5 players not named Jessie Bates the NY Jets should sign in NFL Free Agency

1. The NY Jets should sign RT Jermaine Eluemunor in free agency

One big issue besides the quarterback play that held the Jets’ offense back last year was the number of injuries their offensive line sustained. In spite of the depth, injuries depleted the group. Mekhi Beckton and Duane Brown finished the year on the Injury Reserve and George Fant, along with center Connor McGovern, is slated to become a free agent.

Max Mitchell, a fourth-round pick in last year’s draft, flashed potential and Brown has stated that he wants to return for what’s going to be his 17th NFL season. However, the front office should err on the side of caution, prepare for the worst-case scenario and add some insurance in free agency.

New York won’t be in a position to pursue Mike McGlinchey or Jawaan Taylor, the best two right tackles set to hit the open market. But even if the Jets could afford them, they’re better off kicking the tires on Jermaine Eluemunor, who is coming off a low-key solid campaign.

Eluemunor, a fifth-round pick by the Baltimore Ravens in 2017, spent two years with the New England Patriots before joining the Las Vegas Raiders in 2021. Before last year, the Texas A&M product had played 28 percent of the total snaps on offense in a season just two in his career. However, he started all 17 games for the Silver and Black in 2022 and got progressively better, allowing just one sack in 15 contests after giving up two in back-to-back games to start the season.

Will Eluemunor turn the NY Jets into Super Bowl contenders? No, but signing him will ensure their offensive line has enough depth to overcome injuries next season.