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The metaphorical clock is always ticking in the NFL. Players understand they have a limited shelf life relative to other sports, and many want to make sure they extract maximum wealth -- and satisfaction -- out of their pro football careers.
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Chiefs offensive lineman Donovan Smith has told reporters that he is contemplating leaving Kansas City following Super Bowl LVIII on Sunday -- even if he's able to help the Chiefs defeat the San Francisco 49ers and win the Super Bowl for a second consecutive season. Smith believes there's a bigger purpose to his NFL career -- suiting up for a New York Jets team that wants to be playing on this stage following the 2024 season.
Smith: I'm from New York, I would love to represent Gang Green
In conversation with the New York Post, Smith -- a New York native -- revealed that he grew up cheering for the Jets, and that it is a "dream" of his to sign with them.
"That would definitely be something I would appreciate before my career ends," the 30-year-old Smith said.
Smith, a Super Bowl winner as a member of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2020, could not have timed these comments better. The offensive tackle is a free agent after the season, having signed a one-year, $3 million contract to the Chiefs last offseason. The Jets will be looking for any and every way to prop up quarterback Aaron Rodgers upon his return from injury in 2024 -- bolstering the offensive line is one way to achieve that goal and snap a 13-year playoff drought.
Jets need offensive line help
Whether Smith is the right guy or not for the Jets, one thing is for sure: New York needs upgrades on the offensive line before the 2024 season begins. Smith would add depth to the unit and compete with -- or play opposite of -- Mekhi Becton in guarding Rodgers' blind side.
Only three teams allowed more quarterback sacks than the Jets did in 2023. The offensive line's instability contributed to Rodgers' season-ending Achilles tendon rupture on the fourth play of the season, and it did not allow Zach Wilson to thrive in Rodgers' absence. In total, New York's o-line was responsible for 64 quarterback sacks -- nearly four per game.