The Jets’ decision to release Brian Winters was not surprising, though the timing was a bit.
Winters has long been viewed as a potential cap casualty, but New York indicated that it would give him an opportunity to compete for the starting right guard position this summer. After C.J. Mosley opted out of the 2020 NFL season, though, Avery Williamson’s roster spot became safer and Winters moved to the top of the list of salary-saving options.
Clearly, the Jets are comfortable with the team’s current depth on the offensive line. At the same time, the Jets were able to save $7.2 million by releasing Winters, freeing up cap space that can be rolled over to 2021 or used to help mitigate some of the team’s holes.
Winters’ departure opens up an opportunity for one of Joe Douglas’ offseason acquisitions — Greg Van Roten — to slide into the starting lineup. Van Roten started 11 games for the Panthers in 2019 before a toe injury prematurely ended his season. The Jets signed Van Roten to a three-year, $10.5 million deal back in March. He has the versatility to play either guard position or right tackle, but for now, he figures to be Winters’ replacement on the right side.
Staying on the right side, George Fant is expected to be the Jets’ starting right tackle. He will see some competition from swing tackle Chuma Edoga, but Fant’s experience and his contract should give him the upper-hand. Another offseason addition, Connor McGovern, will be the man in the middle for New York. He will be the Jets’ fourth attempt at replacing Nick Mangold since 2017. Some stability and consistency under center should pay dividends for Sam Darnold’s development.
New York re-signed Alex Lewis to be part of the offensive line rotation, but with Winters’ release, he’s assured a return to the starting lineup. Next to Lewis on his left will be Gang Green’s first-round pick, Mekhi Becton. Becton is expected to be a mainstay on Darnold’s blindside for years to come.
As for the rest of the depth chart, both Jonotthan Harrison and Josh Andrews have the positional flexibility to fill in at guard and center. The presence of these two veterans made Winters and his price-tag expendable. Another depth piece that New York remains excited about is Cameron Clark. A fourth-round pick out of the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Clark figures to be New York’s long-term answer next to Becton. For now, his versatility on the left side gives the Jets some youth and comfortability.
Jared Hilbers, Conor McDermott and Ben Braden will endure a training camp battle, fighting for that 10th and final spot on New York’s o-line depth chart.