The Jets have their new long-term center after selecting Wisconsin’s Joe Tippmann with the 43rd pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. But there’s a chance he gets a head start on being the long-term center.
The Jets recently re-signed Connor McGovern, but that was a very small deal of less than $2 million for one year. Likely thanks to that, head coach Robert Saleh confirmed following the Tippmann pick that there will be an “open competition” between McGovern and Tippmann.
Saleh says it will be an “open competition” between Joe Tippmann and incumbent Connor McGovern. #Jets
— Rich Cimini (@RichCimini) April 29, 2023
Saleh also didn’t close the door on former Titans center Ben Jones but noted he likes the room how it is now.
Tippmann’s athletic ability should give him at least a shot to beat out McGovern to earn the starting spot Week 1. Either way, the Jets have their man in the middle for years to come. We’ll see if he starts from day one.
Joe Douglas wouldn't close the door on still signing Ben Jones. #Jets
— Zack Rosenblatt (@ZackBlatt) April 29, 2023