Reports: Jets bringing in eight-time Pro Bowler to protect Aaron Rodgers

The New York Jets have made another move to bolster their offensive line.

Smith, 33, received eight Pro Bowl nods and was a first team All-Pro two times in his 13 seasons in Dallas. Though injuries have been a persistent issue — Smith has missed at least three games every season since 2016 and played only two games in 2020 and four in 2022 — his presence and steady play should still provide a nice boost for a Jets offensive line that was in disarray last year.

The Smith addition comes after the team added guard John Simpson, who started every game last season for the Baltimore Ravens, in free agency and brought in tackle Morgan Moses in a trade with the Ravens. Smith figures to slot in at left tackle, Simpson at left guard and Moses at right tackle. Alijah Vera-Tucker, a 2021 first-round pick who played just five games last season due to an Achilles tear, will likely take the right guard spot next to second-year center Joe Tippmann, who started 14 games last season.

The reworked line should help keep Aaron Rodgers, reportedly in the running to be Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s running mate in the upcoming presidential election, upright — assuming the 40-year-old quarterback is actually playing and is recovered from the Achilles injury that knocked him out for all but four snaps in 2023.

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Though his defection was largely expected, Smith’s departure still leaves a hole for the Cowboys to fill. Smith has been a stalwart on their offensive line since they selected the USC lineman with the ninth overall pick in 2011. The Cowboys won the NFC East last season, their third consecutive 12-5 campaign, but the team is still seeking its first NFC title game appearance since the 1995 season.