Last week the New York Jets swung a trade with the Carolina Panthers for offensive tackle Jeff Otah. The move was made with the idea that Otah, if healthy, could replace Wayne Hunter at right tackle. A much, much needed upgrade.
Jeff Otah Trade Is Dead; Jets Won’t Keep Him
The problem is that Otah can’t stay healthy. He failed his initial physical with the Jets last week and on Tuesday Manish Mehta of the NY Daily News reports the Jets will not be keeping Otah. This trade, like most trades, was contingent on the player passing a physical by a certain date and it would appear Otah wasn’t able to do that.
Assuming the trade never goes through, the Jets are going to be stuck with Hunter, who his one of the worst offensive tackles in the NFL. Tough situation for the Jets to go from replacing Hunter to now saying, “Wait a minute! You’re our starter again!” I’ll be curious if they make another move to upgrade that spot.
So for now Otah heads back to Carolina and don’t be shocked if the Panthers just go ahead and release him.
Otah was solid starting 25 of a possible 32 games to start his career. Unfortunately, injuries have derailed him since then as he started just four games in the last two seasons.
For more on the New York Jets, visit Gang Green Nation and SB Nation New York.
See More:
