Prior to the 2019 season, the Jets turned to retired center Ryan Kalil in an attempt to beef up the offensive line.

Might Joe Douglas and company go down the retired route once again?

According to a report from Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News, the Jets have talked to former Chicago Bears Pro Bowl lineman Kyle Long about a possible comeback.

Protecting Sam Darnold by rebuilding the offensive line has been the top priority for the Jets this offseason, as the team drafted Mekhi Becton with the 11th pick, signed Connor McGovern, George Fant, and Greg Van Roten, and also re-signed Alex Lewis.

At just 31 years old, the three-time Pro Bowler announced his NFL retirement this past January. Myriad injuries have taken their toll on the former Oregon Duck, as he hasn't played more than 10 games in a season since 2015, which is also the last time he made the Pro Bowl.

Long has played both right guard and right tackle in his career, but it's fair to speculate that the Jets would be more interested in using him as a guard than a tackle, with Becton and Fant likely to be the two starting tackles. Long could theoretically slide in at right guard, which would make the left guard spot a competition between Lewis and Van Roten.

Signing Long would also likely officially be the end of Brian Winters' time with the team. The right guard underperformed last season, and the Jets could still release him and add $7 million to the $25 million they already have in cap space.

Kalil's signing last season is a bit of a cautionary tale, though. The five-time Pro Bowler was thought to be the Jets' answer at center, but at 34 years old, Kalil started just seven games before being placed on Injured Reserve, and he was a bit of a liability even when healthy.

What's clear is that the Jets currently do have money to spend, and while it likely won't be spent on Jadeveon Clowney, there are other options for Douglas and the front office to go after to help build some depth along the roster.

Video: FNNY: What will be the impact of these new Jets?

Popular in the Community