Some Available Offensive Line Options for the New York Jets

June 14, 2012; Florham Park, NJ, USA; New York Jets head coach Rex Ryan and general manager Mike Tannenbaum speak during minicamp at the Atlantic Health Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-US PRESSWIRE

As we know, there was a lot to take away from Friday night’s game against the Bengals. They have a lot of time to get better, but one thing became clear. The Jets are lacking depth on the offensive line.

A common theme on Friday night, no matter which quarter we were talking about, was pressure on Jets quarterbacks. Some of it was on the backs not picking up blitzers, and some of it was on the quarterbacks holding the ball too long.

But, a lot was on the offensive line. There was much concern in JetNation about the fact that Mike Tannenbaum didn’t do a lot to address the offensive line this offseason, and it showed Friday night.

But, all is not lost. Here are still some options out there for the Jets, that would come on the cheap, and would make an impact on the depth of this team, and quickly. Here are some examples:(Previous team in parenthesis)

VERNON CAREY(MIAMI)

This is a guy that has been rumored to be a player of interest for the Jets, and with good reason.  At 6’5″, 340, he is a building.  He is only 31, so he’s got some gas left in the tank.  He also played for Miami, so he is familiar with Tony Sparano’s system.  He can compete for time, as he has started every game he has been active for but two since 2005.

Aug 16, 2010; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants tackle Kareem McKenzie (67) during the first half against the New York Jets at the New Meadowlands Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim O

KAREEM MCKENZIE(GIANTS)

Remember this guy?  He wore our uniform in the Herman Edwards days, and he was a pretty good right tackle for us.  Since 2002, he has started every game he has been active for, both for us and for our co-tenants, the Giants.

Despite being in the league for eleven years, he is only 33 years old.  He was a starter through last year, so clearly he is still a capable body if the Jets would need to put him out there.  Heck, he is a career right tackle, he could compete with our best friend Wayne Hunter for the starting right tackle position.  Isn’t that reason enough to take a look at the guy?  I think so.

ADAM GOLDBERG(RAMS)

Another able bodied guy that is only 31 years old.  He has some starting experience, so could be penciled in if necessary.  He also is durable, as he has been active for all 16 games each season since 2008.  Adam is definitely a guy that could add depth to our team.

CASEY WIEGMANN(CHIEFS)

We all saw how the Jets fell apart without Nick Mangold in 2011.  A priority should be to have a backup center.  Casey Wiegmann could be the guy.  Yes, he has played 16 years and is 39 years old.  That doesn’t make it a bad idea folks, we are not asking him to play 16 games, although he could.  He has started every game but one, since 2001, so if God forbid Nick had a major injury, Casey could step in.  But, in a pinch, clearly this guy can still play.

The depth options are out there Tanny.  Start making some calls.