After bringing in a new interior offensive lineman earlier this week when they signed James Carpenter, the Jets have also decided to bring back one of their free agent starters from 2014. According to Kimberley A. Martin of Newsday (via Twitter), the club has re-signed veteran guard Willie Colon to a one-year contract.
Colon, who turns 32 in April, has started all 32 contests at right guard for the Jets over the last two seasons, and can be probably penciled in atop the depth chart again heading into the 2015 season. While players like Brian Winters and Oday Aboushi should compete for a starting role, Colon figures to have the inside track based on his experience.
While Colon was a solid pass blocker for the Jets last year, Pro Football Focus’ grades (subscription required) suggest he struggled as a run blocker. He also took too many penalties, and ultimately recorded a -16.3 PFF grade in over 1,100 snaps, placing him 66th out of 78 qualified guards. He was much better in 2013, ranking 35th.