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This Future Hall of Famer Is Vital to the Jets Season

There's a hall of famer on the Jets offense who will be vital to their success, and it's not Aaron Rodgers.
Tyron Smith, left tackle of the New York Jets

After a tumultuous year last season, the New York Jets are ready to go double or nothing after going all in. Their first-class defense brought much excitement & added a premier pass rusher by trading for Haason Reddick. Their success will be tied to their offense to catch up. However, the team has taken steps to ensure the Jets offense is prepared to succeed, especially with the addition of a future Hall of Famer. His production is vital for the team’s season. But it’s not who you think it is. Tyron Smith is an important signing for the New York Jets.

Aaron Rodgers return is welcomed with open arms. However, he isn’t the only Hall of Famer on this offense anymore. The team signed the long-time Dallas Cowboys left tackle to protect Rodgers’ blindside. The five-time All-Pro offensive lineman is ready to make an impact on the field and as a mentor for the Jets offensive line off of it.

This Future Hall of Famer Is Vital to the Jets Season

The left tackle position has long been the most unheralded of valuable positions. A quality left tackle is a massive factor in an offensive line’s success. They often face the toughest defensive line matchups. Anytime they can buy the quarterback an extra second greatly improves a play’s chance of success. Trent Williams has been the most valuable cog in the 49ers offense not named Christian McCaffrey. The Bengals paid Orlando Brown Jr over $16 million this season to protect Joe Burrow. Among others include Taylor Decker, Jordan Mailata, and Terron Armstead. All five of these left tackles play on the most efficient offenses in the league. That’s something general manager Joe Douglas is hoping to mimic with Tyron Smith.

Tyron Smith

For the past 13 years, Tyron Smith called AT&T Stadium his home. The California native had a great career in the Lone Star State. After attending USC, Smith joined the Cowboys when selected ninth overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft. Since then, Smith has been named to the pro-bowl eight times. He protected Tony Romo and his successor Dak Prescott for the majority of his career. A stalwart on the Cowboys line where his pass protection shined. He had only two seasons with nine or more penalties.

While he continued to perform at a high level, it has led to his body taking a toll. With over a decade of experience in the league, injuries have caught up to him. Since the start of the decade, last season was the first time Smith played in more than 12 games in a season. During the pandemic, Smith played two games before undergoing season-ending neck surgery. The following year he fought through multiple ankle injuries but played 11 games. A torn hamstring limited him to only four games in 2022. However many games he plays, when Tyron Smith is on the field he’s still a great pass protector.

How he can help New York both on and off the field

Smith signed a one-year deal with the Jets worth $20 million to protect Aaron Rodgers. Compared to Duane Brown’s play last year, Smith is a massive upgrade. Smith brings years of playoff experience and is excellent at limiting penalties. Plugging in Smith next to John Simpson gives a solid duo on the left side of the offensive line. Along with second-year center Joe Tippmann, Alijah Vera-Tucker, and Morgan Moses; the offensive line is more well-rounded. Which will also play a significant role in Breece Hall’s evolution.

But his play on the field isn’t the only way Smith’s value can shine. Rookie Olu Fashanu has the opportunity of a lifetime to learn from Smith. The eleventh overall pick in the draft is only 21 years old so he won’t need to play early. Instead, Tyron Smith can pass on his knowledge to the best offensive tackle from the Big 10 in 2023. Without one sack allowed in his entire collegiate career, Fashanu has a lot to offer. The organization has been searching for the next long-term left tackle since the retirement of D’Brickashaw Ferguson. Through the mentoring of Smith, Fashanu has a fast track to long-term success.

As we approach the season, Tyron Smith is eager to begin the final chapter of his career. Joining an organization with a first-caliber defense and an offense offering Aaron Rodgers two young weapons in Breece Hall and Garrett Wilson, he wants to go out a winner. If it all works out; not only can he finally become a champion, but help ensure another first-round left tackle can achieve his full potential as well.

Main Photo: [Jerome Miron] – USA Today Sports

Michael Zimmelman

Michael Zimmelman

Michael is an NFL editor & writer covering the New York Jets. His articles strive to provide fans with a unique and engaged perspective highlighting the organization as a whole. From player analysis, transactions, coaching retrospectives and more.

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