The New York Jets saw a major improvement under first-year head coach Todd Bowles in 2015, and the addition of quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick to their roster through a trade with the Houston Texans may have been their greatest pickup last season. The additions of Fitzpatrick and wide receiver Brandon Marshall vastly improved New York's offense last season and has left many wondering why it's taking so long to re-sign the veteran quarterback.
In his first season with the Jets, Fitzpatrick posted career-highs in yards (3,905) and touchdowns (31), and he took New York's offense to another level, as they went from the 22nd ranked offense in 2014 in terms of yards to the 10th in 2015.
Reports surfaced earlier this week that the Jets had asked offensive tackle D'Brickashaw Ferguson to take a pay cut in order to retain Fitzpatrick, but that is no longer a concern, as Ferguson is reportedly retiring this Friday. It comes as a shock to many, as Ferguson is 32 years old and is completely healthy, but his teammates and the Jets have been aware for weeks that he has been contemplating retirement this offseason.
The former fourth overall pick in the 2006 NFL Draft was a huge piece for the Jets offensive line, and had played in 10,707 of the Jets' 10,708 offensive snaps since being drafted. The Jets starting left tackle is reportedly walking away from the game because he doesn't feel that he can play up to his usual standard. His retirement has opened $9 million in cap room for the Jets, which could potentially allow them to re-sign Fitzpatrick.
While the Jets may be able to get Fitzpatrick under contract for the 2016 season, they now have a glaring hole on their offensive line. Offensive line was already one of the Jets' top needs before Ferguson's retirement, and with the 20th overall pick in the upcoming draft, general manager Mike Maccagnan is likely heavily focused on finding a Week One starter.
Both Michigan State offensive tackle Jack Conklin and Ohio State offensive tackle Taylor Decker could be in play for the Jets, but they have received plenty of attention and may not be on the board by the time the Jets come on the clock. It will be interesting to see what the Jets decide to do with their first round pick this year, but their decision will likely be determined by the teams ahead of them and who is left on their big board when they are on the clock. The Jets could also look to trade for a starting left tackle, and three starting tackles that could be in play for the Jets are Broncos' Ryan Clady, Browns' Joe Thomas and Jaguars' Luke Joeckel.
New York still needs to lockup Fitzpatrick on a contract following Ferguson's retirement, but a major concern has now shifted to their offensive line, as that is likely their biggest question mark following the quarterback position.
