5 players the NY Jets should not re-sign this offseason

3. George Fant, OT, NY Jets

Few players on the Jets' roster had more disappointing seasons in 2022 than George Fant. It's easy to forget now, but Fant was one of the best pass-blocking left tackles in football in 2021.

Fant was a revelation for the Jets in 2021, transforming from a fringe starter into a legitimate Pro Bowl candidate as a full-time starter at left tackle. There were talks about a possible extension, and not many rejected the idea at the time.

Fortunately for the Jets, they waited on an extension, and now Fant is set to hit free agency coming off an injury-riddled disappointment of a 2022 season.

Fant underwent offseason knee surgery prior to the start of the season, and he never really recovered. The 30-year-old switched back and forth between left and right tackle in the summer before starting the first three games of the season, during which he clearly wasn't 100 percent.

Fant struggled mightily, and the Jets officially opted to place their veteran tackle on the injured reserve after just three games with the hope that some rest would help matters. It didn't.

Upon returning from the injured reserve, Fant took over for the injured Max Mitchell at right tackle and started four more games before ending the season on the IR again — a fitting end to what must have been an incredibly frustrating season for the former Seattle Seahawks lineman.

The Jets will be making some changes to their offensive line this offseason, and that will likely include upgrading at offensive tackle. Fant doesn't appear to be in their plans for the future.

What a difference a year makes.