The Jets desperately need a center.
After missing out on both Mitch Morse and Matt Paradis, New York may have to settle for the lower-tier veteran centers on the market. The Jets have failed to replace Nick Mangold since his exit after New York’s veteran purge of its roster and they are desperate for some stability.
Let’s take a look at five free agent centers that the Jets can still consider.
John Sullivan
John Sullivan was a key cog on the interior of the Los Angeles Rams offensive line, helping them make a Super Bowl run.
Sullivan spent 2008-15 with the Minnesota Vikings, helping block for Adrian Peterson during his historic run. After being released by Minnesota in 2016, Sullivan signed with the Redskins.
He wound up starting 31 games over two seasons for the Rams after signing with them back in 2017. Sullivan helped Todd Gurley transcend to the next level and was part of the offensive line that was named the Built Ford Tough Offensive Line of the Year in 2018.
Already blocking for two Hall of Fame talents at running back in his career, Sullivan should be on the Jets’ radar after their addition of Le’Veon Bell.
Stefen Wisniewski
Stefen Wisniewski is a former second-round pick who can play both guard and center.
Wisniewski won a Super Bowl while with the Philadelphia Eagles but played more of a traditional guard role with them due to Jason Kelce’s dominance at center.
In 2018, Wisniewski entered the season as the starting left guard but was then benched in Week 5 in favor of Isaac Seumalo. He started the final three weeks of the regular season after Seumalo was placed on IR.
It is likely that if Wisniewski is moved back to his natural position of center, he could enjoy more success in green and white.
Brett Jones
Brett Jones had an interesting path to the NFL. He was originally drafted in the CFL draft, but signed with the New York Giants following two successful seasons playing in Canada.
He won the CFL’s Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman Award and signed with the Giants in 2015. Jones was penciled in as the backup center in 2016 while playing a depth role, starting 13 games at guard and center.
Jones was traded to the Vikings during the 2017 offseason in exchange for a 2019 seventh-rounder. He started the first three games at center before starting center Pat Elflein returned from injury but found himself in a backup role when Elflein returned.
The Jets might not want to bank on Jones starting at center, but his versatility presents an intriguing option.
Nick Easton
Nick Easton is another option from the Minnesota Vikings.
The Vikings have a starting center set in place but want Easton back for depth purposes.
Easton came over in a trade with the 49ers and filled in at center for Joe Berger during parts of the 2016 season. His 2017 and 2018 seasons were both cut sort due to injury, but he did start 12 games at guard in 2017.
Easton, like Jones, presents himself as a versatile option, without much experience starting at center.
Josh Sitton
The Dolphins released Josh Sitton at the beginning of free agency. ESPN then reported that he was likely to join the Jets.
Sitton would like to reunite with Adam Gase, who was his head coach during his short stay in Miami. Sitton can play all three positions on the interior offensive line, and even though he is not a natural center by trade, he feels comfortable there.
The 6-foot-3, 320-pound veteran guard is a four-time Pro Bowler who has played 11 NFL seasons, including his first eight in Green Bay.
Sitton seems the most likely player on this list that the Jets will take a flier on.
