New York Jets’ updated roster after a wild first week of NFL free agency and trades
The first week of free agency has pretty much come and gone. Sure enough, there is plenty to write home about after a wild six-day stretch that featured plenty of big moves, questionable moves, and trades. The New York Jets were right in the thick of things. So far, Joe Douglas and Robert Saleh have […]
The first week of free agency has pretty much come and gone. Sure enough, there is plenty to write home about after a wild six-day stretch that featured plenty of big moves, questionable moves, and trades.
The New York Jets were right in the thick of things. So far, Joe Douglas and Robert Saleh have made 6 new additions to the roster. Several of those players are expected to start.
Now that the dust has settled, let's take a look at the current state of the roster and where things are likely to go, from here.
Note: Asterisks (*) represent a 2024 free agent addition and does not include a re-signed player. Offense's base personnel is projected as 11-personnel (3 WRs, 1 TE) and defense's base personnel is projected as 4-3 base defense (four down lineman, three linebackers).
Quarterback (3)
Presumed starter(s): Aaron Rodgers
Backup(s): Tyrod Taylor *, Zach Wilson
How we got here: With Aaron Rodgers returning from his Achilles injury, it will be his show throughout the entire organization. The only question going into this offseason would be who would back him up and the Jets answered that on the first night of legal tampering signing veteran backup Tyrod Taylor to a two year $18 million deal. Zach Wilson is still on the roster, but it is doubtful the team will go into training camp with him still on the books.
Running back (5)
Presumed starter(s): Breece Hall
Backup(s): Israel Abanikanda, Jacques Patrick, Xazavian Valladay, Nick Bawden
How we got here: The Jets moves this offseason not only are to protect Aaron Rodgers, but to send a message that they want to run the ball. Breece Hall might be one of the few true workhorse backs in the NFL next season with a Izzy being a flash in the pan type of player. I imagine the Jets will look to add a back at some point this offseason just to lighten the load for Hall.
Wide Receiver (7)
Presumed starter(s): Garrett Wilson (X), Allen Lazard (Y), Xavier Gipson (slot)
Backup(s): Jason Brownlee, Irvin Charles, Lance McCutheon, Malik Taylor
How we got here: New York boasts one of the best young offensive receivers in the game in Garrett Wilson and we still have not seen what he is able to do with a capable quarterback. Allen Lazard was made available via trade this offseason, but unfortunately for the Jets, the rest of the league has TVs too and saw just how bad Lazard was. Look for the Jets to add someone to push Lazard for the number two spot in the coming weeks. Xavier Gipson played well as an undrafted rookie last season and eventually took over as the starting slot receiver. It will be interesting to see if the Jets are comfortable with him there or if they add more competition for him as well.
Tight End (4)
Presumed starter(s): Tyler Conklin
Backup(s): Jeremy Ruckert, Zack Kuntz, Kenny Yeboah
How we got here: The Jets have solid players at the tight end position with room for improvement if the opportunity presents itself. Conklin is a good security blanket and Ruckert showed growth from years one to two and the Jets will hope for even more in year three. The Jets like Yeboah enough to re-sign him this year.
Offensive Line (13)
Presumed starter(s): Tyron Smith* (LT), John Simpson* (LG), Joe Tippmann (C), Alijah Vera-Tucker (RG), Morgan Moses* (RT)
Backup(s): Wes Schweitzer, Xavier Newman, Max Mitchell, Carter Warren, Jake Hanson, Vitaliy Gurman, Chris Glaser, Obinna Eze, Austin Deculus
How we got here: The Jets had a lot of work to do on the offensive line and Joe Douglas retooled over half of the starters and he may not be done yet. The Jets gave John Simpson a two-year $18 million contract, traded for Morgan Moses and signed one of the best left tackles to ever play the position to an incentive-laden deal. When healthy, this could be a top 5-10 line in the game, but the depth will likely be tested before the season is over.
Defensive Line (11)
Presumed starter(s): Jonathan Franklin-Myers, Quinnen Williams, Javon Kinlaw*, Solomon Thomas
Backup(s): Micheal Clemons, Leki Fotu*, Will McDonald IV, Tanzel Smart, Marquiss Spencer, Manny Jones, Bruce Hector
How we got here: Robert Saleh’s defense is built around a true rotation of guys to keep his players fresh. All the defensive linemen who make the active roster see some playing time during the game, so it was important for Douglas to add some depth to the position. Fotu will replace the recently departed Al Woods as a run stuffer on the inside while Javon Kinlaw will likely see most of the work after signing a one-year deal to come over from the San Francisco 49ers. A lot of the pressure will be on last year’s first-round pick Will McDonald IV with Bryce Huff now in Philadelphia. McDonald will have to step up as a pass rusher with Huff gone and that’s what he was drafted to do.
Linebackers (7)
Presumed starter(s): Jermaine Johnson, C.J. Mosley, Quincy Williams
Backup(s): Zaire Barnes, Marcelino McCrary-Ball, Jamien Sherwood, Chazz Surratt
How we got here: The pleasantly surprising group from last year returns lead by middle linebacker C.J. Mosley who signed a two-year extension to give the Jets some cap relief and stay in New York. Quincy Williams had a breakout season as did Jermaine Johnson who will look to build on last year’s success.
Cornerback (6)
Presumed starter(s): Sauce Gardner, D.J. Reed, Michael Carter II (nickel)
Backup(s): Brandin Echols, Isaiah Oliver*, Tae Hayes
How we got here: The Jets boast one of the best group of corner backs in the lead, led by Sauce Gardner entering just his third season in the NFL. D.J. Reed was an under the radar signing who turned out to be a shut down corner in his own right. Michael Carter is one of the best slot corners in the game. The Jets added Isaiah Oliver from the 49ers for depth and special teams, but he would be good enough to challenge for a starting spot on a lot of other teams.
Safety (3)
Presumed starter(s): Chuck Clark, Tony Adams
Backup(s): Jarrick Bernard-Converse
How we got here: Saleh liked Chuck Clark enough to trade for him before last season, only to watch him get hurt in training camp and never suit up for the Jets. They re-signed him to finally get him on the field this year. The Jets will need to add to their safeties and it wouldn’t surprise me if they look to bring back Ashtyn Davis.
Specialists (3)
Presumed starter(s): Greg Zuerlein (K), Thomas Morstead (P), Thomas Hennessy (LS)
Backup(s): Austin Seibert
Returner: Xavier Gipson
How we got here: The Jets liked what they saw so much in both their punter and kicker last season that they made sure to re-sign both guys and give them nice pay raises. Both guys are older but do their respective jobs very well.
Where do things go from here?
Rostered players: 62
Spots available: 29
Look for the Jets to continue to add to their offensive line as we approach the draft. If last year showed them anything, it was you can’t have too much depth along the front line.
Zach Wilson remains on the team, but it is a matter of time before he is off the roster whether by trade, or simply released. The Jets have two older QB’s who have some injury history, so don’t be surprised if the Jets add to their QB room in the middle round of the draft.
The Jets obvious need at this point is a true number two wide receiver after Allen Lazard’s horrendous first season in New York. Maybe Rodgers will unlock Lazard’s true potential, but with a win-now mentality the Jets might not be able to wait around and see.
Because of the moves made along the offensive line, anything is in play at 10th pick in April’s draft.
Jets focusing attention to wide receiver now that they rebuilt the offensive line
The New York Jets have been busy in free agency and doing mostly what Joe Douglas vowed to do when he took over the job- address the interior. So far this off season, the Jets have acquired Javon Kinlaw and Leki Fotu in free agency and resigned Solomon Thomas on defense. On the offensive side […]
