Less than two hours before the start of free agency, the New York Jets retained offensive lineman Ben Ijalana, who projects as their starting left tackle.
Ijalana is signing a two-year, $11 million contract, a league source said Thursday. The first year, believed to be about $5 million, is fully guaranteed.
It's not a sexy move, but it's a solid move for the Jets. For one, they don't have another left tackle on the roster after declining to exercise Ryan Clady's option. Secondly, Ijalana is young (27) and can play multiple spots on the offensive line, mainly left and right tackle.