


Nathaniel Hackett just keeps helping the Jets recruit new players.
Offensive tackle Billy Turner, a nine-year veteran who played under Hackett with the Packers and Broncos, signed Monday during a visit to the Jets’ facility.
Advertisement
The one-year deal is worth up to $3.15 million, according to NFL Network.
Turner’s addition is a far cry from the magnitude of trading for Aaron Rodgers — who sang the offensive coordinator Hackett’s praises last week — or even the premium free-agent signing of former Packers receiver Allen Lazard.
But it provides insurance where needed given that the Jets plan to go into training camp with Mekhi Becton (one game played and two major knee surgeries over the last two seasons) and 38-year-old Duane Brown (who played 12 games last season through a torn rotator cuff that required offseason surgery) penciled in as starters.
With 91 career games played and 75 starts, the 31-year-old Turner has more experience and a bigger contract than fellow veteran Cedric Ogbuehi, who could be the roster casualty of this addition.
Advertisement
He also is familiar with the playbook.
Turner signed a one-year, $2.5 million contract to leave the Packers for the Broncos last season when Hackett became a head coach.
“This is Billy T. here in New York,” Turner said on a social media video posted by the Jets’ account. “Ready to get to work. Let’s go Jets.”
Advertisement
The timing of Turner’s signing seems to confirm the obvious: The Jets were looking for a game-ready third offensive tackle to add to Becton and Brown during the early rounds of the NFL draft.
The Steelers traded above the Jets to select Broderick Jones at No. 14 in the first round, forcing a pivot to pass-rusher Will McDonald.
The Jets drafted center Joe Tippman — a potential 2024 starter — over an offensive tackle in the second round and had no third-round pick before Warren’s selection.
Advertisement

The Buccaneers drafted Cody Mauch five picks after Tippman, but there is a thought that Mauch might have to move to guard in the NFL.