Could Jets Sign Controversial Patriots Lineman Trent Brown in Free Agency?
After a season where the offensive line proved to be a glaring weakness - right alongside quarterback - the New York Jets could find themselves looking to invest in the trenches.
While they have the No. 10 overall pick in the NFL Draft, which should allow them to land one of the top offensive line prospects, they could also find reinforcements through free agency.
A potential veteran option for the Jets could be current New England Patriots left tackle Trent Brown. Despite coming off an injury-filled season, the current Patriot is projected to be one of the top tackles available this offseason and is already being predicted to switch sides in the AFC East by Bleacher Report.
"The New York Jets have to get aggressive to fix their offensive line," Bleacher Report writes about their prediction of Brown signing with the Jets. "Their cap situation doesn't look great right now, but OverTheCap estimates they have the potential to get to around $45.4 million in room, which would give them enough to offer him a tempting deal."
Sep 10, 2023; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots offensive tackle Trent Brown (77) in action during the second half against the Philadelphia Eagles at Gillette Stadium.
Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports
Injuries aside, Brown is coming off one of his best seasons with the Patriots. In 10 games, Brown allowed three sacks, six quarterback hits, and 17 pressures for the Patriots while starting at left tackle, per Pro Football Focus.
Brown improved from the previous season, where he allowed eight sacks, eight hits, and 39 pressures while playing all 17 games. The improvement even showed up in PFF's grades, giving Brown his highest career overall grade of 80.2 this past season.
If the Jets allow former first-round pick Mekhi Becton to walk in free agency and are wary of a rookie protecting Aaron Rodgers, Brown could be a veteran option. At 30 years old, Brown has seen his fair share of snaps and could be signed for relatively cheap.
A recent projection from PFF has Brown's value at $7.5 million per year, which makes him the second-most expensive option behind current Dallas Cowboys left tackle Tyron Smith this offseason.
With just a projected $4 million in current available cap space, the Jets could use some "cheap" options to help improve a roster that looks to be in "win-now" mode.
