The Jets found their left tackle for 2024 and the early indications are that the Jets came away with a very favorable contract.
The early indication from Pro Football Talk is that the deal is worth up to $20 million but only $6.5 million is guaranteed. The remaining $13.5 million can be earned through playing time and incentives. Those playtime incentives start at 38 percent, per Mike Garafolo, so that is easily reachable, if he stays healthy.
This looks like a steal for the Jets. It’s a low risk because they initially don’t have that much money committed to Smith and they protect themselves in case Smith does get hurt, as he does have a bit of an injury history. Plus, he isn’t exactly a spring chicken. He’s 33 years old. At least that’s younger than Duane Brown, who was 38.
The Jets were even surprised Smith was willing to take such a deal but with the market getting a little quieter, the Jets swooped in and got their guy. Now, the Jets have their offensive line seemingly set, at least with the starting five.
LT: Tyron Smith
LG: John Simpson
C: Joe Tippmann
RG: Alijah Vera-Tucker
RT: Morgan Moses
Can the Jets put it all together? Can everyone stay healthy? Those are the biggest questions. But they’ve at least set out to do what they needed to and that’s fill the three open spots they had up front. Now it’s time to execute on the field.