Jason Peters (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
New York Jets general manager Joe Douglas made a promise this offseason to help his quarterback, Sam Darnold.
Joe Douglas had a lot of work to do with the New York Jets roster in his first official offseason as general manager. He started with the offensive line by signing Connor McGovern, George Fant and Greg Van Roten. Douglas followed that up with his first-round selection of Mekhi Becton and fourth-round pick of Cameron Clark.
Along with the offensive line overhaul, the Jets needed to give his young quarterback some playmakers. Unsigned wide receiver Robby Anderson left for the Panthers, but the Jets brought in former first-rounder, Breshad Perriman. Douglas then used his second-round pick to select Baylor’s high-upside receiver, Denzel Mims.
On the defensive side of the ball, Douglas used free agency and the draft to attack the team’s other needs. Bringing back corners Arthur Maulet and Brian Poole after a successful 2019 season was vital. Douglas also added Pierre Desir on a team friendly deal and drafted Ashtyn Davis and Bryce Hall. Upfront, Douglas used his one of the team’s two third-round picks on edge rusher, Jabari Zuniga.
Attacking the team’s biggest needs was key for Douglas and he came through on it. Although improved, the Jets still aren’t as complete as they can be.
Here are five players the New York Jets should consider signing to get them to the next level.
5. Jason Peters
The Jets overhauled their entire offensive line with what should be some notable upgrades. The team knows what kind of players Van Roten, McGovern and Fant are as established veterans in the league. What the team doesn’t know yet is how first-round pick Mekhi Becton will fair in his first year.
Becton has all the tools to succeed on day one, but he is tasked with protecting the blindside of their franchise quarterback. Bringing in a well-accomplished veteran left tackle would be the best thing for the rookie.
Former Eagles left tackle Jason Peters is the perfect mentor that could help springboard Becton’s transition to the NFL. The former nine-time Pro Bowler has experienced it all in the NFL, with 195 starts recorded to his name. Still playing at a high-level in 2019, Peters would be a perfect candidate at age 38 to slide to the right side of the line.
If Becton were to struggle or get injured, Peters would be very valuable insurance for Darnold’s blindside.