Jets, Brian Winters Agree To Extension

The Jets have re-signed one of their key impending free agents. Brian Costello of the New York Post reports (via Twitter) that the team has inked offensive guard Brian Winters to a four-year extension. The deal is worth $29MM and includes $15MM in guarantees, according to ESPN’s Dan Graziano (Twitter link via Rich Cimini). Winters now ranks 10th among guards in guaranteed money.

Winters had spent the past four years with the Jets after being selected as a third-rounder in the 2013 draft. The Kent State product immediately made an impact on the New York offense, as Winters started 12 games that season. An ACL injury limited the lineman to only six games (six starts) in 2014, but he rebounded by appearing in all 16 games (10 starts) during the 2015 campaign.

Winters started the first 13 games in 2016, but his season ended early when he was placed on the injured reserve with a torn rotator cuff. The offensive guard established himself as the Jets’ top offensive lineman during his three months on the field. In fact, by most metrics, Winters ranked as one of the top run blockers in the league, playing a significant role in the hot starts for running backs Matt Forte and Bilal Powell. Winters predictably fell in those rankings, but many still thought that re-signing the lineman would be a top offseason priority for the Jets.

The Jets are surely eyeing some changes to their offensive line this offseason. Tight tackle Breno Giacomini and left tackle Ryan Clady appear to be on their way out of the organization, and the team could also cut veteran center Nick Mangold. Releasing the veteran center would free up more than $9MM in salary cap space.

Winters was just one of many Jets ready to hit free agency. Other impending free agents include quarterbacks Ryan Fitzpatrick and Geno Smith, offensive tackle Ben Ijalana, safety Antonio Allen, linebacker Bruce Carter, and long snapper Tanner Purdum.