While a lot can change and be lost in the chaos of a new regime, the New York Jets will fortunately have some semblance of stability. First-time offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand can rest easy knowing he has most of his offensive line settled. The Jets will be entering 2025 with 80% of last year’s offensive line returning.
The only question mark that exists is right tackle with Morgan Moses likely gone in free agency. It would be wise for the Jets to begin fielding offers to bring in a veteran tackle. While there are many options, there’s one player on the market who could be a great fit. Especially with his connection to the new offensive coaching staff.
Can Jets Bring Back Veteran as Their New Right Tackle?
With Aaron Glenn now head coach, fans are excited for the changes that can come to the Jets. New York will have a new quarterback under center after moving on from Aaron Rodgers. Expect a revitalized defense led by new defensive coordinator Steve Wilks as well. Due to the combined experience that both Wilks and Glenn bring to the table, I fully expect the Jets defense to revitalize their game against the run. However, many are curious to see how the offensive line responds to the new staff.
When examining the depth chart, the Jets have four of their five starting offensive linemen under contract. Last year’s first-round pick Olu Fashanu was a difference-maker at left tackle after replacing Tyron Smith. While the interior of the offensive line has a solid trio between left guard John Simpson, center Joe Tippmann, and right guard Alijah Vera-Tucker. Retaining this level of continuity will be crucial for Engstrand to implement the offense he wants going forward. However, there will be a glaring hole at right tackle with Morgan Moses a free agent. Yet, a familiar face to Jets fans could be a potential solution.
Should the Jets consider signing Kelvin Beachum to play right tackle?
This offseason, New York will have their opportunity to choose a new right tackle from a decent free agency class. In addition, the offensive tackles in the draft class could be very appealing as well. However, this offseason it would be wise to add another veteran to the room to help this young offensive line grow together. As a result, one name to consider would be former Arizona Cardinals tackle Kelvin Beachum.
Look at this double team by Will Hernandez and Kelvin Beachum from the Cardinals. Hip to hip, crazy displacement. It’s beautiful. You can tell how well coached Arizona’s OL is. Their run scheme is so diverse and asks so much of them, and they play with such good detail. pic.twitter.com/Q9ZXVIklSZ
— Robert Mays (@robertmays) September 19, 2024
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Entering his 14th season in the NFL, Kelvin Beachum has enjoyed a productive career. A seventh-round draft pick in 2012, Beachum spent the first four seasons of his career on the Pittsburgh Steelers. Eventually, Beachum became their starting left tackle, but was let go so he could sign with the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2016. Once his time in Jacksonville came to an end, Beachum would spend the next three seasons as the Jets starting left tackle.
Despite Beachum performing admirably through three seasons as a starter, Beachum would leave New York to sign with the Cardinals in 2020. Once signed, Beachum would spend five seasons in Arizona, becoming their starting right tackle. He was productive, however he would eventually be replaced by coveted free agent Jonah Williams. During this season, Beachum would return to the starting right tackle spot in relief for Williams. He was productive, starting in 11 games while playing in 16 with only three total penalties all season.
Kelvin Beachum’s fit on the Jets
While he will have suitors across the league, a reunion with the Jets could be very beneficial to Kelvin Beachum. Primarily, it’d give him a guaranteed starting job next year compared to other teams interested in him. In addition, the move would reunite him with current Jets wide receivers coach Shawn Jefferson. The duo have three seasons of experience between the Jets and Cardinals, Jefferson served as Beachum’s assistant coach in 2019 and in Arizona in 2022. Along with new offensive line coach Steve Heiden, who spent three seasons with both Beachum and Jefferson.
“We’ll see.”
Arizona Cardinals OT Kelvin Beachum on his future with the team. Beach says he’s received “approval” from his wife to continue playing @PHNX_Cardinals pic.twitter.com/QQSRJ675R3
— Bo Brack (@BoBrack) January 6, 2025
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Due to Beachum’s age and injury history, he’d also be considerably cheaper compared to other tackles on the market. In addition, Beachum would be a unique mentor for Olu Fashanu. Beachum was in Fashanu’s shoes as the Jets starting left tackle for three seasons. With Tyron Smith and Morgan Moses off the team, it’d be wise to get him a veteran to continue to learn from. Even though Beachum is near the end of his career, he’d give New York a solid stopgap at right tackle before finding a long-term solution.
Main Photo: [Darren Yamashita] – USA Today Sports
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