Free Agency Update: Howard Out, Giacomini In?

Sad news, Jets fans. Austin Howard has a deal with the Oakland Raiders (five years, $30M with $15M in guarantees... homie got paid), and the New York Jets will lose him. The Jets reportedly offered him five years and $30M as well, so I assume the difference was in guarantees, as Howard received a substantial amount from the Raiders. As we outlined earlier though, they are looking into Zach Strief as his replacement, and have a visit lined up with Breno Giacomini of the Seattle Seahawks as well.

Jets making strong push to sign Seahawks free-agent OT Breno Giacomini, who's on his way to visit team Wednesday.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 12, 2014

Giacomini is, like Howard, a former practice squad player that started every game for the Seahawks in 2012 and nine games in 2013 before missing seven games while recovering from knee surgery. According to ProFootballFocus, he had a 4.2 pass protection grade in 2013 and a -8.2 run blocking grade. Let's hope he isn't being given the starting job and will at least have to compete against other players, if he is in fact signed.