The New York Jets have what the kids like to say is a first-world problem.
They have one of the most promising offensive line units in the league, which is highlighted by a pair of sterling guards. Alijah Vera-Tucker, 26, and John Simpson, 27, are both young with tremendous upside.
Vera-Tucker started 15 games in 2024, the most games he has suited up for since his rookie campaign back in 2021. Talent isn’t the problem for the former USC product; it has been about staying healthy.
Simpson started all 17 games for a second straight season. The Jets picked up Simpson in free agency last offseason on a two-year $12 million deal. It didn’t receive much fanfare at the time, but it proved to be one of the biggest steals of any free agent addition.
Ring the Bell, Time for a Jets Pay Debate
The first world problem we mentioned earlier is that both players are deserving of significant pay raises. It’s nice that the Jets have players worth paying. The only problem is, what do the Jets do now?
Simpson and AVT are both scheduled to be unrestricted free agents in 2026.
According to Spotrac’s calculated market value, Vera-Tucker could command an $11.2 million annual salary on a new deal. That would make him the No. 11 highest-paid right guard in the NFL, per Over The Cap.
Simpson could command even more money, according to Spotrac’s calculated market value projections. Those projections had him set to make $14.2 million per season on a new deal. That annual figure would make Simpson the No. 7 highest-paid left guard in the NFL, per Over The Cap.
Who do you pay?
AVT is a homegrown player that the Jets traded up in the first round to select. Simpson is a hired mercenary from free agency with no original ties to the Jets.
Simpson was the better overall player this past season. He earned a 77.3 overall grade, a 72.3 pass block grade, and a 79.2 run block grade from Pro Football Focus. He allowed three sacks to AVT’s four allowed sacks. Plus, Simpson played more snaps (1,020) compared to AVT (916).
Can the Jets keep both? Do they have to pick one or the other? A fascinating storyline to watch throughout the season.
Exploring the Jets’ Interior Depth Ahead of 2025
According to ESPN’s depth chart for the Jets, they have seven players listed at the offensive guard position.
We have talked about the starters, but let’s get into the depth pieces.
Xavier Newman-Johnson, 25, entered the league as an undrafted free agent in 2022 by way of the Tennessee Titans. He has been with the Jets since 2023.
Throughout his career, he has appeared in 20 games and has made five starts.
Jets OL Xavier Newman was carted off after a delay of several minutes.
Newman was injured by a block from Steelers LB Patrick Queen during an interception return. pic.twitter.com/IT1amcFTJD
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) October 21, 2024
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Newman was involved in a scary moment last year against the Pittsburgh Steelers that ended with him being carted off the field. Thankfully, he made a full recovery and returned to the team later in the 2024 season.
Kohl Levao, 27, has played in the Indoor Football League and the UFL before he finally got his first NFL chance this past season with the Jets. He didn’t make the 53-man roster, but he did spend the season on the practice squad. Levao will have another chance to crack the rotation this training camp.
Max Mitchell, 25, has played all over the offensive line for the Jets during his NFL career to date. The former Louisiana product has appeared in 30 games and has made 14 starts. He battled some scary blood clots earlier in his career, but he has since made a full recovery.
Marquis Hayes, 26, entered the league as the No. 257 overall pick in the seventh round. He has played for four NFL teams, including the Arizona Cardinals, Washington Commanders, Green Bay Packers, and now the Jets. He has yet to record any NFL stats in his career.
Finally, Leander Wiegand, 25, joined the Jets this offseason as part of the NFL Pathway Program. The Jets have a roster exemption for Wiegand throughout the offseason until we reach the 53-man roster cutdown. Gang Green has 91 players on its roster. If Wiegand doesn’t make the team, he can join the practice squad as a roster exemption player. Normally, teams only get 16 players on the practice squad; the Jets would be allowed to have 17 if he doesn’t get picked up by another squad.
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