If the Jets elect to move on from Kelvin Beachum this offseason, they will have plenty of options to replace him in free agency.
This year’s left tackle market is relatively deep, which is good news for Joe Douglas. There is also a chance Douglas elects to pluck a new starting left tackle from the 2020 NFL draft.
Regardless of what Douglas decides to do, there are some free agent left tackles New York’s first-year general manager should stay away from at all costs. Let’s take a look at who those players are.
Cedric Ogubehi
A former first-round pick of the Bengals in 2015, Ogubehi came to the NFL loaded with the potential to become an elite left tackle. Instead, the Texas A&M product finds himself for his third team in as many years this offseason.
Things never worked out for Ogubehi in Cincinnati. After struggling as a right tackle in the beginning of his career, Ogubehi shifted back to his natural left tackle position in 2017 when Andrew Whitworth departed in free agency. He failed miserably as a starter on the left side of the line and spent most of 2018 a healthy scratch before doing much of the same for the Jaguars last season.
The Jets should not pursue Ogubehi hoping that he will magically be able to turn the tide and reach his once sky-high ceiling. Joe Douglas’ time is best spent looking elsewhere.
George Fant
Fant served in a unique role for the Seahawks last season, functioning as a hybrid offensive tackle and tight end. He also filled in at left tackle when Duane Brown spent a couple of weeks on the shelf due to injury.
Fant should be lauded for his athleticism and ability to contribute in a multitude of ways. However, that is not enough to make him someone the Jets should target to be their next left tackle.
T.J. Clemmings
Clemmings NFL career has been marred by injuries and inconsistent play. He spent most of the last two seasons sidelined with an assortment of ailments and even when he was healthy, he did not do much to contribute.
It would be a nice story for the New Jersey native to return home and experience a career renaissance, but the Jets should not have any interest in going after Clemmings this offseason.
Jared Veldheer
Veldheer has put together a nice career, but is on the wrong side of 30 and declining. There is also a question of whether or not the 32-year-old will play in 2020 after flirting with retirement a year ago.
If Veldheer wants to play and is interested in being a backup, he wouldn’t be the worst signing in the world. The Jets shouldn’t bother wasting their time here, though.
Want to read about more potential free agent targets for the Jets and who Joe Douglas should stay away from? We’ll be breaking them down position by position as we approach free agency:
