Former Green Bay Packers offensive lineman Jon Runyan Jr. left Green Bay this offseason and signed with the New York Giants. The contract was for three years worth $30 million and $17 million of it is guaranteed. Runyan Jr. was also getting looked at by the New York Jets.
There was a chance for him to reunite with former Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers this offseason. Some former Packers players joined Rodgers last season on the New York Jets and they were Allen Lazard and Randall Cobb.
Green Bay will be looking to replace Runyan Jr. on the offensive line this season. He is projected to be one of the starters on the New York Giants offensive line this season.
Former Green Bay Packers Offensive Lineman Jon Runyan Jr. Explained Why He Signed With the New York Giants Instead of the New York Jets
During the offseason, the Jets no question needed help on the offensive line. The Giants also had one of the worst offensive lines last season and no doubt needed to add an offensive lineman to the roster.
On Friday, Jon Runyan Jr. spoke to Ryan Dunleavy of the New York Post about why he decided to sign with the Giants instead of the Jets. Runyan Jr. said:
“You can say the Jets are built for right-now mode to go win the Super Bowl this year. But I think this franchise here is building not just for this year, but I think they’re building for the next four or five years. That’s what really excited me about it. The fact that I come here and feel really wanted and welcomed has been amazing.”
He is correct that Aaron Rodgers and the New York Jets are built for the short-term, but the New York Giants are looking toward the long-term. Interestingly, he wants to look toward the long-term instead of wanting to win a Super Bowl title now. Also interestingly, he left the Green Bay Packers considering they had a plan for the long-term future as well. Runyan Jr. also added:
“In the end, it all worked out. The money is the money — whatever — but I really believe in what Joe, Brandon, Dabes, Carmen and everybody else is building here. I like how this team is built from top-to-bottom on the offensive side of the ball. We have playmakers all around. The offensive line is going to be really solid, I firmly believe. And we just have to give our quarterback time to make plays.”
The biggest question for the Giants this season will be quarterback play with Daniel Jones. It won’t be an issue with the Green Bay Packers and Jordan Love because they just signed him to a contract extension.
