- Smith will be tasked with protecting QB Aaron Rodgers’ blind side
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The New York Jets are adding All-Pro left tackle Tyron Smith to their offensive line after losing quarterback Aaron Rodgers to a season-ending injury just four plays into their 2023 campaign.
Friday night’s move completes an overhaul of New York’s offensive line, the focus of the offseason for the Jets and general manager Joe Douglas.
The deal was first reported by NFL Network and ESPN reported that it will be a one-year deal that could be worth up to $20 million, including incentives. A team source has since confirmed the news.
The Jets also re-signed defensive lineman Solomon Thomas earlier Friday, a person familiar with the deal told the AP.
The 33-year-old Smith, a two-time All-Pro and eight-time Pro Bowl selection, solidifies an offensive line that struggled with production and consistency last season. Smith will be tasked with protecting Rodgers’ blind side and will team with center Joe Tippmann and right guard Alijah Vera-Tucker, recently signed left guard John Simpson and right tackle Morgan Moses, who was acquired this week from Baltimore. .
The Jets have agreed to terms on a contract with former Dallas Cowboys left tackle Tyron Smith.
Tyron Smith (77) is seen blocking Seattle Seahawks defensive end Dre’Mont Jones in 2023.
Smith steps in at left tackle, where the Jets struggled during the 2023 season, starting with their first series.
It was during New York’s first possession of 2023 when Buffalo Bills defensive end Leonard Floyd beat veteran left tackle Duane Brown en route to Rodgers, who suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon that ended his season in the move.
Smith started 13 games last season and returned to his dominant form after being limited to just 17 games the previous three seasons due to injuries.
He played all 13 of his NFL seasons with the Cowboys after being the ninth overall pick in the 2011 draft out of USC.
Thomas has played the last two seasons in New York, where he has become an important part of the Jets’ defensive line rotation while establishing himself as a leader on the field and in the locker room.
The person spoke to the AP on Friday on condition of anonymity because the team had not announced the move. SNY first reported that Thomas had reached an agreement to return to New York.
Thomas, 28, recorded a career-high five sacks last season while playing in every game, including three starts.
Tyron Smith will be tasked with protecting quarterback Aaron Rodgers’ blind side
Thomas will once again be part of a Jets D-line that is considered one of the team’s strengths, led by Quinnen Williams, John Franklin-Myers, Jermaine Johnson, Micheal Clemons, Will McDonald and recently signed Javon Kinlaw and Leki Fotu.
Thomas was San Francisco’s third overall pick in the 2017 NFL draft and played his first four seasons with the 49ers, where current Jets coach Robert Saleh was his defensive coordinator. Thomas played the 2021 season with the Raiders before signing with the Jets the following offseason and re-signing last year.
He has 15 career sacks with 45 quarterback hits, two forced fumbles and one recovery in 99 NFL games.
Thomas, the Jets’ nominee last season for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award, is also heavily involved in the community. Her nonprofit The Defensive Line, created after his sister Ella’s death by suicide in 2018, focuses on raising awareness about youth suicide and mental health education.