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,

6. The NY Jets could sign Tyler Biadasz

While the Jets will likely be active in the offensive guard market, there's a chance the team could consider adding a center, moving Joe Tippmann to guard in the process. Tippmann struggled with his snapping at points last season and played some of his best football at right guard.

If the Jets go that route, one player who should be near the top of their target list is Dallas Cowboys center Tyler Biadasz. Biadasz is a former Pro Bowler who has started 16+ games in each of the last three seasons.

The former Wisconsin standout didn't allow a single sack between 2021 and 2022 and finished the 2023 season with his best PFF grade to date, earning a 69.2 grade that ranked 14th among 36 qualified centers.

Biadasz is still only 26 years old and is an above-average starting center. He would provide a major boost to the Jets' offensive line if the team is willing to move Tippmann to guard.

5. The NY Jets could sign Kevin Dotson

Another young lineman coming off a career year that could interest the Jets is Kevin Dotson. The former Pittsburgh Steelers fourth-round pick was traded to the Los Angeles Rams prior to the start of the 2023 season, and that change of scenery worked wonders for him.

Dotson started 14 games at right guard for the Rams, earning a stellar 84.4 Pro Football Focus grade that ranked second among all qualified guards. His 88.3 PFF run-block grade also ranked second among qualified players at his position.

Dotson has experience starting at both left and right guard and was genuinely one of the best interior linemen in football this past season. It's not as if he was particularly bad in Pittsburgh, either.

Still at just 27 years old, Dotson is expected to be among the more high-profile offensive linemen on the market this offseason. He comes from a similar offensive scheme in Los Angeles and should be a top target for the Jets.

4. The NY Jets could sign Aaron Brewer

The Jets have made a habit out of adding former Tennessee Titans coaches to their offensive staff over the last two years. Offensive line coach Keith Carter has also brought in a number of his former players, including the likes of Xavier Newman, Rodger Saffold, and Dennis Kelly.

Perhaps the Jets could return to the Titans well again this offseason in the form of free-agent center Aaron Brewer. Brewer has experience playing all three interior offensive line spots, but he emerged as a plus-starter in his first season as a full-time center this past season.

The former undrafted free agent finished with a PFF grade of 71.6 that ranked 11th among 36 qualified centers. His 78.7 PFF run-block grade ranked seventh among players at his position.

Brewer has ties to the Jets coaching staff and should be an affordable interior offensive line option this offseason. Combine that with his versatility and durability (he started all 34 games over the last two years), and you're looking at one of the most likely Jets free-agent targets.

3. The NY Jets could sign Robert Hunt

This year's free-agent class is loaded with young interior offensive linemen in search of a second contract. Miami Dolphins guard Robert Hunt fits that bill.

Hunt has quietly developed into one of the better guards in the NFL over the last four seasons in Miami. The former second-round pick has never allowed more than three sacks in a season and finished 2023 as PFF's sixth-highest-graded guard.

Hunt started his career as a right tackle in Miami, but following an inconsistent rookie season, the Dolphins moved him to right guard where he found a home. He's remained a constant in an ever-changing Dolphins offensive line since.

Though Hunt was limited to just 11 games as a result of a hamstring injury, he had never missed an NFL game prior to this past season. He's another strong option for the Jets.

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.