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.

Brandon Shell entered 2019 as New York’s starting right tackle before eventually losing the job to Chuma Edoga. Shell proceeded to make spot starts on the line after his benching due to injuries before taking over for Edoga at the end of the season when he hit injured reserve. Shell played a bit better down the stretch, placing himself in consideration to return in 2020. Will Douglas opt to bring him back? Let’s evaluate the situation in Jets Wire’s latest free agent profile.

Pros of returning

Shell is only 27. He didn’t have the best season, but there is plenty of time for him to get back on track with the proper tutelage.

The South Carolina product improved his play in the final weeks of the season, so there is reason to hope his progression at the end of the year could carry over into next season. If the Jets opt to bring him back, Douglas is likely banking on Shell to return to the form that made him a promising starter on New York’s offensive line a couple of years ago.

Cons of returning

Shell did not show New York’s new regime much in 2019. Douglas knows what good offensive line play looks like and Shell did not provide it on a consistent basis.

Shell is a decent enough depth piece, but he has no connection to the new regime. It’s tough to see Douglas keeping a player he has no prior connection to after the way he played last season.

The verdict

Once upon a time, it looked like Shell would be an integral part of the Jets offensive line for years. Things have not panned out that way and now, there is a strong possibility Shell has a new home next season.

The offensive line is going to be a point of emphasis for New York in the draft. With Edoga returning for his second season and the Jets looking to get younger overall, there likely will not be a spot for Shell at One Jets Drive come March.