Bringing back tackle Kelvin Beachum an overlooked free agent option for Jets

The Jets have their offensive line, but former Jets tackle Kelvin Beachum could be a great backup option for the team.

Jets GM Joe Douglas has shown that he thinks the three most important things for rebuilding a football team are experience, leadership and a well-rounded offensive line. He signed seasoned veterans Frank Gore and Joe Flacco in free agency, drafted five college captains and brought in eight offensive linemen this offseason to upgrade protection for Sam Darnold.

Now, as the season draws closer despite the uncertainty of the coronavirus pandemic, the Jets should look at bringing in another free agent that meets all three of Douglas’ requisites in an attempt to fortify and stabilize the team. That would be Kelvin Beachum.

Much like the signings of Gore and Flacco, bringing Beachum back would be less about his ability to start and more about his ability to provide cohesiveness within a unit that hasn’t yet practiced together. He could also provide mentorship for young and new players. Beachum started all but three games in the past three seasons for the Jets and could be an immediate fill-in starter if needed, too.

Half of the eight linemen Douglas signed or drafted have the ability to start one of the five positions on the offensive line. All of that new blood is good, normally, but can be problematic if they lose any practice time together. Free agent acquisition George Fant and 11th overall pick Mekhi Becton will be the Jets’ starting tackles in 2020, but Beachum’s presence would ensure the continuity and integrity of the offensive line remains intact with so many new pieces in place.

Beachum – who turns 31 in June – would also be a great teacher for Becton given his eight years and 99 starts of experience. Becton is a very exciting but raw prospect and could use help from someone who’s played in Adam Gase’s offense and blocked for Darnold in the past.

Beachum is nowhere near the size of Becton – Beachum is shorter at 6-foot-3 and lighter at 308 pounds – but he was actually one of the Jets’ best blocking linemen in 2019. His 94.2 percent block win-rate ranked third in the NFL, according to ESPN Stats & Information and Beachum has been keeping up with his offseason workouts as well despite the pandemic. He works out every day for over two hours, according to ESPN’s Rich Cimini, and simulates offseason conditioning workouts with 20 consecutive 40-yard dashes.

He’s in shape, he knows the team and the offense and he’d ensure competency at either tackle spot should Fant or Becton miss time. Beachum would also arguably be one of the best backup linemen in the NFL, which the Jets and Douglas know is important after watching their entire line crumble due to various ailments in 2019. In addition to mentoring Becton, Beachum could also further help the development of 2019 third-round pick Chuma Edoga.

The Jets shouldn’t leave any stone unturned in their quest to build a winning roster. Beachum could be the final piece of the offensive line puzzle that keeps the Jets from cracking like they have the past few seasons.

13 post-draft free agents for Bills to consider

13 post-2020 NFL Draft free agents for the Buffalo Bills to consider signing.

The 2020 NFL Draft is in the books, so the Buffalo Bills’ roster is all set, right?

Well, not exactly. The grind doesn’t stop for Buffalo general manager Brandon Beane and his scouting department. While there’s new rookies on the club, there’s still some veterans out on the free agent market that could help the Bills next season.

Here are 13 current free agents the Bills could still consider adding following the 2020 NFL Draft:

Devonta Freeman #24 of the Atlanta Falcons. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

RB Devonta Freeman

Age: 28

As soon as Devonta Freeman was released by the Falcons, the Bills connections were made. Since then, Buffalo added Utah’s Zack Moss via a third-round pick at the draft. But Freeman could be another solid complement to their complement. Devin Singletary is the No. 1, shifty runner for the Bills. Moss gets the heavy lifting done at times while Freeman is a solid third-down option as a proven pass catcher. During his career, Freeman has been among the league’s best in that category. The jukes, the power and the hands in the Bills’ backfield sounds nice.

Because it’s his Birthday let’s throw it back to when Devonta Freeman dropped a saints player pic.twitter.com/T2wHiOYpcz

— jet szn 🛬 (@arkesh_ray) March 15, 2020

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Should the Broncos sign a veteran offensive tackle?

Jason Peters and Kelvin Beachum are available. Should the Broncos sign one of them?

