The Jets, needing OL repairs, are expected to have interest in C Corey Linsley and G Joe Thuney, per sources. Big bucks. #Jets
— Rich Cimini (@RichCimini) March 15, 2021
A team flush with cap space and needing help along the offensive line will be in on free agent center Corey Linsley.
According to Rich Cimini of ESPN, the New York Jets are expected to have interest in Linsley and guard Joe Thuney, two of the best interior offensive linemen available in free agency.
Linsley, a seven-year starter at center for the Green Bay Packers, was the first-team All-Pro at the position and the top-graded center overall at Pro Football Focus during the 2020 season. He is expected to become one of the NFL’s highest-paid centers during free agency.
According to Over the Cap, the Jets have over $68 million available in cap space entering the legal tampering window on Monday.
Connor McGovern, the Jets’ starting center last season, gave up six sacks and 33 total pressures while committing three penalties, according to PFF. Linsley allowed one sack, four total pressures and didn’t have a penalty in 2020.
The Jets could easily offer Linsley over $10 million per season on a new deal. Eight different centers are playing on deals worth at least $10 million or more, and Linsley is bound to join them over the next few days.
Packers coach Matt LaFleur, a good friend of new Jets coach Robert Saleh, can provide a strong recommendation for Linsley, who anchored the offensive line of the NFL’s No. 1 scoring offense and was the team’s Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award nominee a year ago.
The Packers are unlikely to keep Linsley, especially after re-signing running back Aaron Jones on Sunday.
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