The Jets have found a way to survive their weakest offensive link

When the New York Jets signed Josh Myers last offseason, the expectation was that he'd provide much-needed depth behind Joe Tippmann and the interior of the team's offensive line.

There may have been a competition in training camp, but most still expected Tippmann to remain at center entering the season, with Myers fulfilling his backup responsibilities. That was until Alijah Vera-Tucker got hurt.

Tippmann shifted over to right guard. Myers stepped into the starting lineup. Soon, the Jets were signing Myers to a two-year extension, and he remains the team's starting center entering 2026.

Day 28 of your 2026 Jets Camp Countdown belongs to the Surprise Starter, the Buckeye Bodyguard, the Center of Attention, and the man who followed in the footsteps of the late, great Nick Mangold at Ohio State...it's Josh Myers.

Myers wasn't perfect in 2025. He honestly wasn't even particularly good. Yet, the Jets still felt comfortable bringing him back, and there's a reason for that.

1. Where Josh Myers stands entering Jets training camp
2. Josh Myers was far from the star of the Jets offensive line in 2025
3. What would make 2026 a success for Josh Myers
4. Recent 2026 Camp Countdown Breakdowns

Where Josh Myers stands entering Jets training camp

Myers enters training camp as the Jets' starting center and one of the few veterans on an otherwise young offensive line. The 27-year-old signed a two-year, $11 million extension with the Jets in December after starting all 17 games in 2025.

Myers spent four years as Green Bay's starting center before arriving in Florham Park on a one-year contract. His experience made him valuable depth, but few people envisioned him becoming a full-time starter for the Jets.

But due to external circumstances, that's exactly what happened. Myers has now started 56 games over the last four seasons and missed just one contest during that span. Durability has become one of his biggest strengths, even if his overall play hasn't always matched that consistency.

Josh Myers was far from the star of the Jets offensive line in 2025

Myers was able to hold his own in his unexpected starting role last season, but that doesn't mean he was especially good. Because he most certainly wasn't.

The Dayton native finished with a career-worst 52.9 Pro Football Focus grade. He committed seven penalties, allowed three sacks, and surrendered 28 pressures. He was noticeably the weakest link on an otherwise solid Jets offensive line.

Yet the unit still managed to work. Olu Fashanu continued to develop at left tackle. Joe Tippmann looked increasingly comfortable at right guard. Armand Membou turned in one of the best rookie seasons by an offensive tackle in recent Jets history.

The offensive line remained one of the brighter spots on the roster despite Myers' struggles. I suppose that's partially what makes his situation interesting.

A below-average starter at left tackle can derail an offensive line. Teams have a much easier time overcoming average or below-average play at center, particularly when the four players around him are capable starters.

The Jets spent most of last season proving exactly that. Myers may lower the ceiling of the unit, but his presence didn't prevent the offensive line from becoming one of the team's strengths.

What would make 2026 a success for Josh Myers

The Jets obviously aren't asking Myers to become a Pro Bowl player or even one of their better offensive linemen. Another healthy season with semi-competent play would likely qualify as a successful year for the former Packers second-round pick.

There were at least some encouraging signs late last season. From Weeks 12 through 18, Myers posted a 76.6 PFF pass-blocking grade, ranking among the better pass-protecting centers in football during that stretch. It's a small sample size, sure, but it showed he was capable of playing better than his full-season numbers suggest.

The addition of Dylan Parham at left guard could help as well. Offensive line play is often dependent on chemistry and communication, and the Jets are hoping Parham can provide an upgrade over John Simpson next to Myers.

From a big-picture perspective, it's also fair to point out that the Jets have ample flexibility with their center. Myers is under contract through 2027, but the deal doesn't lock the organization into anything long-term.

The Jets could move on after this season while absorbing just $600,000 in dead money and saving roughly $5.5 million against the cap. Center remains a position the Jets could revisit in the 2027 NFL Draft or next offseason if the right opportunity presents itself.

For now, though, Myers gives the Jets a dependable veteran starter who knows the system, stays healthy, and allows the team to focus its attention elsewhere. That might not be exciting, but it does have value.

Recent 2026 Camp Countdown Breakdowns

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow