Jets Claim Offensive Tackle Austin Deculus off Waivers, Release Tanzel Smart

By Glenn Naughton Posted On November 14, 2023

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Looking for any help they can get along the offensive line, the Jets have claimed tackle Austin Deculus off waivers from the Houston Texans. The 205th overall pick in the 2022 draft out of LSU, Deculus appeared in two games this season with one being against the Pittsburgh Steelers in which he earned a PFF grade of 62.6 on 38 snaps.

Austin Deculus played a record 61 games for LSU before being drafted by the Houston Texans 205th overall in the 2022 draft.

A right tackle in college, Deculus did see action on the left side with the Texans, including his week 4 appearance against the Pittsburgh Steelers. If the Jets feel he can play that spot in a pinch, having a versatile option at tackle would be a welcome addition for head coach Robert Saleh.

The 6′ 5” 321 pound Deculus has 34 3/8” arms and was projected by some to be a guard in the NFL due to what they viewed as limited mobility.

You can take a look at his NFL.com draft profile right here.

To make room for Deculus, the Jets parted ways with fan favorite defensive lineman Tanzel Smart.

Glenn Naughton

Glenn was Born in the Bronx, New York and has followed the Jets religiously despite being stationed in several different countries and time zones around the world. He now resides in England and has been a JetNation member since 2005. Glenn will bleed green with the rest of us through the highs and lows.

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