New York Jets Rumors & News - Pro Football Rumors

Jets Pick Up OL Alijah Vera-Tucker’s Fifth-Year Option

April 27th, 2024 at 10:41pm CST by Adam La Rose

When healthy, Alijah Vera-Tucker has been a critical member of the Jets’ offensive line. His injury history led to some questions about whether or not the team would exercise his fifth-year option, but they have taken the expected route in this case.

Vera-Tucker’s 2025 option will be picked up, general manager Joe Douglas announced in his post-draft press conference. As a result of this decision, the 24-year-old will receive $15.31MM guaranteed that season. Considerable missed time prevented him from attaining a higher slot in terms of option value.

The USC product has split his time between guard and tackle with New York as the team has dealt with availability and performance issues up front. Vera-Tucker would ideally settle into a role on the interior, and the Jets’ actions so far this offseason suggest that will be possible moving forward. Tackle upgrades have been a priority for Douglas and Co. in free agency and the draft.

New York signed Tyron Smith to protect Aaron Rodgers‘ blindside, and the team reunited with Morgan Moses at the right tackle spot. Both veterans have dealt with injuries, though, and their age led to many believing a long-term investment would be needed this weekend. Indeed, New York used the No. 11 selection on Olu Fashanu. The Penn State product could see the field as a rookie if Smith and/or Moses miss time, but he profiles as a starter no later than 2025.

Vera-Tucker was limited to seven games in 2022, and this past season saw a repeat of considerable time spent on the sidelines. An Achilles tear ended his 2023 campaign, though he is expected to be healthy in time for the start of the regular season. In that case, the Jets would have a key member of their new-look offensive line in place ahead of the 2024 season, one in which better luck on the health front will be critical.

Across his three seasons to date, Vera-Tucker has drawn consistent PFF grades; run blocking in particular has been a strength. A healthy season in 2024 during which his level of performance was maintained could very well put him on the extension radar, but for now his intermediate future is clear.

Broncos To Acquire DL John Franklin-Myers From Jets

April 27th, 2024 at 7:30pm CST by Sam Robinson

7:30pm: When speaking about the trade during his post-draft press conference, Jets general manager Joe Douglas confirmed (via Brian Costello of the New York Post) the Reddick acquisition necessitated moving on from Franklin-Meyers. Keeping both players in the fold through 2024 would have been a tall order in terms of cap commitments, a factor which no doubt affected the low price paid by the Broncos to acquire him.

1:57pm: We have a veteran being dealt on Day 3 of the draft, though the return will not involve a pick in this draft. The Broncos are acquiring defensive lineman John Franklin-Myers from the Jets, ESPN.com’s Adam Schefter reports.

The Jets, who have chosen defensive ends in the past two first rounds and traded for Haason Reddick in March, are picking up a 2026 sixth-round pick from the Broncos. This marks a second Broncos-Jets swap this week, with Franklin-Myers following Zach Wilson to Denver.

With Reddick in the fold, ESPN.com’s Jeremy Fowler adds the Jets gave Franklin-Myers permission to seek a trade. He spent five seasons with the Jets, coming over as a waiver claim in 2019. While the Jets let Bryce Huff walk in free agency, they replaced him with Reddick. The team will now move its third-highest cap charge ($16.4MM) off the roster.

On that note, Fowler adds the Broncos and Franklin-Myers have agreed on a new deal — two years, $15MM — ahead of his Denver arrival. The former Rams draftee will receive $10MM guaranteed ($8MM fully guaranteed) as part of his second NFL extension. Franklin-Myers reached out to Broncos GM George Paton, per the Denver Gazette’s Chris Tomasson, who adds the sides reached extension parameters several days ago.

Franklin-Myers, who emerged from a player the Rams cut after one season into a starter who earned a Jets extension, will add a versatile presence to the Broncos’ front seven. The veteran has shown the ability to play inside and outside. That will be an interesting skillset in Vance Joseph‘s 3-4 defense. While the Jets used first-rounders on edge rushers in 2022 (Jermaine Johnson) and 2023 (Will McDonald), Franklin-Myers started all 34 games over the past two seasons.

