Jets Dump 13-Year Starter from Practice Squad

Originally posted on FanNation Jets Country
By Ralph Ventre | Last updated 1/2/24

It seemed like a sensible move when it happened, but it turned out to be a complete non-factor.

After signing a Practice Squad deal with the New York Jets on October 31, veteran offensive guard Rodger Saffold never saw the field. With one game remaining on the regular season schedule, the Jets announced that they released Saffold on Tuesday.

The 35-year-old Saffold made 16 starts at left guard for the 2022 Buffalo Bills, who elected to let the grizzled veteran walk. As the Jets' offensive line injuries piled up, the team added Saffold as an experienced option on the interior.

New York has been forced into deploying 12 different starting offensive line combinations this season, but Saffold was not included in any of them. Instead, the Jets elected to promote and start undrafted second-year pro Xavier Newman as well as former Green Bay Packer Jake Hanson at right guard. Newman and Hanson initially joined the team as P-Squad players.

In all, the Jets have started six different men at the right guard spot in 2023.

After being taken No. 33 overall in the 2010 NFL Draft, Saffold spent his first nine pro seasons with the Los Angeles Rams. The 6-foot-5 Saffold, who began his NFL tenure as a tackle, has totaled 176 regular season appearance (173 starts) over 13 seasons.

The Jets likely targeted Saffold due to his familiarity with offensive line coach Keith Carter from their shared time as Tennessee Titans.

On January 7, the Jets (6-10) will close out their regular season slate with a visit to the New England Patriots (4-12). The game will kick off at 1:00 pm ET.