NY Jets sign experienced guard/center Dan Feeney to one-year deal

The NY Jets went into the offseason with a clear goal to improve the offensive line. And while they haven’t done that so far, they added a little depth on Thursday in the form of veteran guard/center Dan Feeney.

As first reported by Adam Caplan, the Jets have signed the experienced Feeney to a one-year deal. The details of the contract are unknown, but it likely isn’t for very much.

Despite his ample starting experience, it appears as though the plan is for Feeney to fill a backup role on the Jets. At least that’s what was suggested by Connor Hughes of The Athletic.

Feeney will provide further depth to an interior offensive line that will likely receive a bit of a makeover this offseason. This appears to be the start of it.

Dan Feeney is quality depth for the NY Jets

A third-round pick of the Los Angeles Chargers in the 2017 NFL Draft, Feeney took over as the starting left guard midway through his rookie season after former Jets’ guard Matt Slauson was injured.

And from that very moment, Feeney would never miss another game.

The former Indiana standout started 57 consecutive games serving as arguably the only consistent and durable part of the Chargers’ offensive line. The only problem was that is best ability may have been availability.

Feeney impressed enough in his rookie season to earn the full-time starting guard, receiving a very respectable 60.8 Pro Football Focus grade. Not great, but still starting-caliber — especially for a third-round rookie.

Unfortunately, he would never reach that level of play again ranking as one of the worst guards in football in each of the next two seasons.

Feeney started the first five games of the 2020 season at guard before moving over to center once Mike Pouncey went down with an injury. Safe to say, the change in position didn’t yield better results.

Feeney finished with a career-worst 48.2 PFF grade which ranked 35th out of just 36 qualified centers. But hey, at least he was durable.

The Jets likely won’t rely on Feeney as a starter and were probably intrigued by his versatility and athleticism. He struggled mightily in pass protection, but was actually quite effective when asked to pull and get out to the second level on screens.

Two valuable traits in a Mike LaFleur offense.

The Jets’ work on the offensive line is far from over. But Feeney is a fine depth addition for now given his versatility and durability.