Jets free agent target C Matt Paradis agrees to deal with Panthers: report

Paradis to make $27 million over three years

3/12/2019, 8:25 PM
Nov 5, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Denver Broncos center Matt Paradis (61) calls a signal against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports / Eric Hartline
Nov 5, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Denver Broncos center Matt Paradis (61) calls a signal against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports / Eric Hartline

The Jets are about to lose out on another free agent target, as center Matt Paradis has reportedly agreed to a deal with the Panthers, per ESPN's Adam Schefter.

The deal is said to be worth $27 million over three years, which would be $9 million per season for the 29-year-old. 

According to SNY's Ralph Vacchiano, the Jets were making a very strong push to sign Paradis as they need a new center this season. The Jets let Spencer Long go, and Jonotthan Harrison is the next-best option at the moment. It made sense for the Jets to target Paradis, with head coach Adam Gase having seen his skill set as his offensive coordinator with the Broncos for one season.

Signing Paradis was also believed to be a selling point to top free agent RB Le'Veon Bell, as shoring up the offensive line would give more incentive to join Gang Green. The Jets put a trade in place with the Raiders earlier this week to land veteran G Kelechi Osemele in exchange for a fifth-round pick. New York will also receive a sixth-round pick through the Bears. 

With Paradis out of the center market, there isn't much else super intriguing to the Jets. Mitch Morse, who played for the Chiefs last season, will sign a four-year deal with the Bills when the new league year begins.

The next-best option could be Ryan Kalil, who the Panthers are walking away from. Kalil is a former Pro Bowler, but he is 34 years old. The Jets could be looking to the Draft to find their new center next season.

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