The six-year veteran was attached to a four-year, $55MM contract that ran through 2025. Moving Franklin-Myers, 27, will stick the Jets with some dead money. Gang Green will be tagged with $9MM-plus in dead cap but pick up more than $7MM in savings from the JFM deal.

Pro Football Focus rated Franklin-Myers as a top-20 edge defender in 2021 and 2022; the Jets got ahead of this by extending him before the 2021 season. The former Rams fourth-rounder totaled 17.5 sacks in four Jets seasons, including five- and six-sack slates in 2021 and ’22. Franklin-Myers totaled a career-high 20 QB hits in 2022. This marks the second Broncos-Jets trade involving and edge rusher in 18 months, with the sides exchanging Jacob Martin at the 2022 deadline.

Franklin-Myers carries a higher pedigree by comparison and will join a Broncos team now deep on the edge. Denver’s Randy Gregory and Frank Clark moves did not work out, but the team still rosters its top three edges from last season — Baron Browning, Jonathon Cooper, Nik Bonitto — and chose Jonah Elliss in the second round Friday night. Franklin-Myers’ ability to work up front could be of use, with the Broncos needing more help along their D-line, where Zach Allen and D.J. Jones reside as the team’s top cogs.

Jets Select DB Jaylen Key As 2024’s Mr. Irrelevant

April 27th, 2024 at 6:16pm CST by Adam La Rose

The Jets had the honor of closing out the 2024 draft. Using pick No. 257, New York has selected Alabama defensive back Jaylen Key, making him this year’s Mr. Irrelevant.

Key began his college career at UAB, spending four seasons there. He made only 11 appearances across his first three campaigns at the Conference-USA program, but in 2022 he delivered a strong showing. Key played 13 games that year, posting 60 tackles and adding three interceptions. That production was followed up by a transfer to Alabama last offseason.

During his single campaign with the Crimson Tide, Key matched his total in terms of stops from the previous year, producing 1.5 tackles for loss. He picked off just one pass and added a pass deflection, limited ball production which can be explained by the other corners playing ahead of him on the depth chart. Key shared the field with Terrion Arnold and Kool-Aid McKinstry, both who whom were (as expected) selected much earlier this weekend.

Now, Key will join a Jets team which is already set atop the depth chart at the cornerback spot (and which used a fifth-round selection earlier today on former CFLer Quan’Tez Stiggers). The 6-2, 210-pounder could attempt to see time in a depth role at safety, however. At a minimum, Key will look to carve out a roster spot as a special teams contributor and in doing so become a full-time NFL player to pair with a moniker which will stick with him for years to come.

Jets Draft CB Qwan’Tez Stiggers At No. 176

April 27th, 2024 at 3:18pm CST by Adam La Rose

One of the 2024 draft’s more interesting prospects is off the board. Cornerback Qwan’Tez Stiggers has been drafted with the No. 176 by the Jets.

Stiggers represents the first player drafted into the NFL after beginning his pro career in the Canadian Football League. Stiggers also spent time in the Fan-Controlled Football League as part of his unique path to the NFL level. He is one of a few players in history to be drafted after not playing NCAA football.

The 22-year-old’s plans went on hold following the death of his father. Rather than attending school and playing at the Division II level, Stiggers temporarily decided against pursuing a college football career. His unsuccessful bid to return to an NCAA program in 2022 led him to the Fan-Controlled league, in which he recorded five interceptions in 12 games. That led to interest from the XFL, but Stiggers elected to head north of the border for the 2023 campaign.

Quickly earning a starting role on the Toronto Argonauts (the team which finished the year with the CFL’s best regular season record), Stiggers racked up five interceptions and 12 pass deflections. Those totals earned him Most Outstanding Rookie honors as well as an All-Star nod. It also put him firmly on the radar of the NFL draft, something which was cemented by his pre-draft process.

