7 free agent OL the NY Jets could sign to replace Laken Tomlinson
By Justin Fried
![Mike Onwenu Mike Onwenu](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,w_2352,h_1323,x_0,y_178/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/ImagnImages/mmsport/30/01hqma3ypwpmtc297ckn.jpg)
2. The NY Jets could sign Kevin Zeitler
This year's guard class in free agency isn't just stacked with young talent, however. Veteran Kevin Zeitler is another appealing option for a Jets team in search of stability along their offensive line.
Zeitler has started 15+ games in every season since 2015 and is fresh off his first career Pro Bowl appearance in 2023. While he hadn't received national recognition in the form of awards until this past season, he's played at a very high level for most of his career.
Zeitler has been the model of consistency and durability over the last decade-plus, earning PFF grades north of 70.0 in 11 of his 12 NFL seasons. The last time he allowed more than two sacks in a season was in 2019 — a half-decade ago.
Though he may turn 34 years old next month, Zeitler remains one of the better guards in the NFL, and there have been no signs of declining play. The Jets aren't going to find many better options on the open market.
1. The NY Jets could sign Mike Onwenu
Since entering the league as a sixth-round pick in 2020, Mike Onwenu has been one of the best young offensive linemen in the NFL. At just 26 years old, he's expected to be arguably the top offensive lineman available this offseason.
Onwenu has started games at both guard spots and right tackle, serving as the Patriots' starting right guard in 2022 before shifting over to right tackle this past season. That versatility should make him extremely valuable on the open market.
Onwenu ranked within the top eight players at his position, per PFF, in each of his first three seasons in the league. His 71.5 PFF grade in 2023 ranked 29th among 81 qualified offensive tackles.
The Jets would likely have to pay top dollar to acquire Onwenu this offseason, but it might just be worth it to steal a talented player from a division rival. This would also allow the Jets to keep Alijah Vera-Tucker at right guard if they want.
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