With Spencer Long no longer in the fold, the Jets will be searching for a new center this offseason.
Long came on strong at left guard for New York toward the end of the season, but his play at center prior to that was porous. Once a position that was a staple of stability thanks to Kevin Mawae and Nick Mangold, the Jets will be looking for their third center in as many seasons once free agency in begins in March.
Fortunately for the Jets, there are a handful of talented centers set to hit the open market. Some are established contributors, while others were part-time players with their respective teams. With that being said, let’s take a look at four free agent centers New York should target this offseason.
Matt Paradis
Paradis has emerged as one of the most reliable centers in the league since taking over as Denver’s starter in 2015.
In his first season as a starter, Paradis ranked 19th among all centers in pass blocking efficiency with a 96.6 grade, according to Pro Football Focus. The next season, he received a 90.7 overall grade, which ranked first among all centers. Paradis was also a model of consistency in his time with the Broncos, as he started all 16 games from 2015-17.
The only red flag surrounding Paradis is the fact that he is coming off a season-ending injury, just as Long was when he signed with the Jets last offseason. In Week 9, Paradis fractured his fibula and was placed on injured reserve. Nonetheless, he remains arguably the top option at the position on the open market.
Mitch Morse
A second-round pick in 2015, Morse has also become one of the better centers in the league in his brief tenure as a starter.
Morse turned in a standout first season, as he was named to the PFWA All-Rookie team. He continued his strong play the following season, but succumbed to a season-ending foot injury late in 2017. Morse returned in 2018, serving as the anchor of a Kansas City Chiefs offensive line that protected Patrick Mahomes and reached the AFC Championship game.
Foot injuries for offensive linemen are concerning, but Morse proved his durability in 2018. If the Jets miss out on Paradis, Morse should be the next center they target in free agency.
Trey Hopkins
Hopkins has more experience as a right guard than center, but he made six starts at the position last season and his versatility could be what New York covets.
In 2018, Hopkins was a strong run blocker for a much-improved Bengals offensive line. He spent the season working with Frank Pollack, whom the Jets are expected to announce is their new offensive line coach.
Could Hopkins’ familiarity with Pollack land him in the Big Apple? That remains to be seen. However, he would not be a bad option to take over the reins at center in 2019.
Ryan Groy
Groy lost his starting job for the majority of the 2018 season, but still remains a somewhat intriguing option for the Jets.
In 2016, Groy started a handful of games in place of Eric Wood, who was dealing with an assortment of injuries. Once Wood retired in 2018, Groy succeeded him until Week 4, when he lost his starting job to Russell Bodine. Once Bodine went down with a season-ending injury in Week 14, Groy took over the starting job once again.
Groy’s experience dealing with AFC East interior linemen could land him a job within the division once again in 2019 should the Jets take an interest.
