Jets' Morgan Moses happy to be back with team, recovering from pectoral surgery
Morgan Moses looks on during warmups before a game between the Balitmore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers on Jan. 6, 2024 in Baltimore. Credit: AP/Terrance Williams
Morgan Moses thought he would be blocking for Lamar Jackson again this season and opening holes for new Ravens running Derrick Henry. He never expected he would do it for Aaron Rodgers and Breece Hall.
The Jets re-acquired Moses, who spent 2021 with them, in a trade with Baltimore last week. The veteran right tackle welcomed a return to the Jets.
“It’s truly funny, man because I went from texting Derrick Henry Tuesday night to finding out Wednesday around noon that I was being traded,” Moses said on a Zoom call. “I literally had no idea what was taking place at the time. But I’m truly happy to be back in New York.”
One reason is working with Robert Saleh again. Moses said, “I’ve been a fan, truly a fan of Coach Saleh since I got there the first time.”
Moses is part of the Jets’ offensive line rebuild. They also signed eight-time Pro Bowl left tackle Tyron Smith and left guard John Simpson, who played with Moses last year. When Simpson signed, he reached out to Moses to ask about the Jets. The two were pleasantly surprised they would remain teammates.
“I look forward to lacing up the cleats and putting on the helmet and shoulder pads with him again,” Moses said.
Moses revealed that he tore his pectoral muscle in Week 4 last season. He played through it, appearing in 16 games, including the playoffs. Moses had surgery six weeks ago. He said he would be ready for the start of training camp.
“I like the fact that I was able to pretty much go through the whole season and play at a high level,” Moses said. “I look forward to having two arms this year.”
Simpson is coming off a strong season with the Ravens. He allowed one sack 17 games. He said he “lost my confidence” with the Raiders – the team that drafted him in 2020 – and going to Baltimore was the “jump start” he needed.
Now Simpson is excited about protecting Rodgers.
“My great grandkids will never even believe me when I tell them I blocked for Lamar and The GOAT, Aaron Rodgers,” Simpson said. “It’s going to be fun.”
Al Iannazzone covers the Jets for Newsday after spending nearly two decades on the NBA beat with Knicks and Nets.