The Broncos did not engage in trade talks with the Redskins about left tackle Trent Williams because Washington’s asking price was too high. Denver also opted to not select any offensive tackles in this year’s draft.

So, as of now, the Broncos are poised to have Garett Bolles and Elijah Wilkinson compete for the starting left tackle job this offseason.

That’s not exactly an ideal scenario given that Bolles has struggled with penalties throughout his career and Wilkinson is a swing guard/tackle.

Are there any other options?

On Sunday, The Gazette‘s Woody Paige tweeted that he believes Denver will bring in a free agent veteran offensive tackle. Paige pointed out that Kelvin Beachum (31) played under offensive line coach Mike Munchak with the Steelers and Jason Peters (38) is also available. Cordy Glenn (31) remains a free agent as well.

Would any of those players be a better option than Bolles? Last year, Bolles was penalized 10 times and allowed four sacks. Beachum was penalized seven times and allowed four sacks in three fewer games.

Peters was penalized nine times and allowed three sacks in the same amount of games as Beachum. Glenn only started five games last year and he wasn’t penalized at all but he did allow three sacks.

Simply judging from the numbers, it doesn’t appear that any of those free agents would be much of an upgrade.

Should the Broncos take a shot on one of those veteran tackles? Voice your opinion by voting in the poll below:

[polldaddy poll=10543717]

5 remaining free agents the Jets should be interested in

Jets Wire takes a look at five remaining free agents Joe Douglas and the Jets should be interested in.

The first wave of free agency is over, but that does not mean there are not a handful of standout players still available on the open market.

Jets general manager Joe Douglas spent the first couple of weeks of free agency revamping the offensive line, addressing the cornerback position, adding a deep threat to replace Robby Anderson and taking care of a handful of in-house free agents. Even with all of the work Douglas put in throughout the opening days of free agency, New York’s roster still has numerous holes that need to be filled.

Who can come in and fill those holes? Let’s take a look at five remaining free agents the Jets should be interested in.

Jadeveon Clowney

This one is a no-brainer, as Clowney is not only arguably the best remaining free agent on the market, but easily the best remaining pass rusher.

Considering their need for an EDGE, Clowney should be at the top of the Jets’ free agent board right now. New York is rumored to be in the running for the former No. 1 overall pick’s services, so it’s safe to assume that he is at this point.

Clowney has battled injury and inconsistent play throughout his career, but he is worth taking a risk on. The Jets have rolled the dice on far less talented pass rushers in the past.

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4 things to know about new Jets OT George Fant

Here are four things to know about ex-Seahawks and new Jets offensive lineman George Fant, who signed a three-year deal on Monday.

While the Jets’ first move of the legal tampering wasn’t a flashy one, it was one that needed to be made.

With Joe Thuney and Brandon Scherff franchise tagged by the Patriots and Redskins, respectively, and Jack Conklin and Graham Glasgow signing elsewhere, the Jets needed to add to their offensive line. In came George Fant.

Joe Douglas opted to sign the former Seahawks swing tackle to a three-year deal worth $27.3 million. The Jets can get out of the deal after one-year, so it’s essentially a one-year deal, worth $9.25 million.

Fant is a bit of an enigma. According to Pro Football Focus, he was the 62nd-ranked tackle last year among those that played 20 percent of snaps. However, he’s young, versatile and coming off a season in which he was successful in limited opportunities. Clearly, the Jets are banking on his potential after missing out on their top targets.

With that said, let’s get to know the Jets’ latest addition to the offensive line.

Basketball Background

George Fant had a four-year standout basketball career at Western Kentucky University before transitioning to football.

Throughout his first four years at Western Kentucky, Fant was urged to join the school’s football team, but he refused. He received multiple letters from NFL teams trying to gauge his interest in 2015, but he tossed the letters away.

Fant used his fifth year of collegiate eligibility to play football after weighing his options after college. He joined the Western Kentucky football team to play tight end, where he played one season. He appeared in two games with one reception for seven yards on offense and a pair of tackles on defense.

