Brent Qvale heads into free agency after starting the final two games of the 2018 season for the Jets. He filled in when RT Brandon Shell suffered a season-ending knee injury in Week 15, creating an opening on the offensive line.
Qvale was a serious downgrade from Shell, and while he only allowed one sack in his 91 snaps, he also allowed five QB pressures and committed four penalties. The Jets signed Qvale to a one-year, $1,907,000 deal last year; he certainly wouldn’t cost more than that since he’ll always be considered a reserve player for the Jets.
Pros of bringing him back
There aren’t many positives for Qvale’s return except for his familiarity with the offense. In his starts, Qvale wasn’t exploited nearly as much as some of the other Jets linemen, but also played less than 100 snaps.
He’ll be a bench player behind Shell or whoever the Jets’ starting right tackle ends up being, but that’s all. If Qvale’s price drops below $1 million, it might be worth it to keep him around for another year to keep a consistent offensive line bench.
Cons of bringing him back
Against superior pass rushers, Qvale looked dreadful. Just watch this play where Patriots defensive end Trey Flowers barreled over Qvale on his way to a huge third-down sack on Darnold.
Qvale isn’t a quality backup and should only be in games where the starter needs to take a play or two off. He shouldn’t be relied upon to step in and start when a player is injured or playing poorly.
The Verdict
The Jets could easily find cheaper, younger and better backup linemen. Qvale’s familiarity with the offense is almost irrelevant considering Adam Gase is now the head coach. The Jets would be wise to find someone else to take Qvale’s position – either a better free agent or a young prospect in the draft.
