Jets re-sign offensive lineman Jonotthan Harrison

The New York Jets have made one of their first re-signings of the offseason with versatile offensive lineman Jonotthan Harrison.

The New York Jets will be looking to bolster their offensive line this offseason after the unit struggled mightily during the 2018 season. They will likely look to both free agency and the 2019 NFL Draft to address the need but the team is already doing the due diligence.

Manish Mehta of the NY Daily News has reported the re-signing of versatile spot starter Jonotthan Harrison marking the team’s first re-signing of the offseason. The Florida product has spent the last two seasons with the Jets after signing with the team in March of 2017.

Harrison originally entered the league as an undrafted free agent in 2014 and lasted three years with the Indianapolis Colts playing in 44 games, starting 23 of them. With the Jets, Harrison earned one start at center in place of the struggling Wesley Johnson in 2017 before earning an increased role in 2018.

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Due to injuries to both Spencer Long and James Carpenter, Harrison wound up starting in eight games last season, mostly at center although he did play some left guard showing his versatility. That versatility is likely what endears him to the Jets so much.

While Harrison will be 28-years-old by the time the 2019 season rolls around, Harrison has positional flexibility at the two places the Jets desperately need help, guard and center. Although it’s likely the Jets will look to bring in two new starting pieces at left guard and center, Harrison gives the Jets a high-end backup with success as a spot starter.

The Jets could even opt to have Harrison compete to be a starter with a young rookie or mid-tier free agent signing if worst comes to worst. His Pro Football Focus grade doesn’t look great, 54.1, but it actually places him as the No. 30 ranked center which would make him a premium reserve player who would be a starter on teams with lackluster offensive lines.

Pretty much what he was last year with the Jets.

Altogether, the re-signing of Harrison gives the Jets some depth at a currently thin position on the roster. On top of that, his versatility and starting experience make him a high-caliber backup who could even compete for a starting job.

This won’t be the move fans remember in a week, but it could be one that proves to be very beneficial in the long-run.