BY NICK ST. DENIS
The New York Jets wanted to lock up right tackle Austin Howard well before he could sniff free agency, but as time went on, it became clear he was destined for the marketplace.
Howard ended up signing on with the Oakland Raiders Tuesday (sorry, man), leaving a relatively crucial void on Gang Green's front.
The Jets swiftly filled that void, announcing Wednesday that they agreed to terms with former Seattle Seahawks offensive lineman Breno Giacomini.
Giacomini, who is entering his seventh NFL season, missed seven games last season to a knee injury but started the rest, including all of the Seahawks' playoff games en route to a Super Bowl title.
Pro Football Focus gave the veteran lineman high grades in pass blocking throughout the postseason, though he struggled against the run. He graded about par in both categories throughout the regular season.
The Howard-to-Giacomini transition is probably a downgrade, but there wasn't much else to choose from. Plus, Giacomini will be reunited with Jets general manager John Idzik, for what it's worth.
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