The Jets face a tough decision on whether to re-sign veteran tackle Morgan Moses for the upcoming season
New York: The Jets are in a bit of a pickle when it comes to their offensive line. It’s not the most glamorous position, but it’s super crucial. A solid line can make or break a team, especially when it comes to protecting the quarterback.
Right now, the Jets seem pretty set on their line. With Tyron Smith likely out, last year’s first-round pick, Olu Fashanu, is expected to step up as the starting left tackle. The rest of the line looks good too, with John Simpson, Joe Tippmann, and Alijah Vera-Tucker filling in the guard spots. The only real question mark is at right tackle.
Morgan Moses has been holding down that right tackle position for the Jets. He came back to the team after a stint in 2021, but now he’s a free agent and turning 34 soon. So, the big question is: should the Jets bring him back for 2025?
Let’s break it down. First off, having reliable offensive linemen is tough to come by. Moses has been a rock for the Jets. In his 11 years in the league, he’s played in 166 out of 180 games. That’s impressive! He’s had some injuries, but he’s been pretty consistent since his rookie year.
Sure, he missed a few games recently, but he played through some serious injuries last season. He’s known for being tough, and that kind of grit is valuable in the locker room. Plus, if Fashanu takes over at left tackle, having Moses around to mentor him could be a big help.
On the flip side, Moses will be 34 next season, and his performance last year wasn’t stellar. He had the lowest run-blocking grade of his career, which raises some eyebrows. Plus, there are some promising young linemen in this year’s draft that the Jets could snag instead of sticking with Moses.
Going younger and cheaper could be a smart move for the Jets. They could draft a rookie or sign a free agent, which fits their trend of bringing in younger talent. It’s a gamble, but it might pay off.
So, what’s the verdict? If Moses wants to keep playing, the Jets have a tough choice. They could offer him another one-year deal for around the same money he made last season. That would give them some much-needed experience on the line.
But they could also decide to go with a younger player, either through the draft or free agency. With a new offensive system coming in 2025, having a veteran like Moses could be beneficial. If he’s willing to stick around for a modest deal, he might just be back.