The Jets had interest in retaining right tackle Morgan Moses.
However, on the first day of the legal tampering period, the 11-year veteran ultimately signed with another AFC East team instead.
Moses, 34, has agreed to a three-year deal with the Patriots, according to a source. NFL Network reports Moses’ deal is for $24 million, which could be up to $28 million. Moses’ deal cannot become official until Wednesday at 4 p.m., when the new league year begins.
During his time in the NFL, Moses has been a reliable right tackle with the Commanders, Ravens, and Jets. Last offseason, the Jets acquired Moses in a trade with the Ravens to help solidify their offensive line.
In 723 snaps for the Jets, Moses allowed just two sacks and committed eight penalties. However, he played through knee, shoulder, and wrist injuries throughout the year. His Jets teammates were so impressed by Moses’ ability to play through injuries that they voted him the 2024 Dennis Byrd/Most Inspirational player.
With his departure, the Jets must find a new starter at right tackle. They were interested in bringing Moses back, but not likely for the price he received from the Patriots.
Considering his age and injury history, the Jets probably needed to find a long-term solution at right tackle, whether Moses returned or not. After he signed with the rival Patriots, the Jets will expedite the process of finding a starter on the offensive line.
The Jets could look to the NFL Draft in April to fill that void. Gang Green will select seventh, and they could potentially select either Missouri tackle Armand Membou or LSU tackle Will Campbell, who both could be the first offensive lineman drafted this year.
Reed and Kinlaw are also leaving Jets to sign with new teams
Moses isn’t the only former Jet who agreed to a new contract on Monday. Cornerback D.J. Reed has agreed to a three-year contract with the Lions, according to multiple reports. Also, defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw has agreed to a deal worth up to $45 million, with $30 million guaranteed with the Commanders, according to ESPN.
Reed spent the last three seasons with the Jets after signing a three-year, $33 million contract with the Jets in 2022. Reed was a bit unproven at the time after starting only 24 games during his first four seasons with the 49ers and Seahawks. However, with the Jets, he established himself as one of the better cornerbacks in the league.
Reed was the Jets’ No. 2 cornerback opposite Sauce Gardner, and he registered 220 tackles, 32 passes defended, and two interceptions in 46 games. He will replace Carlton Davis, who agreed to a three-year, $60 million contract with the Patriots.
Kinlaw in his lone season with the Jets after signing a one-year, $7.25 million deal last offseason to help with the team’s rushing defense, which was inconsistent. He recorded a career-high 4.5 sacks and 40 tackles but was erratic and committed several personal foul penalties.