One of the strangest storylines for the New York Jets heading into training camp revolves around the center position.
Since the new regime has taken over at 1 Jets Drive, they have dropped hints that there is going to be a legitimate competition between Joe Tippmann and Josh Myers to find out who will be the starting center in 2025.
Fans thought Tippmann was going to be the unquestioned starter heading into next season. However, the overlooked addition of Myers on a one-year $3 million deal has shaken everything up.
Looking at the Battle, Revealing Who the Other Guy Is on the Jets Roster
The good news is that whoever loses between Tippmann and Myers will provide invaluable depth as the break the glass emergency. Tippmann, 24, has a ton of upside, and the arrow is pointing in the right direction. While Myers, 26, has more experience overall (56 games) and the added benefit of playoff experience from his time with the Green Bay Packers.
According to ESPN’s Jets depth chart, the only other player listed at center beyond Tippmann and Myers is rookie Gus Hartwig. Hartwig joined the Jets this offseason as an undrafted free agent.
“At 6-foot-5 and 309 pounds, Hartwig fits the size mold the Jets clearly like at center — both Joe Tippmann and Josh Myers also come in at 6-5. Hartwig had some experience at right guard earlier in his career, and that versatility should suit him well if he’s pushing for a roster spot. There’s not a lot of spots to be won, but the Jets could use some depth on the interior O-line. Myers is the only interior backup lineman that should be considered a lock to make the roster,” Zack Rosenblatt of The Athletic said.
Rosenblatt also revealed that the NFL Media Group ranked Hartwig “as the 11th-best interior lineman to hit undrafted free agency.”
Hartwig, 23, has football bloodlines. His father, Myles, played offensive tackle at Ball State. In 2022, Gus had a season-ending knee injury in 2022 that also “held him out to start the 2023 season,” Dane Brugler wrote in “The Beast.”
Brugler described him as a “model of consistency for the Boilermakers, earning honorable mention All-Big Ten honors each of his five college seasons.”
“Overall, Hartwig isn’t a mauler, and blocking NFL bull rushers will be a tough ask, but he plays with the functional size, athleticism, and experienced know-how to keep defenders occupied,” Brugler added.
Is Jets OL Musical Chairs on the Horizon?
Former Jets head coach Robert Saleh called it a blessing and a curse when an offensive lineman can play multiple positions. It behooves the team to have versatile guys, but it can often hurt the player to constantly be flipping to different positions.
Are the Jets one injury away from shaking up the entire offensive line?
Tippmann can play guard and center. Alijah Vera-Tucker has played every position on the offensive line except center. Olu Fashanu played three different positions on the line during his rookie season.
If the right injury hits this group, the Jets may be tempted to reshuffle the O-Line deck to get the best players on the field. There were rumors about it happening in free agency before any injuries.
Big boy decisions are on the horizon. John Simpson and AVT are free agents in 2026. Tippmann is eligible for an extension next offseason.
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