This offseason, the NY Jets will need offensive line support, and one player who could assist them out is a current starting left tackle in the Super Bowl. This offseason, Donovan Smith wants to sign a contract with the Jets.
That was, at least, the hint he provided on Thursday in an interview with Brian Costello of the New York Post. Smith, a Long Island native who grew up a Jets fan, said it would be a “dream” to play for the team from his birthplace.
In a few days, Smith will start his second Super Bowl, this time as a left tackle for the Kansas City Chiefs. After nine seasons in the NFL, he has over 130 career starts. This summer, he will become a free agency.
This past spring, Smith agreed to a modest $3 million, one-year contract with the Chiefs. In 2023, he made just 12 career starts and struggled with injuries. Nevertheless, Smith would adore the chance to suit up for the Jets soon.
“As a take-it-as-it-comes kind of guy, I certainly know where my feet are at this game right now. But in the end, I have to sort it out because it’s my life and my career. I was a Jets fan growing up. That would be something I would surely cherish before my career ends because I’m from New York.”
This offseason, the Jets will surely be searching for offensive line reinforcements, and it would be a sweet, heartwarming tale if Smith signed with the team he always fancied as a child. Nevertheless, it might not be the Jets’ best business decision.
Over the last two seasons in Kansas City, Smith has performed at best below average as a starter. The veteran left tackle for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers has received successive Pro Football Focus grades below 60.0, finishing 66th, 66th, and 61st out of 81 qualified tackles in the last two seasons.
Smith has consistently been in the top half of the league in terms of penalties. Since 2018, he has never concluded a season with fewer than nine penalties. In 2023, his 8.3 percent pressure rate placed him a pitiful 68th out of 83 eligible tackles.
Smith will attract attention because of his reputation and Super Bowl history. His tale of being the hometown hero would also make for an enjoyable and touching read. Regretfully, in terms of starting tackles in 2024, the Jets could definitely do better.
Maybe there’s a chance that Smith and the Jets can come to an agreement if he agrees to sign on as a backup. Nevertheless, it should be mentioned that Smith has only ever played left tackle in the NFL. He is not your normal swing tackle; rather, he is similar to Duane Brown.
Although Donovan Smith would want to sign with the Jets, the franchise should probably take a different route.
