FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — After 13 seasons and eight Professional Bowls with the Dallas Cowboys, left sort out Tyron Smith described his first foray into free company as “annoying.” However he is pleased with the result, saying the New York Jets can take him the place he has by no means been — a Tremendous Bowl.
“I simply really feel like they’ve all of the items collectively proper now, and so they’re getting the ultimate items this offseason to supply a crew that may go all the way in which,” Smith informed reporters Thursday on a videoconference.
Smith, one of many largest names in free company, signed a one-year, $6.5 million contract with the Jets, who revamped their offensive line and signed huge receiver Mike Williams in an effort to improve Aaron Rodgers’ supporting solid.
The quarterback, 40, is getting back from an Achilles tear that price him practically your entire 2023 season, ruining the Jets’ Tremendous Bowl aspirations.
“I’ve performed in opposition to Aaron all through my profession a few instances, and I do know what sort of quarterback he’s,” Smith mentioned. “I do know what he can do should you simply give him a bit of little bit of time, and we will do our greatest to present him that point.”
The Jets’ offensive line, a large number final season, has three new starters — Smith, left guard John Simpson and proper sort out Morgan Moses, who was acquired in a commerce with the Baltimore Ravens. The important thing, although, is Smith, chargeable for defending Rodgers’ blind aspect.
Regardless of a glittering résumé, Smith, 33, did not entice a lot curiosity due to his age and harm historical past — 37 missed video games prior to now 4 seasons. He hasn’t performed a full season since 2015. He did play 13 video games final season and was a second-team All-Professional, however there was nonetheless hesitancy amongst some groups.
He was in the marketplace for 5 days earlier than agreeing to the Jets’ deal, which has playing-time, Professional Bowl and postseason-win incentives that may deliver the whole to $20 million.
“I am not going to lie, it was barely annoying a bit of bit,” Smith mentioned of the method. “I’ve by no means been in that spot earlier than. I did not know easy methods to deal with it, and it glided by for every week, however I simply felt prefer it was eternally.”
Smith mentioned the Cowboys and Jets have been his “most important choices,” including, “The best way issues have been trying in Dallas, I knew it was most certainly going to be the Jets. Truthfully, I bought excited for a brand new chapter in my life.”
Bodily, Smith mentioned he feels “nice,” including that he completed the season with no accidents. The Cowboys restricted his follow time over the second half of the season, making an attempt to maintain him wholesome. The Jets possible will make use of the same plan.
The Jets have not had a premier pass-protector at left sort out since D’Brickashaw Ferguson in 2015. Since then, they’ve cycled by means of a number of starters, most not too long ago Duane Brown and former first-round choose Mekhi Becton, each free brokers.
“It offers you consolation,” new backup quarterback Tyrod Taylor mentioned of Smith. “I’ve bought a number of respect for Tyron. … Clearly, you’ve gotten a security blanket over there to the left. He is been an impressive participant for lots of years, so we sit up for being protected on the left aspect with him.”
