The Jets are using their 0-9 record to their advantage. New York has claimed offensive lineman Pat Elflein off waivers from the Vikings, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network tweets.
It goes without saying, the Jets are at the top of the waiver wire. It’s rare for a player with Elflein’s recent starting experience to hit the waiver wire late in the year, and GM Joe Douglas took advantage. A 2017 third-round pick of the Vikings, Elflein started at least 13 games in each of his first three NFL seasons. He spent his first two years at center before kicking over to left guard for the 2019 campaign.
His rookie contract is set to expire at the end of the year, so he’ll be an unrestricted free agent in March. Now the Jets can take a look at him internally and potentially lock him up before he hits free agency if they like what they see. Elflein has never graded out well as a starter by most evaluators, but it’s a decent low-risk acquisition as the Jets continue to try to improve their offensive line.
The Ohio State product started Minnesota’s opener against the Packers this year, but was then placed on injured reserve with a thumb injury. He was released nearly immediately upon being activated.
Those sneaky Jets!
How long does it usually take to build an all waiver dynasty?
Well never find out since they have the first pick
Wouldn’t it be great to see Goodell say ‘With the 1st pick the Jets select T. Lawrence!’ and have a cutout of Trevor running away.
Bill B cited ownership concerns as the #1 reason why he bolted the Jets. Shouldn’t players do the same?
That’s not really the same. Belichick had a different reason to be concerned: He was given the job between when Leon Hess died and when Johnson bought the team. Given how much new owners like to bring in their own choices, starting a job with an owner who didn’t hire you is a reasonable thing to avoid. So is the disarray that comes from an owner dying, as seen in Houston.
I don’t think the Johnsons are great owners or anything, but that’s not why he bolted.
Wow the only way it could get worse is if the Dolan’s owned the team.
There are lots of reasons to trash the Jets, but Douglas is doing what he should be doing here. Churn the roster and take fliers on guys. Worst case scenario, you’re seeing if Elflein is a change of scenery guy and adding a little depth.