The Jet Press
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New York Jets: 15 best free agent acquisitions of all-time

By Justin Fried

Wayne Chrebet, New York Jets. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Wayne Chrebet, New York Jets. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /
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Alan Faneca, New York Jets. (Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images)
Alan Faneca, New York Jets. (Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images) /

Alan Faneca. 9. 30. . . OG


  • Signed a five-year, $40 million contract w/Jets in 2008, highest paid OL at the time

  • 2x Pro Bowl (2008-09)

  • Second-Team All-Pro (2008)

  • Blocked for Jets No. 1 rushing attack in 2009

Just one spot after Woody, another member of the Jets dominant late 2000s offensive line finds himself on this list. Although Alan Faneca didn’t have as long of a tenure with the team as most of the others on this list, the impact he made during his short time should still be spotlighted.

Faneca joined the Jets prior to the 2008 season after spending a decade as one of the most dominant linemen in the league with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Before joining New York, Faneca was selected to seven consecutive Pro Bowls and had been named a First-Team All-Pro six times.

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The success and accolades didn’t stop after signing a five-year, $40 million contract — the largest at the time for any offensive lineman — with the Jets. Faneca was named to the Pro Bowl in both seasons with the Jets, extending his consecutive total to nine years, and was named a Second-Team All-Pro in his first year with the team.

The LSU product was a part of the reason the Jets completely turned their team around from a 4-12 season in 2007 to a 9-7 season in 2008. The following season, Faneca helped lead the way for the No. 1 rushing offense in the NFL, as the Jets made it all the way to the AFC Championship Game.

While the Jets opted to release Faneca after just two seasons, his impact was clear as his release was the beginning of the end for the “Fab 5.” Vladimir Ducasse was drafted to take his place and the Haitian native struggled to fill the massive shoes Faneca had left behind, both figuratively and literally.

Faneca is still awaiting his ticket to the Pro Football Hall of Fame, but it would be surprising if he didn’t eventually make it in. And his two excellent seasons with the Jets certainly don’t hurt his case.

Next: No. 8

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