The New York Jets executed a trade with the Baltimore Ravens to bolster the offensive line ahead of the 2024 season amid heavy speculation about their plans for David Bakhtiari. The Green Bay Packers chose to release Bakhtiari this week.
The New York Jets need OL help for 2024
August 26, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Green Bay Packers tackle David Bakhtiari (69) during the first quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium. The Packers defeated the 49ers 21-10. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
The Jets came into the free agency period knowing they needed to find three starters for the offensive line. The Jets agreed to sign former Baltimore Ravens offensive lineman John Simpson.
Multiple reports indicate that the Jets added Simpson’s former teammate when they traded with the Ravens for Morgan Moses. The Ravens are losing multiple players up front to save cap space.Ezoic
The Jets traded for Morgan Moses
Aug 26, 2023; Tampa, Florida, USA; Baltimore Ravens offensive tackle Morgan Moses (78) works out against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers prior to the game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-USA TODAY Sports
As Field Yates with ESPN noted, Moses will assume the Jets’ right tackle position. Yates assumes the Jets will be in the market to find their starting left tackle with the No. 10 pick in April’s draft. He named Penn State offensive tackle Olu Fashanu as a logical option for the Jets there.
Willl the Jets add David Bakhtiari?
Jan 16, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Green Bay Packers offensive tackle David Bakhtiari (69) against the Arizona Cardinals during the NFC Divisional round playoff game at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
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However, the Jets have an incredible opportunity to find their left tackle in free agency and spend the No. 10 pick on a pass catcher or another pass rusher. Dallas Turner or Brock Bowers could easily be on the board when the Jets pick. They could also take a quarterback to plan for the post-Rodgers era.
The Jets could look to bring in Bakhtiari for the 2024 season. Bakhtiari is a friend of Rodgers and is familiar with the offense the Jets will run. Bakhtiari is usually the best offensive player on the field when he’s healthy.
The Jets’ one risk in signing Bakhtiari is his health. He hasn’t been fully healthy since the 2020 season. Several surgeries later, Bakhtriari hopes to return to the field for 17 games in the upcoming campaign.
The Jets’ recent trade opens the door for the Jets to take a risk on Bakhtiari if they want to open up their draft board in April.