For the second straight year, the New York Jets looked to the Seattle Seahawks to address an offensive-line need. They're expected to sign free-agent left guard James Carpenter, a league source confirmed Tuesday.
Barring a last-minute snag, Carpenter will sign a four-year contract and will reunite with right tackle Breno Giacomini, who left the Seahawks last year for a four-year, $17 million deal.
Teams can't sign unrestricted free agents until 4 p.m. ET on Tuesday.
The Jets went into free agency determined to upgrade at guard. They turned to Carpenter after failed attempts to sign Mike Iupati and Orlando Franklin, who are expected to sign with the Arizona Cardinals and San Diego Chargers, respectively.
Carpenter is expected to play left guard, meaning Oday Aboushi and Brian Winters -- both of whom played the position last season -- will likely compete at right guard. It probably means the end for right guard Willie Colon (a free agent), who started the last 32 games.
Carpenter (6-foot-5, 320 pounds) was a first-round draft choice out of Alabama in 2011 by the Seahawks. He started 13 regular-season games at left guard (missing three games with ankle injury) and all three playoff games last season.
It was the most games he has played in a single season in his career, which has been plagued by knee problems, including ACL surgery in 2012. Carpenter lost 20 pounds before the start of training camp last season, showing up in the best shape of his career.
Carpenter, who turns 26 on March 22, is viewed as a punishing run-blocker who sometimes struggles in pass protection.
ESPN.com Seahawks reporter Terry Blount contributed to this report.
