KANSAS CITY CHIEFS
Kansas City Chiefs

Chiefs lineman has a plan: Win Super Bowl LVIII, then help Aaron Rodgers and the Jets

Donovan Smith has said he would like to play for New York

Smith (left) could opt to  Rodgers (right) and the Jets in free...
Smith (left) could opt to Rodgers (right) and the Jets in free agency.Lapresse
Actualizado

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.

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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.

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