The New York Jets have traded a fifth round pick in the 2016 NFL draft for the Denver Broncos starting left tackle Ryan Clady. Denver was already in a bind with Clady's rather large salary and needed to create some breathing room.
The talented left tackle has also been rather injury prone, as he suffered a season ending injury before the 2015 season even began. Clady tore his ACL during Denver's offseason workouts, which forced the Broncos to scramble to put together a competitive offensive line in time for the regular season.
Winning the Super Bowl without Clady seemingly gave them the confidence to trade him. Considering the Jets only had to trade a fifth round pick, this is a pretty big win for the franchise. Clady is a premium left tackle when he is healthy, and he will replace the now retired D'Brickashaw Ferguson, who manned the left tackle position for the Jets for over 10 years.
New York has also reworked Clady's contract, as it is now a one-year deal worth up to $7.5 million if specific incentives are met. There is also an option year worth $10 million if the Jets want to retain the former Bronco. The Broncos will now rely on free agent acquisition Russell Okung, formerly of the Seattle Seahawks.
Okung was a starter in Seattle and should fit in nicely with the rest of the Broncos offensive line. The Jets, on the other hand, will get a pro bowl caliber starter and will have the option of expanding the talent on this offensive line during the draft. The franchise still needs to make a decision about whether or not they will re-sign quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick this offseason, as that move will affect who they select in the upcoming draft.
If the Jets decide to move on with a rookie signal caller and not Fitzpatrick, it may end up costing them more in the long run, as they were on the cusp of making the playoffs with their 2015 roster. One thing is certain, which is that signing Clady fills a gigantic void in their roster, which should keep this offense clicking heading into the 2016 regular season.
