Jets' Joe Tippmann making most of competition on offensive line

USA Today

2 days ago

New York Jets center Joe Tippmann was among the bright spots in a dark 2024 season. The then-sophomore blocker made a successful full-time transition from guard. Since moving to center, Tippmann's 70.6 overall Pro Football Focus grade ranks 14th among centers who have played at least 500 snaps.
Tippmann's improved play is why it was surprising when the Jets signed veteran center Josh Myers to a one-year deal worth $3.5 million earlier this offseason. The experienced Myers started 56 total contests for the Green Bay Packers over the previous four campaigns. His arrival incited a competition at center between Tippmann and himself.
Tippmann is making the most of the situation, he recently told The New York Post at training camp.
'At first, I mean, it took me by surprise a little bit,' Tippmann said after Wednesday's first day of training camp in Florham Park. 'But Coach [Aaron Glenn] actually called me first, and he kind of let me know the situation beforehand. So after that, I was just excited.'
Tippmann started all 17 contests for the Jets last season, playing every single offensive snap. Coach Glenn provided clarity, repeatedly reiterating that there is an open competition 'at every position." It lit a fire under Tippmann, who didn't expect to be competing for a starting gig.
"It was certainly made clear that it's a competition," Myers said at the podium, reiterating that he's been told he'll receive every opportunity imaginable this summer to compete for a starting job.
It'll be worth monitoring how the Jets split first-team reps between Tippmann and Myers throughout training camp. It would be shocking if Myers actually defeated Tippmann for the starting job. Instead, the Jets should have terrific depth behind their young, ascending center this year.