New York Jets Tackle Becoming Frustrated

The New York Jets have been having a nightmare at the tackle position this off-season, with Mekhi Becton going down before signing Duane Brown, who in the last few days, has been dealing with a shoulder issue that could cause him to go down for several weeks. This in itself is bad enough, but after switching to left tackle a year ago and starring in that role, it has forced tackle George Fant to move to the right to accommodate Brown, and after the latest injury, he now has to switch back to the left.

George Fant on being moved back to LT again: “Obviously I’m frustrated. It’s the second time I’ve had to move the week of a game. I can’t control it, but it’s obviously a frustrating situation.”#Jets

— Zack Rosenblatt (@ZackBlatt) September 9, 2022

That in of itself isn't the biggest issue, as Fant was expecting to play left tackle all off-season long due to Becton's switch to the right, but he is in a contract season, and seeking big left tackle money, this is causing him problems in negotiations. Sure, versatility is a good thing, but it's unlikely that the Jets are going to pay Fant top dollar to be versatile, that pay would come from being a solid, if not great left tackle.

All the movement has certainly frustrated him both as a player and due to the contract issues, and while Fant is a professional that will handle his business properly when the time comes, it's easy to understand why he's become frustrated. Only time will tell how this story plays out, but right now, the Jets are preparing to play the Ravens with Fant back at left tackle and rookie Max Mitchell on the right side, so if the team is to get off to a good start, both of those guys will need to step up in a big way. 

Photo Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports