers — was a huge factor in the 7-10 finish. With better offensive line depth, maybe the season would have turned out differently.
In the end, everything adds up to the Jets’ best option still is to take an offensive tackle — presumably the best one on the board — with the No. 10 overall pick. The only other option is to trade down and still take a tackle later, but a pass-catcher should be out of the question.
Main Image: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
