LAS VEGAS — Jets followers ought to hold an in depth eye on the Tremendous Bowl on Sunday, as a result of they is likely to be watching their subsequent beginning left sort out — Donovan Smith of the Chiefs.
Smith, who signed a one-year, $9 million take care of Kansas Metropolis earlier than the 2023 season after spending his first eight years with Tampa Bay, can be a free agent after the Tremendous Bowl.
The Jets are in determined want of offensive line assist, significantly at left sort out.
Smith, who’s by no means began fewer than 12 video games throughout his 9 NFL seasons, can be a keen candidate to put on Jets inexperienced.
He’s a local of Hempstead on Lengthy Island, the place the Jets used to coach.
He instructed The Put up on Thursday it’s at all times been his “dream’’ to play for the Jets.
“I’m a take-it-as-it-comes sort of man, and I’m the place my ft are proper now, clearly, for this recreation,’’ he mentioned. “However on the finish of the day, it’s my life, my profession, and I’ve obtained to determine it out. I grew up a Jets fan. I’m from New York, so that will undoubtedly be one thing I might respect earlier than my profession ends.
“It will, for positive, be cool to have the ability to have my title and quantity on the jersey of my hometown staff I grew up with and watched as my favourite. … It will undoubtedly be one thing that’s a once-in-a-lifetime factor for lots of people, so we’ll see when that day comes. However proper now, I’m simply specializing in the large recreation.’’
If Smith was to signal with the Jets, he could have gone from blocking for Tom Brady in Tampa Bay to Patrick Mahomes in Kansas Metropolis to Aaron Rodgers with the Jets.
“That might be some legacy,’’ Smith mentioned. “I take it as a privilege. On the finish of the day, I’m positive that these guys have a say on who’s defending their blind aspect, in order that’s a testomony to me and my work and what I present. I’m writing my very own legacy.’’
The place that legacy continues and whether or not it’s with the Jets can be decided within the coming months when free company kicks in and the staff begins to rebuild its damaged offensive line.