Stiggers’ Pro Day (which took place at an academy in his hometown of Atlanta) produced a 40-yard dash time of 4.45. That speed, coupled with his 5-11, 204-pound frame, could allow him to earn a roster spot this year in New York. The Jets are set atop the CB depth chart, but Stiggers could serve in a rotational role while contributing on special teams. It will be interesting to see if he manages to make history by succeeding in his efforts regarding a CFL-to-NFL jump.

Jets Acquire No. 171 From Eagles, Select QB Jordan Travis

April 27th, 2024 at 2:47pm CST by Adam La Rose

The Jets have moved up to No. 171 in a pick swap with the Eagles. New York will send the 185th and 190th picks to Philadelphia, allowing the team to select Florida State quarterback Jordan Travis. This agreement marks the eighth trade made by the Eagles in this year’s draft, tied for the most since 1990.

Travis is the second quarterback to hear his name called after the first round, having needed to wait quite some time following the first six passers coming off the board within the first 12 selections. The soon-to-be 24-year-old was projected as a Day 3 option, but one possessing upside after his successful run with the Seminoles.

Starting in 2020, Travis took over atop the depth chart, and he proceeded to enjoy individual success while leading the team to notable heights. The Louisville transfer saw incremental success over the years in terms of accuracy, and his mobility produced noteworthy production on the ground as well. In 2023, Florida State was one of the nation’s top teams in large part due to Travis’ play.

Following a 10-0 start to the year, Travis suffered a fractured leg. That injury sidelined him for the rest of the campaign and derailed the Seminoles’ offense. The team managed to remain undefeated through the ACC title game, but Travis’ absence was a key factor in the decision to leave Florida State out of the College Football Playoff. Without being able to take part in the pre-draft process, he was also at a disadvantage relative to other signal-callers in this year’s class.

Still, Travis – who ended his college career No. 1 in school history in total offense (10,655 yards) and touchdowns (99) – profiles as an intriguing backup option for the Jets. Zach Wilson is, to no surprise, no longer in the fold following his trade to the Broncos. Coming off an Achilles tear, Aaron Rodgers is in place to start in 2024 and he plans to continue playing into his 40s. Travis could serve as a third-string option behind Rodgers and offseason addition Tyrod Taylor before potentially succeeding the latter in the QB2 spot.

49ers Acquire No. 129, Select Louisville RB Isaac Guerendo

April 27th, 2024 at 12:34pm CST by Ben Levine

The 49ers are moving up the board, acquiring pick No. 129 from the Jets. In return, San Francisco will send New York picks No. 173 and No. 176.

The team has used their new selection on Louisville running back Isaac Guerendo.

After transferring from Wisconsin to Louisville for the 2023 campaign, Guerendo had a breakout season. The running back finished the year with 1,044 yards from scrimmage and 11 touchdowns, and he also returned 11 kickoffs for 211 yards.

Guerendo will look to compete for backup reps behind Christian McCaffrey in San Francisco. The Niners are still rostering Elijah Mitchell and Jordan Mason, and they also added Patrick Taylor Jr. to the group. It may take the rookie some time until he’s able to break into the rotation, but he should be able to contribute on special teams for the time being.

Lions Send Jets 2025 Third-Rounder For No. 126

April 27th, 2024 at 12:24pm CST by Sam Robinson

After the Dolphins sent a 2025 third-rounder to the Eagles, the Lions are making a similar move. To climb to No. 126, Detroit is dealing a 2025 third-rounder to the Jets.

The Lions are using the newly acquired choice to draft tackle Giovanni Manu, who played at the University of British Columbia (Canada).

The 6-foot-8, 350-pound lineman obviously impressed with his physical attributes during the pre-draft process, with Manu meeting with more than 10 teams. The lineman recorded a 5.03-second forty-yard time, 8.29-second three-cone time, and 4.81-second short shuttle time during his pro day (per John Hodge of 3DownNation).

It’s been a while since a ‘U Player’ has heard his name called in the NFL Draft. Manu represents the first pick since David Onyemata, who was a fourth-round pick by the Saints in 2016.

