Before Joe Douglas can focus on who he plans to target in free agency come March, he’ll have a handful of in-house decisions to make.

The Jets have 32 players set to hit the open market this offseason. Some don’t figure to factor into New York’s plans for 2020, while it’s safe to assume the Jets would like to keep others around for a while. Either way, Douglas has a lot of work to do in his first offseason on the job.

Tom Compton signed with the Jets in free agency as offensive line depth, but found himself in the starting lineup by season’s end due to a rash of injuries that plagued the unit throughout the year. Does Compton’s performance in the second half of the season warrant a return in 2020? Let’s evaluate the situation in Jets Wire’s latest free agent profile.

Pros of keeping him

You could make the case that Compton is the ideal reserve offensive lineman. He has experience as a starter and can play anywhere on the interior of the line.

Compton isn’t the most impressive mauler in the trenches, but he performs well enough to open up holes for running backs to scamper through more often than not. That could be enough to tempt Douglas into bringing the 30-year-old back next season.

Cons of keeping him

Considering the physical toll playing in the trenches takes on an offensive lineman, Compton’s age will play a role in Douglas’ decision this offseason. Compton’s durability has not been in question throughout his career, but he did suffer an injury in December that landed him on injured reserve. Considering he is getting up there in years, Compton’s mileage is certainly worth considering.

The presence of Alex Lewis complicates matters as well. Lewis is set to hit free agency, he is Douglas’ guy, while Compton was a Mike Maccagnan holdover. Douglas will likely have to pick between the two and Lewis has a major leg up. That makes Compton’s future in the Big Apple rather murky.

The verdict

Compton has a decent case to remain with the Jets, but odds are Douglas opts to bring back Lewis instead of the veteran interior lineman. Lewis is younger and has a connection with New York’s general manager. Compton is nearing the wrong side of 30 and could be done without.