Robert Saleh in no rush to name starting right tackle

The starting right tackle job between Morgan Moses and George Fant will be one of the Jets’ biggest training camp battles this summer.

On one side you have Moses, a seven-year veteran with 96 consecutive starts at right tackle. The Jets signed him earlier this summer following his departure from Washington.

On the other side is Fant, an athletic tackle who can play on either side of the line. He has continuity working in his favor after playing his first season with the Jets in 2020.

Either player would be a fine starter this season, but Robert Saleh refused to say which one had the edge early in training camp.

“[Moses has been] a tremendous player for many years in this league. Adding him was a tremendous asset,” Saleh said earlier this week. “George Fant has had a fantastic OTAs and did a really nice job in minicamp. He has all the tools to be a successful right tackle, also.”

Fant landed on the reserve/COVID-19 list on Wednesday, leaving him in quarantine for the very start of training camp. However, it appears that he’s now been cleared to resume working with the team and battling Moses.

While Moses makes more sense as the starter given Fant’s previous experience as a versatile swing tackle, Saleh didn’t count the incumbent out just yet. He said he spoke with Fant about his role on the team and felt he was prepared to take on the challenge of responding to a competitor.

“Just talking to George, I don’t really think he’s phased,” Saleh said. He’s one of those internally motivated individuals and that’s going to come out here, work his tail off… Whatever happens, happens.”

Right tackle is an important position for a Jets offensive line tasked with blocking rookie quarterback Zach Wilson. Connor McGovern will return at center and the left side is locked down with Mekhi Becton and Alijah Vera-Tucker, but the right side of the line is still a mystery. Greg Van Roten and Alex Lewis will battle for the guard position while Moses and Fant fight for the tackle spot.

“There’s a lot of competition in that spot,” Saleh said, “and it’s going to be fun to watch.”

List

8 position battles to watch in Jets training camp