Jets Welcome Another Former Packer to the Neighborhood, Signing Billy Turner
The New York Jets' newest offensive line addition has familiarity with two of the team's key offensive figures.
Veteran Billy Turner has reportedly agreed to a one-year contract worth up to $3.15 million with Gang Green, according NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.
Turner, who has the versatility to compete at guard and tackle, played eight games (7 starts) last year for the Denver Broncos under head coach Nathaniel Hackett, who is now the Jets' offensive coordinator. Prior to joining the Broncos, the 6-foot-5 Turner spent three straight seasons as a Green Bay Packer.
In addition to protecting quarterback Aaron Rodgers, Turner's tenure in Green Bay coincided with Hackett's three-year stint (2019-21) as the Packers' OC.
Coming out of NCAA Division I FCS powerhouse North Dakota State, Turner was an early third-round selection (No. 67 overall) by the Miami Dolphins at the 2014 NFL Draft.
Miami released Turner in 2016, but he latched onto a roster spot with the Denver Broncos (his first stint with the team) days later. The former two-time consensus FCS All-American cashed in during the 2019 NFL free-agency signing period, inking a four-year, $28 million deal with Green Bay.
Turner started all 43 contests he appeared in for the Packers with the team averaging 13 regular season wins per year during his time on the roster.
The 31.5-year old lineman has contested 91 NFL regular season games, making 75 starts, but he hasn't played a full season since 2019.
The Jets have actively added to their pool of offensive linemen this offseason. They signed versatile veteran free-agent Wes Schweitzer away from the Washington Commanders and later added depth piece Trystan Colon in March.
Gang Green used its second and third picks in the 2023 NFL Draft on offensive linemen. Joe Douglas and Co. took Wisconsin center Joe Tippmann at No. 43 overall (Round 2) followed by Pitt left tackle Carter Warren with the No. 120 selection (Round 4).
New York re-signed starting center Connor McGovern and reserve tackle Cedric Ogbuehi in April. Meanwhile, veteran tackle Duane Brown is returning for another season and former Jets' draft picks Alijah Vera Tucker and Mekhi Becton are expected back healthy from injury.
Turner's reported signing came right before the Jets' deadline to exercise the fifth-year option on Becton's rookie contract. Word of Gang Green's decision has yet to surface, but the oft-injured offensive tackle may find himself a free agent following the 2023 campaign.
"We’re going to announce that next week," said Douglas when asked about Becton's fifth-year option during a post-draft press conference on April 29. "The deadline is, I think Monday. So, we’re going to announce that in the next couple days."
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