The New York Jets want to lock up a key in-house free agent before he hits the open market.
The New York Daily News reported Thursday that the Jets have started negotiations with right tackle Austin Howard, according to a team source. The team hopes to sign Howard to a multi-year deal before free agency kicks off on March 11.
Howard, 27, brought stability to right tackle for the Jets last season. He can be a liability as a run blocker, but he allowed just two sacks in 16 starts, according to Pro Football Focus. He's an average talent at the position, but he counts as a significant upgrade over what the team had before his arrival in 2012.
At the right price, he's a player well worth keeping around.
Around The League, in our Offseason Forecast series, listed Howard as the Jets' No. 1 free agent. Austin's partner on the right side of the Jets' line, guard Willie Colon, is also a pending free agent.
On the latest edition of the "Around The League Podcast," the guys huddle with Seahawks trio Michael Robinson, Brandon Mebane and Red Bryant before unpacking Cleveland's week of chaos.
