When reports came out that the Jets signed former Seahawks OT George Fant to a three-year, $30 million deal, many couldn't believe it. It seemed like a desperation move by GM Joe Douglas after Jack Conklin, Graham Glasgow and others went to other teams on day one of NFL free agency.
This deal, though, needs to be read between the lines to understand what Douglas truly did in bringing Fant on board.
When you break down the numbers that were confirmed by SNY's Ralph Vacchiano, Fant's deal is actually $27.3 million over those three years. And while $13.7 million is guaranteed, it's only $9.25 million fully guaranteed. The other $4.45 million will be fully guaranteed in 2021 on the fifth league day. Finally, bonuses make the contract's max $30 million.
So, as Manish Mehta of the Daily News pointed out, Fant is basically joining the Jets on a one-year deal worth $9.25 million.
That isn't too bad for someone that can be viewed as still being a work in progress at the tackle position. And the Jets can still add another tackle in the NFL Draft with the No. 11 overall pick.
Douglas is also being active in the guard market, with Greg Van Roten connected to them and Alex Lewis officially back in the fold. Vacchiano has the team currently talking to Van Roten, who has started the last two seasons down in Carolina.
Per Michael Nania, Fant was ranked 75th out of 84 qualified tackles in pass blocking last season, which was worse than Brandon Shell and Chuma Edoga -- two players the Jets were trying to upgrade from this offseason.
But, at 6-foot-5, 322 pounds, the Seahawks bet on the former Western Kentucky basketball player when they took him undrafted in 2016. Douglas is doing the same here, but it really isn't for the money everyone thinks it is.