ESPN’s Rich Cimini announced today that Jets left tackle D’Brickashaw Ferguson is retiring.
So where do the Jets turn from here?
To me the answer is simple – Ben Ijalana.
Ijalana, who is currently a free agent, was the Jets’ backup swing tackle the last two seasons.
He was a second-round pick of the Colts in the 2011 draft, but had injury issues in Indianapolis, and was waived on the final cut-down in 2013, and claimed by the Jets.
He is 6-4, 317 pounds with long arms and quick feet. He’s a very athletic lineman who is extremely bright and does a nice job recognizing stunts and blitzes. He has a very quick kick slide, which is important at left tackle.
Ijalana is a viable candidate for the Jets’ left tackle job. He knows the system and will come cheap.
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