7 free agent OL the NY Jets could sign to replace Laken Tomlinson

The NY Jets made the somewhat surprising decision to release starting left guard Laken Tomlinson on Monday. Tomlinson had started all 34 games for the Jets over the last two seasons, but despite his impressive streak of durability, his play on the field was less impressive.

The former Pro Bowler allowed more pressures than any guard in football this past season. On an offensive line riddled with injuries, starting multiple practice-squad players, Tomlinson was often among the weakest links.

The Jets will now be in the market for three new starting offensive linemen this offseason. There's a chance the Jets could add multiple interior linemen if they decide to move Alijah Vera-Tucker to tackle.

Fortunately for them, this year's interior offensive line class in free agency is loaded with talented veterans. Here's a look at seven free-agent linemen the Jets could sign to help replace Tomlinson.

7. The NY Jets could sign Ezra Cleveland

The most popular Jets trade deadline target that never came to be, Ezra Cleveland was shipped to the Jacksonville Jaguars midseason, and he'd go on to start five games for the team over the remainder of the year.

Cleveland took a step back in 2023 after a pair of promising seasons as a full-time starting left guard for the Minnesota Vikings, but at just 25 years old, he's still a starting-caliber guard with his best football potentially ahead of him.

Cleveland's 73.4 Pro Football Focus grade in 2022 ranked eighth among all qualified guards before it dipped to 59.5 in 2023 (ranked 38th).

The Jets missed out on the opportunity to trade for Cleveland at the deadline. If they miss out on their top options, he could be a solid consolation prize as they look to revamp their interior offensive line,