Riley Reiff remains a must-sign for the NY Jets this summer

The NY Jets have continued to scour the free-agent market for post-draft additions over the last couple of months, but no player remains a bigger priority than veteran offensive tackle Riley Reiff.

The Jets reportedly brought Reiff in for a visit shortly following the conclusion of the 2022 NFL Draft, and to this point, that's pretty much been the last we've heard of the team's interest in him.

Reports have emerged since indicating that the Jets are still in the mix to sign him, but as the weeks go by, doubt continues to creep in that the two sides won't be able to reach a deal.

That would be a mistake, however. Reiff should be a top priority for the Jets this summer. If they're going to sign any player, it has to be him.

Why Riley Reiff is a must-sign for the NY Jets

The Jets have been connected to a number of free agents in the weeks and months following the draft. They missed out on Larry Ogunjobi who opted to sign with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Linebacker Kwon Alexander and Reiff both remain available.

Alexander would be a solid addition for a Jets team that could use some extra linebacker depth. The former Pro Bowler is a perfect fit for Robert Saleh's defense, although his extensive injury history makes it difficult to rely on him.

The Jets could use another linebacker, but perhaps no position remains a greater need than offensive tackle. Right now, the team's backup offensive tackle depth consists of Conor McDermott, Chuma Edoga, and rookie fourth-round pick Max Mitchell.

The Jets are putting a lot of faith in Mekhi Becton staying healthy this season. On top of that, they're hoping that George Fant could return healthy after undergoing offseason knee surgery.

Both of their starting tackles are coming off major knee surgeries and their tackle depth could optimistically be described as "subpar." One injury to Becton or Fant and the Jets risk running out someone like McDermott for a possibly extended period of time.

Are you willing to bank on both Becton and Fant playing a full 17 games in 2022? Mind you, the only Jets player to start 17 games last season was cornerback Bryce Hall. Needless to say, the Jets can't afford to take that risk.

Reiff has nearly 140 career starts under his belt, was still playing at a starting-caliber level last season, and has ample experience playing both left and right tackle. He'd quite literally be one of the best swing tackles in the NFL.

And unlike with Alexander, the alternative options if the Jets don't sign Reiff are slim to none. The likes of Eric Fisher, Nate Solder, Brandon Shell, and Kendall Lamm represent some of the more notable names still available.

None of them are as appealing of an option as Reiff, however.

The Jets need to find a way to sure up their offensive tackle depth, and a player I've been imploring the Jets to sign since mid-March just so happens to still be available.

Riley Reiff is a must-sign for the Jets this summer. Get this deal done.