There was only one available left tackle with eight Pro Bowl selections to his credit this offseason, and the New York Jets got him.
After 13 seasons with the Dallas Cowboys, Tyron Smith landed a one-year contract with the Jets. The 2011 first-round draft pick will be responsible for protecting quarterback Aaron Rodgers's blindside.
"I just felt like it was gonna be a great fit for me," said Smith after Saturday's training camp practice in Florham Park.
Standing at 6'5" and 320 pounds with a chiseled exterior, the 33-year-old Smith is a physical specimen that running back Breece Hall had to see to believe.
"Just look at him, bro," said Hall. "The first day I saw him, I had just walked in the locker room to like grab a pair of shoes or something. I think he had just got done working out. He had his shirt off. I was like, how's he 300 something pounds with an 8 pack? It's crazy. Seeing how big he is, how lean he is and everything and how he still works out like a young dude, it's crazy."
Although highly effective when available, Smith has struggled to stay on the field in recent years. He has totaled 30 appearances over the last four seasons.
The Jets have placed Smith on a maintenance plan that will feature scheduled off-days during the practice week. After participating on Wednesday and Thursday, the grizzled veteran sat out on Friday before returning to action Saturday.
"Just gotta maintain it, stay healthy, stay in shape, so I could be here for my teammates," said Smith.
