The New York Jets did not make a trade ahead of the 2023 NFL Trade Deadline but did address their biggest offensive need in free agency.
New York agreed to terms with free agent guard Rodger Saffold III as first reported by Adam Schefter of ESPN. The move will place him on the practice squad to start with the expectation that he could be bumped quickly to the active roster. Saffold, 35, is a 14-year NFL veteran who has played under Jets offensive line coach Keith Carter during his time with the Titans from 2019-2021.
The former Rams second-round pick in 2010 played in 16 games with the Buffalo Bills last season and is a two-time Pro Bowler.
Gang Green had several issues to address ahead of the trade deadline with the lack of depth along the offensive line the biggest concern. The Jets currently have four of their Week 1 starting offensive line on IR at this time. Recent injuries to Connor McGovern, Wes Schweitzer, and Joe Tippmann have made the team’s need along the interior of the offensive line paramount. McGovern and Schweitzer were placed on IR Tuesday afternoon.
With the veteran in Saffold, New York has addressed a key area of weakness for the group as they expect to get both Tippmann and veteran Tackle Duane Brown back from injuries over the coming weeks.
The Jets later announced that Jalyn Holmes was signed to join Saffold on the practice squad, while Dennis Kelly and Tanzel Smart were promoted to the active roster.
