NY Jets could target All-Pro center Corey Linsley in free agency

The NY Jets will be looking to bolster their offensive line in free agency this year. And one of the top players set to hit the open market is Green Bay Packers’ All-Pro center, Corey Linsley.

Linsley has established himself as one of the best centers in the NFL over the past seven years since breaking into the league as a fifth-round pick back in 2014.

While he’s flown a bit under-the-radar throughout his career, Linsley finally received the recognition he’s deserved earning first-team All-Pro in 2020 in a year where he was likely the best center in football.

But with the Packers in a cap bind, there’s a good chance Linsley is able to find a more lucrative offer elsewhere. And the Jets make a ton of sense as a logical landing spot.

The NY Jets would be wise to target Corey Linsley in free agency

ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler recently listed the Jets as the “best fit” for Linsley and it wouldn’t be a surprise if the former Ohio State star is someone general manager Joe Douglas goes all-in on in free agency.

Linsley will turn 30-years-old in July, but he’s been the model of consistency and durability over the past few years. Since 2017, Linsley has missed just three games — all of which came due to a knee injury this past season.

And he’s coupled that with consistent, top-tier play.

In his seven years in the NFL, Linsley has never been ranked lower than 17th at his position by Pro Football Focus and he graded out in the top-seven in five of those years. By all metrics, he’s been one of the best centers in football for quite some time.

The Jets will be looking to upgrade their offensive line, particularly the interior, and Linsley makes a ton of sense. Connor McGovern got better as the season went on, but he underperformed at center in his first year with the organization.

The former Denver Broncos lineman has experience playing guard and could shift over if the Jets were to sign Linsley.

If not, the Jets could look to bring in either Joe Thuney or Brandon Scherff, two big-name guards who are set to be free agents. It’s more likely that Thuney hits the market than Scherff — expect the Jets to be aggressive in their pursuit of the longtime Patriots guard.

But Linsley might just be their best option. His combination of production, durability, and consistency should be very appealing to Douglas this offseason.

Don’t be surprised to see the Jets make a serious push to sign the All-Pro center.