Former Bengals’ First-Round Pick Re-signs with Jets, Bolsters Offensive Line Depth

Originally posted on FanNation Jets Country
By Ralph Ventre | Last updated 4/18/23

The New York Jets have re-signed an offensive lineman, but it is not center Connor McGovern.

While the starting center position remains vacant, Gang Green welcomed Cedric Ogbuehi back into the fold for 2023. The reserve tackle started five games after the Jets claimed him off the Houston Texans’ Practice Squad late last September.

The team announced the transaction on Tuesday afternoon, one day following the start of the NFL’ off-season player program.

The 6-foot-5 Ogbuehi made his first Jets start against New England in Week 8. He was also the starting right tackle for the following week’s 20-17 victory over three-time reigning AFC East champion Buffalo.

Due to a groin injury, Ogbuehi served a four-week stint on injured reserve during the month of December. The ninth-year pro returned in Week 17 and subsequently started the regular season finale in Miami.

Ogbuehi initially entered the league as the Bengals’ first-round selection (No. 21 overall) at the 2015 NFL Draft. Set to turn 30 years old next week, the Texas A&M product has seen NFL game action with five different teams during his career.

Including seven appearances for the Jets in 2022, Ogbuehi has played in 67 regular season games (35 starts).

The veteran's re-signing provides some offensive tackle insurance for an organization rumored to be considering drafting a first-round bookend at the end of the month.

Veteran starter Duane Brown, who is coming off a season-ending injury, will be 38 years old by opening day.

Meanwhile, former top pick Mekhi Becton has had trouble staying on the field. The Jets must declare whether or not they intend to exercise Becton's fifth-year option by May 1.

Gang Green still has yet to ink a full-time center. There were reports about interest in 34-year old free agent Ben Jones, who was released by the Tennessee Titans, but it seems nothing has materialized on that front.

The Jets added free agent Swiss Army knife Wes Schweitzer, who started at center for the Washington Commanders in 2022. Schweitzer, who has game experience at all five offensive line spots, has spent most of his NFL career at right guard.