Better Late Than Never: New York Jets Sign Kelvin Beachum Jr., Chandler Catanzaro
Dec 11, 2016; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars tackle Kelvin Beachum (68) sits on the bench after a game against the Minnesota Vikings at EverBank Field. The Minnesota Vikings won 25-16. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Jets finally do something with all that cap space by signing their new left tackle of the future in Kelvin Beachum Jr.

Well, the New York Jets decided to take a wait and see approach with their free agency plans. Fortunately, it seems like it paid off, at least for their immediate plans.

After re-signing Ben Ijalana on a two-year deal for $11 million, it seemed like, at that price, he would be their starting left tackle. But now with the signing of Kelvin Beachum, that changes the landscape.

That’s right, he already knows the chant. Perhaps he learned it when the Jets were kicking his tires last offseason? They ultimately settled with Ryan Clady via trade and it didn’t pan out, due to his injury history.

Speaking of injury history, the Jets are hoping Beachum can keep it just that … history.

He tore his ACL back in 2015 and that somewhat compromised his value on the open market, despite being the No. 2 ranked offensive tackle in the free agent pool last year by Pro Football Focus.

Last year, he ended up signing an unusual 1+4 deal that gave him the motivation in front of him that if he played well he was their long term answer. Beachum finished his first season with the Jaguars starting 15 games.

Although many considered his last campaign a disappointment after surrendering 49 quarterback pressures, he has bounced around since being drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers with a seventh round back in 2012.

At the end of the day, he fits the bill what the Jets were looking for. Beachum is young (27), talented and versatile (has played both tackle spots). The terms of the deal were not immediately released.

In conjunction with the Beachum signing, the Jets have also inked kicker Chandler Catanzaro, via Eric Allen of newyorkjets.com.

In 2015, Catanzaro was 28-of-31 on field goals and he tied the Cardinals franchise record with 53 PATs. His 137 points ranked third in the NFL and his 19 consecutive makes on FG attempts between Games 7 and 15 tied for the second-longest streak in team history.

People call me Boy Green for my unwavering dedication to all things New York Jets. I work at The Score 1260 in Syracuse and I'm extremely passionate about sports. I aspire to continue my rise through the business and hopefully I'll end up working for the New York Jets in some capacity.