Veteran Tackle Sought Amid Line Issues for the New York Jets

As the New York Jets push for their first playoff berth since 2010, a pressing offensive line crisis has led the team to prioritize signing a veteran tackle ahead of the season’s final stretch. Through 12 games, the Jets’ offensive line has allowed 32 sacks—tied for the 7th-most in the NFL—and struggled to create consistent running lanes for star back Breece Hall (who has seen his yards per carry drop from 5.8 to 4.2 since Week 8). The issues have been amplified by injuries: starting left tackle Mekhi Becton remains sidelined with a knee injury (expected to miss 2 more weeks), and backup Max Mitchell has struggled in his place, allowing 6 sacks and 12 quarterback pressures in four starts. With the Jets tied for first in the AFC East (9-3) and set to face tough pass-rushing units like the Miami Dolphins and Buffalo Bills in their final five games, the front office has made it clear: adding a proven veteran tackle is essential to protecting quarterback Aaron Rodgers and sustaining their playoff momentum. Veteran Tackle Sought Amid Line Issues for the New York Jets breaks down the team’s line struggles, top targets for the position, and why this move could make or break their championship aspirations.

The Jets’ urgency to sign a veteran tackle stems from growing concerns about pass protection for Aaron Rodgers, who has been sacked 18 times in his last six games—including a brutal four-sack performance against the New England Patriots in Week 11. At 39, Rodgers remains elite when given time to throw (completing 72% of passes and posting a 112.3 QB rating when unpressured), but he has struggled under duress (51% completion rate, 76.8 QB rating, and 3 interceptions when rushed). Film analysis highlights Mitchell’s struggles with speed rushers: the second-year tackle has been beaten by edge defenders on 19% of his pass-blocking snaps, well above the league average of 12% for tackles. “We can’t put Aaron in a position to take that kind of punishment,” Jets offensive line coach John Benton said in a recent press conference. “He’s our engine, and we need to give him a clean pocket to make plays.” The Jets’ scouting department has already compiled a list of available veteran tackles, focusing on players with experience in pass-heavy offenses and a track record of limiting elite edge rushers. Veteran Tackle Sought Amid Line Issues for the New York Jets frames this pursuit as a direct response to protecting Rodgers, whose health is inseparable from the team’s playoff hopes.

Among the top veteran tackles linked to the Jets are free agent Duane Brown and Chicago Bears backup Larry Borom, both of whom offer the experience and versatility the team needs. Brown, a 16-year NFL veteran and five-time Pro Bowler, spent last season with the Jacksonville Jaguars, where he allowed just 2 sacks in 14 starts at left tackle. Though he turned 38 in August, Brown has maintained his athleticism—still able to mirror speed rushers and anchor against power players—and has expressed a desire to join a playoff-contending team. Borom, a 25-year-old with three seasons of NFL experience, is a more youthful option: the Bears are open to trading him (per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport) after he lost his starting right tackle job to rookie Darnell Wright. Borom has shown promise in limited action this season, allowing only 1 sack in 3 starts and grading out at 71.2 by Pro Football Focus (PFF)—a solid mark for a backup. The Jets have also expressed interest in former Baltimore Ravens tackle Alejandro Villanueva, who retired in 2022 but recently worked out for the team to prove his readiness. “We’re looking for someone who can step in immediately and contribute—whether that’s a seasoned vet like Duane or a younger player with upside like Larry,” Jets general manager Joe Douglas said. Veteran Tackle Sought Amid Line Issues for the New York Jets explores how each target fits the team’s short-term needs and long-term flexibility.

For the New York Jets, the search for a veteran tackle isn’t just about filling a roster spot—it’s about rebuilding trust in an offensive line that has let down the team in critical moments. In their Week 12 win over the Dolphins, the Jets led 24-17 with 3 minutes left but nearly blew the lead when Mitchell was beaten by Dolphins edge rusher Jaelan Phillips for a sack that forced a fumble (recovered by the Jets). Postgame, Rodgers acknowledged the line’s struggles but emphasized confidence in the front office’s ability to fix the issue. “We have the pieces to win a Super Bowl—we just need to shore up this one spot,” Rodgers said. The Jets’ locker room has echoed this sentiment: Hall, who has rushed for over 100 yards just once in his last five games, noted that a more consistent line would let him “get back to making plays in the open field.” For the New York Jets, adding a veteran tackle isn’t just a football decision—it’s a morale boost. A proven player like Brown or Borom would bring stability to a young line, mentor developing players like Mitchell and Becton, and reassure Rodgers that the team is committed to putting him in position to succeed. Veteran Tackle Sought Amid Line Issues for the New York Jets highlights how this move could restore confidence across the entire offense.

The Jets’ scouting process for veteran tackles has focused on three key criteria: pass-blocking consistency, run-blocking ability, and familiarity with the team’s zone-blocking scheme. Benton, who has overseen the Jets’ line since 2022, has made it clear that any new addition must be able to execute the zone scheme—critical to the team’s rushing attack, which relies on linemen moving in sync to create gaps. Brown’s experience with zone blocking in Seattle (2010-2017) and Jacksonville (2023) makes him an ideal fit, while Borom played in a similar system with the Bears. The scouting team has also prioritized durability: the Jets need a tackle who can play 60+ snaps per game without fatigue, as Becton’s injury history means the new addition may be asked to start multiple games down the stretch. “It’s not enough to find a good tackle—we need a tackle who fits our system and can stay on the field,” Benton said. For the New York Jets, this meticulous approach reflects lessons learned from past mistakes: in 2022, the team signed veteran tackle George Fant, who struggled to adapt to their zone scheme and was benched after six games. This time, they’re leaving no stone unturned—analyzing every snap a candidate has played in the last two seasons and conducting in-person workouts to assess physical readiness. Veteran Tackle Sought Amid Line Issues for the New York Jets examines how these scouting priorities ensure the team avoids costly missteps.

As negotiations with potential veteran tackles heat up, the New York Jets face a critical window to make a move that could define their season. With the NFL’s midseason free-agent market thinning and other playoff contenders (like the Dallas Cowboys and San Francisco 49ers) also eyeing offensive line help, the Jets need to act fast to secure their top target. Douglas has indicated the team is willing to offer a one-year contract with incentives (tied to playoff appearances and snap count) to attract veterans, a structure that limits long-term cap risk while rewarding performance. For the Jets, the stakes couldn’t be higher: a strong veteran tackle could help them win the AFC East, protect Rodgers from injury, and give Hall the room to return to Pro Bowl form. Conversely, failing to address the line could lead to more sacks, a struggling running game, and a missed opportunity to end their playoff drought. “This is a make-or-break move for us,” said Jets team president Hymie Elhai. “We have a chance to do something special this year, and fixing the offensive line is the last piece of the puzzle.” Veteran Tackle Sought Amid Line Issues for the New York Jets concludes by noting that in a season where every game matters, adding a veteran tackle isn’t just a luxury—it’s a necessity. As the Jets look to turn their regular-season success into playoff glory, this move could be the difference between a historic run and another disappointing finish.