The 2023 NFL draft class became eligible for contract extensions this offseason. The New York Jetsdidn’t have much success in that draft. They’ve already picked up the fifth-year contract option for 2023 first-round pick Will McDonald IV.
Second-round pick Joe Tippmann is also entering a contract year. The Jets obviously don’t have a fifth-year option on Tippmann, because he wasn’t a top-32 selection. The Jets should strongly consider signing him to an extension this offseason.
Tippmann began his career as a center. The former Wisconsin standout took a massive step as a sophomore in 2024. After an offseason injury to Alijah Vera-Tucker shuffled the Jets’ offensive line last year, Tippmann made a successful move to right guard out of necessity.
Tippmann now projects as the Jets’ starting right guard for a second consecutive season. The Jets lost Vera-Tucker and John Simpson to free agency. It added another layer of importance to Tippmann’s presence and development inside for the Jets.
The NFL values high-level guard play. Interior blockers are being paid market-resetting money nowadays. Jets general manager Darren Mougey possesses the financial flexibility needed to sign Tippmann to a multi-year extension at training camp.
The rebuilding Jets need long-term building blocks. Tippmann has developed into a difference maker on the offensive line. He’s selfless and versatile. The Jets should strongly consider locking Tippmann up for the foreseeable future.
This article originally appeared on Jets Wire: Should the New York Jets sign Joe Tippmann to an extension?
