Chuma Edoga, an offensive lineman, was one of the New York Jets’ draft misfires, but he is now trying to establish himself with the Dallas Cowboys.
On Wednesday, April 3, ESPN NFL insider Jeremy Fowler wrote to X, indicating that Edoga will be returning to the Cowboys, most likely for a one-year contract.
Regaining Edoga would provide the Cowboys with much-needed offensive line variety, as Fowler notes. Tyron Smith, a legendary offensive lineman for the Cowboys, left the team this summer to sign a one-year contract with the Jets.
Without one of the best tackles in team history, the Cowboys will now need to figure out how to justify the value of their offensive line.
Edoga wasn’t a highly-touted NFL prospect. While his time with the Jets was disappointing, he’s found a way to carve out a respectable NFL career heading into 2024.
It took time for Edoga to become a full-time starter for USC. He saw action in his first two years in Los Angeles, but eventually secured a role as the starting right tackle during his junior and senior seasons.
Edoga’s last season saw him named to the Pac-12 second team. In the 2019 NFL Draft, he was selected in the third round by the Jets, thanks in part to his experience and film.
Regrettably, during his time in New York, Edoga was routinely moved up the depth chart due to injuries and subpar performance. Prior to his release in 2022, he was passed over for positions by people including Morgan Moses, George Fant, and Max Mitchell.
Edoga was taken off waivers by the Atlanta Falcons, where he played sporadically before going on injured reserve due to a knee injury.
The Cowboys were Edoga’s next stop, as he played 420 plays throughout the season at both left guard and left tackle. He was able to secure at least one more season in Dallas because to his adaptability and consistency.
Over the last several seasons, the Jets have had trouble finding reliable offensive line play. In 2024, though, Aaron Rodgers should be kept upright by the revamped squad.
Tyron Smith is a seasoned left tackle who leads the offensive line. As long as he stays healthy, the five-time All-Pro, who has lost a lot of time over the last two seasons, can be a standout for the Jets.
John Simpson, a former Baltimore Ravens player, and Morgan Moses were two more free agents signed by the Jets. Moses was a player for the Jets in the year 2021.
Alijah Vera-Tucker, meanwhile, will not be moving up the line this season. As a result of his troubles, which the Jets openly attribute to being shuffled around the line, he will now be positioned as the right guard going forward in 2024.
This season, the Jets will be expected to protect their quarterbacks significantly better because of the amount of movement on the offensive line.
