Reports: Jets Land O-Line Help In 2-Time NFC Champ James Carpenter
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- The New York Jets have reportedly solidified their offensive line with a 6-foot-5, 321-pound Super Bowl champion.
James Carpenter, whose fifth-year option was declined by the Seattle Seahawks, will sign with the Jets when free agency officially begins Tuesday afternoon, according to Mike Garafolo of FOX Sports 1.
Carpenter's deal will be worth around $19 million over four years, Rand Getlin of Yahoo Sports reported via Twitter.
A first-round pick out of Alabama in 2011, the 25-year-old Carpenter started five of six playoff games for the Seahawks over the past two seasons, including their win over Denver in last year's Super Bowl. He missed three games last season with an ankle injury but came back in time for Seattle's second straight NFC title run.
The Jets previously missed out on Broncos guard Orlando Franklin, reportedly agreeing to sign a five-year deal with the San Diego Chargers, and three-time Pro Bowler Mike Iupati, who appears set to join the Arizona Cardinals.
New York, which stands to lose guard Willie Colon in free agency, could pair Carpenter with tackle D'Brickashaw Ferguson on the left side, where he played last season for the Seahawks.
The Jets are reportedly more than $40 million under the cap after last week's trade for Chicago's Brandon Marshall, and that number could jump considerably with the expected release of wide receiver Percy Harvin.
Rookie general manager Mike Maccagnan has also been linked to a potential reunion with cornerback Darrelle Revis and has reportedly been trying to land Brian Hoyer to challenge incumbent quarterback Geno Smith for the starting job.
