5 former NY Jets who are still free agents in June

3. George Fant, OT, NY Jets

There was a time not too long ago — last year at this time, in fact — when we were talking about George Fant as a Jets player deserving of a lucrative, multi-year extension. What a difference a year can make.

Signed to a three-year, $30 million contract prior to the 2020 season, Fant struggled in his first year with the Jets at right tackle. It wasn't until the following year that he finally found his footing.

With Mekhi Becton sidelined due to injury, Fant slid over to left tackle and went on to start the majority of the season at his natural position. He put together a career year and finished as legitimately one of the best pass-blocking left tackles in the NFL.

Rumors that the Jets could extend Fant began to swirl the following offseason, but the Jets held out, perhaps because they wanted to see him repeat his success. Unfortunately for Fant, he never really received that opportunity.

The 2022 season was an injury-riddled disaster for the former college basketball standout. Fant missed the summer due to a knee injury that he was rehabbing before starting the first three games of the season, but it was clear that he wasn't himself.

The Jets soon placed Fant on the injured reserve after just three games. He made his return in Week 12 and would start four more games for the team, but once again, he clearly wasn't healthy.

With the season essentially over, the Jets placed him on IR again ahead of the season finale. Fant's season ended with just seven starts, four of which came at right tackle.

When healthy, Fant has proven to be a reliable swing tackle and a legitimately good starting left tackle. He should sign on with a new team before the season starts, but it likely won't be the Jets.