(Photo: US Presswire)
By Ryan Alfieri, Editor
It took a little longer than we thought, but Rex Ryan has finally come through and benched the human turnstile, Wayne Hunter.
Rex Ryan has decided that Wayne Hunter will no longer be starting right tackle.
#nyj— Manish Mehta(@MMehtaNYDN) August 23, 2012
Hunter will resume his role as a sixth offensive lineman, which, ironically fills another need for the team as a blocking tight end. However, the fact that his contract is guaranteed certainly helps his cause for staying on the team.
Meanwhile, young Austin Howard, who has impressed this offseason, will be penciled in as the starter in Hunter’s place.
I do fully expect the Jets to pursue other options at the position, especially as cut days approach and teams deeper at the position have to let good players go because of numbers.
I also expect “Trader Mike” to be fully active in the trade market. Could the Colts be one trade partner in the works?
TRADE WINDS BLOWING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
— Jim Irsay (@JimIrsay) August 23, 2012
This saga is far from over. Unless Austin Howard turns out to be a decent player, which seems unlikely for a guy who took so long to replace Hunter as the starter, the Jets have a lot of work to do in order to finally get their offensive line back in order.
Tags: austin howard, new york jets, Wayne Hunter