Packers Acquire No. 111, Select Oregon S Evan Williams

April 27th, 2024 at 11:43am CST by Ben Levine

The Packers and Jets have been frequent trade partners in recent years, and the teams have pulled off another deal. The Packers have jumped to No. 111, with New York acquiring picks No. 126 and No. 190.

The Packers will use their new pick on Oregon safety Evan Williams. There’s been a run on Ducks players today, with Williams representing the fourth Oregon player to be selected in the fourth round.

After leading the Fresno State defense for four seasons, Williams transferred to Oregon for the 2023 campaign. He proceeded to earn second team All-Pac-12 honors after compiling 82 tackles, 4.5 sacks, and one forced fumble. While the defensive back didn’t posses the same upside as other prospects at the position, his defensive savvy should keep him on NFL rosters.

The Packers have been one of the more active teams through the first two days of the draft, selecting five rookies. The team added Georgia’s Javon Bullard in the second round, and the two rookies will join a new-look safeties room that also features new addition Xavier McKinney.

Jets Acquire No. 65 From Panthers

April 26th, 2024 at 8:34pm CST by Adam La Rose

The Jets have jumped up the board to begin the third round. New York has sent Nos. 72 and 157 to the Panthers in exchange for the 64th selection.

New York has opted to choose Western Kentucky receiver Malachi Corley. He will add a unique skillset to the team’s receiving room, having frequently drawn comparisons to Deebo Samuel in the pre-draft process. Corley’s abilities as a receiver, rusher and returner make him one of the more intriguing members of a deep WR class.

The Jets addressed the receiver spot earlier this offseason by signing Mike Williams to a one-year deal. The ex-Chargers Pro Bowler will provide a vertical threat on his new team, whereas Corley will likely operate in a different capacity. The latter thrived on turning short passes into notable run-after-catch gains during his time in college.

Corley flashed considerable potential in 2021 when he amassed 691 yards and seven touchdowns. He followed that up with a stellar campaign, leading Conference USA in catches (101) and yards (1,295), adding 11 scores. That led to high expectations this past season, and Corley delivered again with a 79-984-11 statline.

New York already has Garrett Wilson atop the depth chart in terms of pass-catching options, and the team is open to bringing back Corey Davis. Regardless of if the latter winds up in the fold for the 2024 campaign, Corley should be able to carve out a role in the team’s offense for the short- and long-term future.

Rams Had Interest In Brock Bowers; Jets Did Not Consider Drafting TE

April 26th, 2024 at 6:31pm CST by Adam La Rose

In the hours leading up to last night’s first round, the Rams were touted as a team looking to move up the order. An offensive weapon was believed to be a target, and more clarity has since emerged on that front.

Los Angeles contacted Atlanta about a trade-up to the No. 8 slot, Dianna Russini of The Athletic reports. Had an agreement for that selection been worked out, she adds the Rams would have drafted tight end Brock Bowers. Likewise, NFL Network’s Peter Schrager notes the team’s draft plans were simplified once Bowers came off the board (video link).

The Georgia product fell out of the top 10 – something which came as something of a surprise – while quarterbacks and offensive linemen dominated the top of the order. In the end, Bowers went 13th overall to the Raiders. The Rams stayed in place at the No. 19 slot. That allowed them to select edge rusher Jared Verse, one of the few defenders who heard their names called on Day 1.

Bowers – who earned first-team All-American acclaim and twice won the John Mackey award as the nation’s top tight end – was long connected to a selection near the bottom of the top 10. Specifically, the Jets were reported to be a suitor, and general manager Joe Douglas‘ pre-draft remarks suggested New York would be interested. However, Connor Hughes of SNY reports the team never gave thought to selecting Bowers with the No. 11 pick.

After trading down one spot, the Jets ultimately selected offensive tackle Olu Fashanu. That move likely addressed a more pressing need, given the state of New York’s offensive line prior to Thursday night. Still, the team’s aversion to Bowers after being linked to him so closely illustrates the power of smokescreens this time of year. In the end, Bowers’ career will be defined in large part by his time with the Raiders, but his connections to the Rams are noteworthy as well.

New York Jets News & Rumors