The New York Jets have no shortage of culprits for their disaster of a 2024 season. Head coach Robert Saleh saw his team struggle with penalties and consistency, and owner Woody Johnson fired him before he had a chance to fix it. General manager Joe Douglas fumbled one of the league’s best defensive lines, and every position group played a role in falling short of expectations.
The Jets’ offensive line wasn’t the biggest reason why the offense failed to get off the ground, but it saw some inconsistencies, too. Among them was right tackle Morgan Moses, who missed two games and didn’t quite match the success he had during his first stint in New York.
Moses left in free agency, signing with the New England Patriots to help quarterback Drake Maye take the next step.
Talking to ESPN, the former Jets lineman admitted that he played through a knee injury for much of the 2024 campaign.
“Veteran right tackle Morgan Moses, who was signed to a three-year, $24 million contract in free agency, shared that he is returning from offseason knee surgery,” Mike Reiss wrote. ‘That explained why he didn't participate in full-team drills during practice. ‘Just pacing things out,’ he said.
“Moses, 34, played through a knee injury last season, which he initially sustained in a Week 3 win over the Patriots. As for why he elected for surgery and continuing his career, he said it comes back to his love of football and learning. ‘I still enjoy the grind and being with the guys,’ he said.”
Moses, per Pro Football Focus, allowed just two sacks and 16 pressures in 2024.
The veteran tackle is taking things slow this offseason, and there appears to be minimal risk of his knee impacting his play like it might have with New York. In any instance, the Jets were prepared for his departure.
After drafting left tackle Olu Fashanu a year prior, New York went back to the well in April, picking Missouri right tackle Armand Membou to replace Moses. While Fashanu sat behind left tackle Tyron Smith and Moses (until injuries forced him into action), Membou will look to start from the jump in East Rutherford.
Moses will face the Jets in Weeks 11 and 17.
