The New York Jets have begun to gather a team around star quarterback Aaron Rodgers, with GM Joe Douglas making several free-agent moves.
They've agreed terms with offensive lineman John Simpson, defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw and backup quarterback Tyrod Taylor. Simpson is set to sign a two-year contract worth up to £14million ($18m), marking the first of many additions to the Jets offensive line.
The 26 year old has the crucial job of protecting Rodgers, who suffered a torn Achilles just four snaps into Week 1 and turned 40 last December. The Jets' front five had a tough time in 2023, ending the season tied with the Tennessee Titans for the fourth-most sacks allowed in the NFL (64).
After being picked by the Raiders in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft, Simpson didn't meet expectations in Las Vegas. The left guard eventually joined the Baltimore Ravens in 2022 and started every game for them last season. Over 1,118 snaps, he let through only one sack, though ended with the second-most penalties of any guard (11).
Simpson will likely fit into his preferred position of left guard on the Jets. New York recently said goodbye to Laken Tomlinson, who started on the left side of the o-line the past two seasons.
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The Jets have also made sure they have a backup plan in case Rodgers can't stay fit this year. They've agreed on a two-year contract with Taylor, worth up to $18 million, keeping the 34 year old in New York.
The Jets agreed to terms with backup quarterback Tyrod Taylor (Al Bello/Getty Images)He played for the Giants last season and has started 58 games during his time with the Ravens, Bills and Chargers. Even though the Jets don't want to have to start Taylor, they can rest easy knowing they have a good quarterback if Rodgers can't play.
After Rodgers was injured last season, the team had some of the worst quarterback play in the NFL with Zach Wilson, Tim Boyle and Trevor Siemian. The Jets finished 2023 30th in passing yards (2,919) and passing yards per game (171.7).
On the defensive side, the Jets have agreed terms with Kinlaw, who knows Robert Saleh well. The Jets head coach was the 49ers defensive coordinator in 2020 when San Francisco picked Kinlaw in the first round of the NFL draft.
Kinlaw didn't quite live up to expectations with the 49ers, starting 28 games over four seasons. The 26 year old has managed five career sacks, 3.5 of which came in 2023.
The Jets still have more work to do in free agency. It's thought that New York will continue to fill gaps on the offensive line and find a wide receiver who can work well with Garrett Wilson.
Left tackle David Bakhtiari is also being linked with the Jets - he was let go by the Packers on Monday and is good friends with Rodgers.
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