There are more than a few former Green Bay Packers players that now play for the New York Jets. Of course, the biggest name of them is Aaron Rodgers, whom the Jets acquired from the Packers for a first round pick swap, second round pick, and conditional second round pick in 2024.
Aside from Rodgers, other former Packers that now play for the Jets include Allen Lazard, Randall Cobb, Billy Turner, and Adrian Amos. Cobb is currently on the PUP list and Amos is relatively new to the team having signed recently. Turner, who first followed Nathaniel Hackett to Denver and again the New York, is reportedly having a really tough camp so far, along with the rest of the Jets’ offensive line.
Former Green Bay Packers Tackle Billy Turner and the New York Jets Offensive Line Are a Problem Aaron Rodgers Can’t Fix
A four-time MVP, there is a great deal that Rodgers adds to the Jets offense. His highlight reel throws to Garrett Wilson already have Jets fans excited for the regular season.
Turner and the offensive line, though, present a problem. According to Justin Fried, who covers New York, Turner and the rest of the offensive line had their worst performance of camp on Wednesday:
“The Jets’ offensive line is probably the team’s biggest concern entering the 2023 season, and the unit has done little to quell those concerns this summer. Wednesday was probably their worst day.
“The offensive line allowed a whopping six sacks in 11-on-11 periods, with the likes of Max Mitchell, Billy Turner, and rookie Carter Warren each having rough days.”
A poor offensive line is something that, unfortunately for the Jets, Rodgers cannot fix. He is not as mobile as he used to be, but has had the benefit of playing behind one of the NFL’s best offensive lines for years. That is a luxury he will not have in New York.
Green Bay Packers Offensive Line PFF Grades
- David Bakhtiari: 79.8
- Elgton Jenkins: 72.3
- Zach Tom: 68.3
- Yosh Nijman: 63.1
- Jon Runyan Jr: 62.6
- Josh Myers: 60.4
- Royce Newman: 57.5
New York Jets Offensive Line PFF Grades
- Alijah Vera-Tucker: 71.8
- Connor McGovern: 69.6
- Wes Schweitzer: 59.3
- Duane Brown: 57.6
- Laken Tomlinson: 56.8
- Billy Turner: 56.3
- Max Mitchell: 55.5
As one can see, it is quite a drop off in talent from the Packers to the Jets. If Rodgers does not get the level of protection that he received in Green Bay from New York, all the hype may be for naught.
Packers Hall of Famer Gilbert Brown went so far as to say that if Rodgers doesn’t get good protection, the Jets could end up starting 0-6!
What a wild turn of events that would be. However, the only thing that should concern Packers fans is Rodgers being healthy and playing 65% of the Jets’ offensive snaps. If/when he does, that conditional second round pick becomes a first round pick.
And if the offensive line struggles and Rodgers, as a result, struggles, too that could be a pretty high pick.
Catch up on the latest NFL buzz as former Green Bay Packers players join the New York Jets. For more insights, visit our Green Bay Packers Rumors section.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Who has the best O line in NFL?
The Philadelphia Eagles has the best offensive line in the NFL. Led by Pro Bowl center Jason Kelce, the Eagles' offensive lline dominates NFL Power Rankings. Tackles Lane Johnson and Jordan Mailata are standouts, both ranking in the top 10 at their position according to Pro Football Focus. While Guard Landon Dickerson shows impressive progress in his second season.
What injury did Billy Turner have in 2021?
Billy Turner suffered a left knee injury, resulting in him missing three games with the Packers in the 2021 regular season. His knee issues persisted, causing him to play only eight games with the Broncos in the following (2021) season.
