The Jets added depth and experience Tuesday, agreeing to contract terms with center Travis Swanson, a former Lions third-round draft pick out of Arkansas, according to NFL Network. The Jets also added to their tight end stable by signing Bucky Hodges, a 2017 sixth-round pick of the Vikings.
Swanson, 27, spent his first four NFL seasons in Detroit, starting 42 of the 53 games he appeared in. He started 11 games last season before a concussion in late December forced him to finish the season on injured reserve.
Spencer Long, the former Redskins starting center signed by the Jets on March 22, figures to sit atop the depth chart at center, as long as he is healthy. Long, 27, suffered a torn quadriceps late last season and likely will not be able to do much in the spring. He said recently he is targeting a full return in training camp this summer.
Wesley Johnson struggled in 2017 as the replacement at center for Nick Mangold. The Jets did not pursue Johnson in free agency and he signed last week with the Lions.
Hodges, 22, has never appeared in an NFL game. He was waived/injured by the Vikings in early September and spent six weeks on the Panthers’ practice squad. He caught 133 passes at Virginia Tech.

