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The Jets’ decision to trade a washed-up right tackle for another washed-up right tackle became more curious when considering that the washed-up right tackle the Jets traded will make $1.55 million less than the washed-up right tackle the Jets acquired.

As it turns out, the Rams made up the difference in order to get the deal done.

Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News reports that the Rams gave Smith a $1.55 million signing bonus before the trade was finalized. Smith in turn reduced his base salary to $2.45 million, which matches what the Jets would have paid Hunter.

Mehta also reports that the deal is now official.

As we pointed out last night, Smith will be a Jet for only one season, barring a new contract. His $11.25 million roster bonus is due the first day of the 2013 league year, and if he takes enough snaps to make it voidable the deal wouldn’t be voided until after the deadline for using the franchise tag has passed. Thus, the Jets will either cut Smith to avoid the $11.25 million roster bonus or Smith will play at a high level and void the contract in order to become an unrestricted free agent.

Here’s Manish from Tuesday’s PFT Live regarding the Smith trade and other Jets issues.