Following the 2015 season, Fant bulked up, going from 270 pounds to 296 pounds, and become an offensive lineman. He wound up impressing the Seahawks front office at the Hilltoppers’ pro day.

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Jets sign former Seahawks OT George Fant to 3-year deal

The Jets have finally made a move in free agency.

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Jets have reached an agreement with former Seahawks offensive tackle George Fant. It’s a three-year deal worth $30 million with $13.7 million guaranteed.

Fant will turn 28 in July but doesn’t have a lot of starting experience. In three years with Seattle, Fant started 24 games at left tackle. Last season, he played 266 pass-blocking snaps and only allowed two sacks and two quarterback hits.

According to Pro Football Focus, Fant was the 62nd ranked tackle last year among those that played 20 percent of snaps.

Fant, 6-foot-5 and 322 pounds, was originally a basketball player. He played college hoops at Western Kentucky before playing two games at tight end for the Hilltoppers. The Seahawks signed him as an undrafted free agent in 2016.

Fant is primarily a left tackle but can play right tackle if needed. This move, however, shouldn’t stop the Jets from adding at either position.

Surely, the Jets are going to look for another tackle in the draft, but Fant is insurance if need be. It’s a low-risk signing that gives the Jets a starting-caliber tackle for the time being.

Free agent power rankings 2.0: The Post-Trent Williams Edition

The Redskins now have a hole to fill on the offensive line with Trent Williams leaving, so the free agency power ranking has been shaken up.

News broke on Thursday afternoon that shook up the Washington Redskins’ free agency blueprint. It’s not that they weren’t expecting Trent Williams to move on, but now it’s a sure thing that they will have to try to replace him for the 2020 season. While finding a starting-caliber left tackle can be done in the NFL draft, it is much more likely to be done in free agency — especially considering that the Redskins are likely to be without a second-round pick, unless one is received in the trade for Williams.

We are now less than 2 weeks away from free agency officially beginning, and a lot has changed since we last stepped back and took a look at the hierarchy in which the Redskins free agent targets stand. Some have signed, and some have been franchise tagged. Some have been simply removed from the board, now that a bigger need presents itself. So let’s get into it; here’s our updated ranking of free agents that the Redskins should look to snag this offseason.

No. 10 — WR Amari Cooper

ARLINGTON, TEXAS – DECEMBER 29: Amari Cooper #19 of the Dallas Cowboys makes a catch while being guarded by Jimmy Moreland #32 of the Washington Redskins in the second quarter in the game at AT&T Stadium on December 29, 2019 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

As far as free agent wide receivers go, you couldn’t do much better than Amari Cooper, who is likely to cash a nice check this free agency period. After being traded to the Dallas Cowboys in 2018, Cooper has quickly returned to his early-career form and became a great No. 1 option for Dak Prescott. Now, with his future in Dallas up in the air while Jerry Jones and Co. look to figure out what to do with Prescott, it would be a perfect time for Washington to try and nab Cooper.

While he is the top WR on the market, he is also low in our rankings simple because of the money he would require in order to be brought in. Wide receiver isn’t one of the absolute biggest needs on the roster, though a solid veteran would be a great addition. I would be surprised if the Redskins ponied up and paid Cooper.

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Does veteran LT Jason Peters make sense for the Jets?

Jason Peters would immediately upgrade the Jets’ line, but his age and durability concerns should give the Jets paise before signing him.

With veteran left tackle Jason Peters headed to free agency, there is an obvious and natural connection to a potential fit with the Jets. Not only does Gang Green desperately need an upgrade on the offensive line, but Peters played for the Eagles during Joe Douglas’ entire tenure in Philadelphia.

Peters would fit a glaring hole if the team doesn’t re-sign Kelvin Beachum and his veteran presence would be tremendous for the Jets if they go heavy on young offensive line talent in the draft or free agency. Despite turning 38 this past January, Peters continued to be one of the best tackles in the league in 2019. He posted the sixth-best Pro Football Focus grade for a tackle at 83.4, ranked fourth in pass-protection and only allowed 25 total pressures in 13 starts.

