New York Jets sign former Seahawks T George Fant (Report)

The New York Jets made their first signing of the 2020 free agency period, adding the former Seattle blocker on a three-year deal.

According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, the New York Jets have signed former Seattle Seahawks tackle George Fant to a three-year deal worth $30 million. Guaranteed money in that deal comes out to $13.7 million.

Fant, 27, joined the league as an undrafted free agent in 2016. He was a basketball player for four seasons at Western Kentucky University before joining the football team in his fifth year of eligibility. Seattle welcomed him in four seasons ago, and he went on to partake in 40 games with the team, making 20 starts. He was able to partake in a full 16-game slate last season, making seven starts. Pro Football Focus ranked Fant as the 53rd-best tackle in the league last season.

Fant was able to work mostly as a hybrid lineman, taking reps at both guard and tackle while defending the pocket for Russell Wilson and a strong run game. He also continued a trend begun at WKU, in which he took many snaps as an eligible receiver at tight end. His box score includes one reception from 2018, a nine-yard reception from Wilson.

With the Jets’ signing of Fant, all 32 teams in the NFL made a move on the first day of the league’s new year, which proceeded as scheduled in the midst of all other American sports leagues shutting in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak. Fant should be able to make an instant impact in the Jets’ starting offensive line. Starting tackles Kelvin Beachum and Brandon Shell are up for free agency and guard Brian Winters could be released for cap reasons. The Jets are in desperate need of blocking help with their offensive future tied to potential backfield saviors Sam Darnold and Le’Veon Bell.

While they were able to add Fant, the Jets may be ready to bid farewell to one of their veteran linebackers. Several sources have reported that linebacker Jordan Jenkins has drawn interest from several teams, with Art Stapleton saying the New York Giants have been particularly intrigued.

Geoff Magliocchetti is on Twitter @GeoffJMags