Jets GM Joe Douglas didn’t have much time to make a splash this offseason after taking over for former general manager Mike Maccagnan after the first few waves of free agency and the NFL draft had already concluded. Even still, that didn’t stop him from going out and making a pair of additions along the offensive line, an area in which he’s expected to excel.
With only serviceable journeyman Jonotthan Harrison at center, Douglas opened up his (or Chris Johnson’s) wallet to sign former All-Pro Ryan Kalil to a one-year $8.4 million deal. To address the team’s lack of depth, he sent a late-round draft pick to the Baltimore Ravens for OG/OT Alex Lewis. Had the Jets not made the Ravens an offer, Lewis was expected to be released.
Per PFF, Alex Lewis graded out at 49.3 at left guard last season. That placed him 43rd of 49 players at the position with at least 700 snaps.
— Glenn Naughton (@JNRadio_Glenn) October 5, 2019
With left guard Kelechi Osemele listed as doubtful for tomorrow’s contest, fans will likely get their first look at the pair in action together.
Kalil has struggled mightily up to this point but may have been out of football shape after spending a few months retired on the couch before the Jets came calling. With a limited training camp behind him, 3 starts and a bye week, he should be in football shape with the Eagles coming up in week 5.
Paired with the former Raven, Kalil and Lewis will look to get the Jets offense rolling. If not rolling, then hopefully capable of converting on third down, an area where Gang Green went 0-12 against the Patriots just a couple of weeks ago.
