With apologies to the running backs, one criterion rises above all others when it comes to filling the unexpected opening on the Jets’ offensive line.
“The most important thing — no offense to anyone else on the team — is to protect the quarterback,” head coach Robert Saleh said Wednesday. “So, the person who’s best prepared to protect the quarterback will be out there.”
As the dust settled following right tackle Mekhi Becton’s season-ending knee injury, reality set in for the Jets, who turned to Max Mitchell (zero career games) during practice Wednesday. After getting the first look in Becton’s spot Tuesday, Chuma Edoga was a plug-in left tackle Wednesday because starter George Fant’s reps have been limited. Saleh declared the right-tackle job “open” and said he is undecided on a starter for the preseason game Friday at the Eagles.
But the most intriguing long-term solution remains turning to a veteran free agent. “Mutual interest” between the Jets and five-time Pro Bowler Duane Brown began over the need for a swing backup tackle, but the delay in reaching a deal has raised doubts about whether it will happen now that Becton’s injury has changed his leverage.
Max Mitchell (l.) and Chuma Edoga are both potential options for the Jets at right tackle.Bill Kostroun If there are questions about whether Brown, 36, still can perform at a high level, whether he can learn right tackle after exclusively playing on the left side during his career or how much rest his body needs, Mike Solari is best-suited to answer.
“He’s definitely got something left in the tank,” Solari, the Seahawks’ offensive line coach from 2018-21, told The Post. “Great knee-bender, and what makes him elite is his athleticism and his change of direction. Very competitive, smart, leader on and off the field. He’d be an asset for the Jets in the sense of his play, his demeanor and his work ethic.”
Brown allowed eight sacks last season after not allowing more than four in any season since 2011, according to Pro Football Focus. He hasn’t missed a start in either of the last two seasons after missing four due to knee surgery in 2019.
The Seahawks maintained Brown by giving him one half-day a week (participating in the walk through, not practice). He stayed at 312-314 pounds all season.
“He’ll need reps because the offense is new, but you want to monitor linemen when they get to a certain age so they are fresh going into the game,” said Solari, who spoke highly of Jets offensive line coach John Benton’s feel for players.
Duane BrownGetty Images “Duane is a pro. If they sign him, there’s no doubt he’s going to come to camp in shape. He’s diligent studying his iPad for what the opposing pass-rushers’ strengths are. That’s what he brings to the classroom. He’s going to get the respect from guys with the way he performs.”
Joining the Jets wouldn’t be picking up where he left off, however. Offensive linemen often say that switching sides of the line of scrimmage is like an Average Joe learning to do everyday chores with the opposite hand. That’s a big ask after 15 seasons.
“Could he do it? Yes, he has the essential qualities,” Solari said. “But I think with what he gives on the left side, I would not move him from where he’s comfortable at this stage of his career. The adjustment I’d make is to move George back to right because he’s played both.”
Solari’s opinion again is uniquely qualified. He coached Brown and Fant as Seahawks teammates in 2018-19, when Fant was a part-time starter at right tackle. Fant started 15 games at left tackle for the Jets last season and was rewarded for his performance by staying planted while Becton was told to learn a new position. Asking Fant to move now to make room for a newcomer could be seen as an insult — except he already respects Brown’s impact on winning.
If the Jets opt to stay in-house, Edoga has the experience of 12 career starts, but Mitchell — a fourth-round pick in 2021 — offers upside.
“Love his play demeanor, love his mindset, love where he’s at with regards to responsibility and execution,” Saleh said. “Obviously, he’s got a way to go with regards to understanding pass sets and how to play in those one-on-one situations, and same thing in the run game … but he’s a lot further along than we thought.”
The Jets had dreams of becoming a top-five offensive line if fully healthy. But lines only are as strong as their weakest link. Right now, it’s right tackle.
“Nobody comes into camp not wanting to play,” right guard Alijah Vera-Tucker said. “Everybody is ready to take on the challenge. Only time will tell. To play offensive line, you have to know that if all five aren’t doing well, nobody is.”
