NY Jets missed out on top free-agent center despite offering more money

Amidst ongoing Aaron Rodgers rumors, the NY Jets continue to explore the free-agent market to address other positions. One such position that remains a significant need is center.

Connor McGovern is officially a free agent, and the Jets have been exploring the possibility of replacing him. NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported on Tuesday that the Jets "made a push" for San Francisco 49ers center Jake Brendel before he ultimately re-signed with the 49ers.

Not only did they make a push, but The Athletic's Zack Rosenblatt is reporting that the Jets offered Brendel more money to come to New York. Brendel ultimately decided he'd rather stay in San Francisco than leave to join the Jets, even with the extra monetary incentive.

The Jets will now turn to other options, including the possibility of re-signing McGovern. ESPN's Rich Cimini is reporting that former Denver Broncos center Graham Glasgow is "a name to watch." According to Cimini, he's on the Jets' radar.

The NY Jets still need to sign a center after missing out on Jake Brendel

Brendel was a revelation for the 49ers in 2022. The former undrafted free agent started all 17 games at center despite having started just three games in his prior six seasons in the NFL.

Brendel bounced around between practice squads and actives rosters before carving out a role in San Francisco. His 62.9 Pro Football Focus grade ranked 20th among all qualified centers last season, a notable 10 spots below McGovern.

As for Glasgow, his 59.3 PFF grade ranked 27th out of just 36 qualified centers. He allowed five sacks and was penalized 10 times, both of which ranked third-worst in the NFL.

It doesn't make a ton of sense (to me, at least) that the Jets would target Brendel and Glasgow over McGovern who has objectively been a better player over the last few years.

McGovern has finished as a top-10 center per PFF in each of the last two seasons despite a rotating cast of linemen around him. As long as the price is right, the Jets should absolutely look to re-sign McGovern instead of targeting Glasgow.

The Jets continue to search for a new starting center, but perhaps the incumbent McGovern is their best remaining option. They might not think so, however.