To say the Jets got next to nothing out of their centers in 2019 would be an understatement.
Ryan Kalil was a massive disappointment after coming out of retirement to join the team in August. Once he landed on season-ending injured reserve, Jonotthan Harrison took over and things did not get much better.
New York missed out on two top-notch free agent centers last offseason in Matt Paradis and Mitch Morse. Don’t expect Gang Green to miss on a top free agent center again this offseason, as first-year general manager Joe Douglas is placing a heavy emphasis on improving the offensive line.
Which centers could the Jets potentially target in free agency? Let’s take a look.
Connor McGovern
McGovern did an excellent job taking over for Paradis in 2019, giving the Broncos another reliable player at the position following the veteran’s departure in free agency.
A former fifth-round pick in 2016, McGovern is only 26 and has a lot of good football ahead of him. He also has plenty of experience and positional versatility, as he was Denver’s starting right guard before shifting over to center. He should be at the top of New York’s wish list at the position come March.
B.J. Finney
Finney spent most of last season backing up Maurkice Pouncey in Pittsburgh, but proved his worth when Pouncey missed two games due to a suspension late in the season.
Finney might not have the most experience of any free agent center on the open market this spring, but he arguably has the most potential of the group. Only 28, Finney still has room to grow and is not too worn down considering he has spent the duration of his career as a backup.
He shouldn’t be New York’s No. 1 target at the position, but Finney is a solid backup plan if McGovern goes elsewhere.
Ted Karras
Joe Thuney might not be the only Patriots offensive lineman the Jets target in free agency this offseason.
Karras stepped in for the injured David Andrews at center last season. He performed admirably, showing that he can succeed when given the opportunity to take on a full-time gig.
With Andrews set to return next season, it remains to be seen if New England is willing to pay what is necessary to keep Karras in the mix. If the Patriots don’t want him back and the price is right, odds are New York will be interested.
Ben Garland
If the Jets want to go with a veteran at center in free agency, Garland might be their guy.
The 10-year pro played well in relief of the injured Weston Richburg throughout the 49ers’ run to the Super Bowl. He only has nine career starts, but has appeared in 62 games and has the experience to mentor some of New York’s younger offensive linemen.
Make no mistake about it, Garland should not be Douglas’ top target at center. He’s not the worst backup plan in the world, though.
Want to read about more potential free agent targets for the Jets? We’ll be breaking them down position by position as we approach free agency:
