Off-Season Primer : New York Jets

2023 Record- (7-10)

In 2023, the Jets came into the season with Super Bowl aspirations after acquiring superstar quarterback Aaron Rodgers from Green Bay. Rodgers, though, suffered an Achilles injury on the first drive of the season when he was sacked by Buffalo’s Leonard Floyd. The Jets managed to start 4-3, but the poor quarterback play of Zach Wilson and Tim Boyle led to a 5-game losing streak and another disappointing finish for New York.

Running back Breece Hall and wide receiver Garrett Wilson both excelled on offense and in his second season, Hall ran for 994 yards and 5 touchdowns. He also was effective as a pass receiver, hauling in 76 receptions. Wilson, also in his 2nd season, hauled in a team high 95 receptions for 1,042 yards.

The Jets' defense was a big reason the team was even able to reach 7 wins. New York’s defense was ranked 3rd overall in the NFL and only gave up 292.3 yards per game. The secondary, led by cornerbacks Sauce Gardner and D.J. Reed, only gave up 168.3 yards passing per game, which was 2nd in the league behind the Cleveland Browns.

Draft Picks

Round 1 - (10)
Round 3- (72)
Round 4- (111)
Round 4- (113)
Round 6- (186)
Round 7- (252)
Round 7- (253)
Round 7- (256)

Free Agents

Projected Cap Space - Approximately $22MM

OT- Mekhi Becton
OT- Duane Brown
S- Chuck Clark
WR- Randall Cobb
S- Ashtyn Davis
LB- Sam Eguavoen
CB- Bryce Hall
CB- Justin Hardee
DE- Jalyn Holmes
DE/LB- Bryce Huff
DT- Quinton Jefferson
DE- Carl Lawson
C- Connor McGovern
P- Thomas Morstead
DE- Ifeadi Odenigbo
QB- Brett Rypien
DT- Solomon Thomas
OT- Billy Turner
S- Jordan Whitehead
DT- Al Woods
K- Greg Zuerlein
DE- Bradlee Anae
CB- Javelin Guidry
OL- Jake Hanson
TE- Kenny Yeboah

New York will try and retain linebacker Bryce Huff before he hits free agency. Huff led the team in sacks with 10 and will be high on the team's wish list to bring back in 2024. Safety Jordan Whitehead, like Bryce Huff, is set to enter the free agent marketplace. He came into his own in 2023 and was third on the team in tackles with 97 and led the team in interceptions with 4.

Offensive Tackles Mekhi Becton and Duane Brown have both underperformed and will most likely be left to sign elsewhere. Look for the Jets to find a veteran on the market and look at their #10 pick to bring in a rookie starter.

Biggest Needs

The Jets' offensive line struggled from the first snap of the season and the team will not let that happen again in 2024. With the #10 pick overall, the team will likely target one of the many quality left tackles in this year's draft class. If New York loses Whitehead in free agency, look for them to target his replacement on day two of the draft.

On the offensive side of the ball, the team will need to add to their wide receiver corps, giving retuning starter Aaron Rodgers more weapons to work with than just Garrett Wilson. If the team steers clear of tackle in round one, perhaps LSU's Malik Nabers or Washington's Rome Odunze will be there for the stealing.