With all the speculation revolving around the Jets’ search for a new offensive line, Peters could be an easy plug-in starter for a season with a cheaper, one-year contract. He only signed a one-year, $6 million extension with the Eagles in 2019 and PFF projects a similar one-year, $9.5 million deal with $8.5 million guaranteed. That’s a far cry from what free agent linemen like Jack Conklin or Joe Thuney would command and would give Douglas more flexibility to fill other holes across the roster.

Signing Peters wouldn’t preclude the Jets from drafting a tackle at No. 11, either. Peters won’t be able to play forever, and the Jets could tap into his veteran experience to help mentor whichever young linemen they draft, along with 2019 third-round pick Chuma Edoga. Peters is a nine-time Pro Bowler, two-time All-Pro and one-time Super Bowl winner. That knowledge is invaluable for young linemen and almost as important as his ability to block.

There are concerns with Peters, however, mostly revolving around his age and durability.

Father Time remains undefeated in the NFL and Peters showed signs of his 16 years and 195 starts in 2019. He missed three games in the middle of the season with a knee injury and has seen his snap share per game drop from 97.2 percent in 2016 to 92.2 percent in 2019. While that snaps drop isn’t enormous, it could signal the beginning of a slide for Peters’ health and production, especially since he also has only completed six full 16-game seasons in his entire career and missed 12 games over the past three seasons.

Douglas and the Jets are less than a year removed from the failed Ryan Kalil experiment and could be reluctant to bring in another aging, injury-prone lineman in a pivotal developmental year for Sam Darnold. New York can’t afford to waste any more money on a player who could underperform or not even play with injuries.

The Jets need to build a wall in front of Darnold and Peters would be a great building block for that wall. He’s experienced, can mentor young players and is significantly cheaper than other great linemen in free agency. However, signing Peters would be akin to signing Kalil in 2019 and could result in a similar outcome. Douglas cannot let that happen again.

Peters is absolutely a great fit for the Jets, but Douglas should have a true contingency plan – whether through the draft or other free agent signings – before allocating between $6-$10 million on a 38-year-old, injury-prone left tackle like Peters.

NFL Free Agency: 5 offensive tackles Giants could target

The New York Giants are in need of an offensive tackle (or two), so here’s a list of five they could target in free agency.

The New York Giants could surely use some upgrades at offensive tackle this offseason. The NFL Draft offers some interesting options and you can be sure they’ll be looking to dedicate some of their $73 million of available salary cap space to at least one veteran tackle.

Here are five the Giants could put bids on come March 18.

Anthony Castonzo, Indianapolis Colts

Castonzo probably won’t hit the market because he wants to stay in Indianapolis and there’s speculation the Colts could tag him. If they don’t and he hits the market, the Giants will be one of many teams who will throw their hat in the ring for the soon-to-be 32-year-old former Boston College star. The odds are he never gets to free agency, so let’s end the speculation now.

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4 left tackles the Jets should avoid in free agency

Jets Wire takes a look at four left tackles Joe Douglas and company should avoid in free agency.

If the Jets elect to move on from Kelvin Beachum this offseason, they will have plenty of options to replace him in free agency.

This year’s left tackle market is relatively deep, which is good news for Joe Douglas. There is also a chance Douglas elects to pluck a new starting left tackle from the 2020 NFL draft.

Regardless of what Douglas decides to do, there are some free agent left tackles New York’s first-year general manager should stay away from at all costs. Let’s take a look at who those players are.

Cedric Ogubehi

A former first-round pick of the Bengals in 2015, Ogubehi came to the NFL loaded with the potential to become an elite left tackle. Instead, the Texas A&M product finds himself for his third team in as many years this offseason.

Things never worked out for Ogubehi in Cincinnati. After struggling as a right tackle in the beginning of his career, Ogubehi shifted back to his natural left tackle position in 2017 when Andrew Whitworth departed in free agency. He failed miserably as a starter on the left side of the line and spent most of 2018 a healthy scratch before doing much of the same for the Jaguars last season.

The Jets should not pursue Ogubehi hoping that he will magically be able to turn the tide and reach his once sky-high ceiling. Joe Douglas’ time is best spent looking elsewhere.

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