The Jets began rebuilding their offensive line Monday night and also worked on their defensive line.
The team has agreed to a two-year contract with former Ravens guard John Simpson, officials confirmed.
NFL Network reported that the contract is worth up to $18 million.
They also signed former 49ers defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw, according to sources.
Simpson started every game at left guard for the Ravens last year after joining the team in 2022. He was originally drafted by the Raiders in the first round in 2020 and spent his first three seasons in Las Vegas.
Last year, he played 1,118 snaps with the Ravens and allowed just one sack. He earned 11 penalties, which was second-most among guards. PFF rates him 49th out of 79 guards.
The 26-year-old will likely play left guard for the Jets.
The team recently released Laken Tomlinson, who had been the starter at left guard the past two years.
Kinlaw will be reunited with Jets coach Robert Saleh, who was the defensive coordinator in San Francisco when the team selected Kinlaw in the first round of the 2020 draft.
Kinlaw has started 28 games for the 49ers over four years, including six last season.
He has five career sacks and will have 3.5 in 2023.
The Jets had a hole at defensive tackle with Quinton Jefferson, Al Woods and Solomon Thomas set to become free agents.
Kinlaw gives the team a player to play alongside star Quinnen Williams. PFF rated him 87th out of 130 inside defensive linemen.
The contracts with Simpson and Kinlaw were finalized late Monday night after a quiet first day of free agency for the Jets.
Simpson likely won’t be the team’s final move on the offensive line.
General manager Joe Douglas needs to find three starting pitchers through free agency and the draft.
The Jets also need to find a No. 2 wide receiver, a backup quarterback and work on safety.
Fixing the offensive line is a top priority for the Jets, who must find a way to protect quarterback Aaron Rodgers, 40, who is returning from an Achilles injury.
