The New York Jets have introduced free agent signings Tyron Smith and Javon Kinlaw, with the pair both issuing statements of intent ahead of the 2024 season.
The Jets suffered another disappointing season in 2023, watching new quarterback Aaron Rodgers go down injured with a season-ending Achilles tear during the team’s first offensive series of the campaign.
The subsequent 7-10 finish meant that they now have the longest active playoff drought in all of the ‘big four’ American sports.
But with Rodgers on the way back, the team have been active in free agency, with eight-time Pro Bowl left tackle Tyron Smith joining from the Dallas Cowboys, meaning Rodgers has a new blindside protector.
And Smith is confident that the Jets’ free agent moves are enough to ensure they are contenders this year,
"I saw what they can do as far as a team," Smith said at his unveiling by the team. "Everybody wants to win, as any other team does, but I just feel like they have all the pieces together right now -- the final piece has been this offseason -- to produce a team that could go all the way.
"I've played against Aaron throughout my career a couple times," Smith added when asked about his new QB. "I know what kind of quarterback he is, I know what he can do if you just give him a little bit of time. I'm just here to do our best and give him that time."
Defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw is another new signing for the Jets and the former 49ers first-round draft pick brings recent playoff experience to the side.
“I know what it’s like in those games, money-wise especially,” Kinlaw said. “I know what it’s like — the physicality, the energy. I want to go back. This team has everything it needs to make a push to the playoffs.”
Live on DAZN: Watch Dalton Smith vs. Jose Zepeda on March 23