Here we go again. Another round of pouring water on the raging fire that is the Jets rumored trade market.

First it was a trade for a wide receiver. DeAndre Hopkins, Davante Adams and even Stefon Diggs were all mentioned. Then it was a running back. Trade for Dalvin Cook, Austin Ekeler or Derrick Henry.

The Jets have been linked to just about every player at every position who might remotely be on the trade market. We get it Jets fans. You haven’t been a destination team in a long time. You are doing it wrong though.

Every player who is looking for a change of scenery, either by force like Dalvin Cook and DeAndre Hopkins, or by choice like Danielle Hunter is looking for different things. Some are looking to play with friends or for certain coaches. Some are looking for a payday. Some are looking for a shot at a ring.

The Jets are not in a position to give a player a big pay day. They have yet to extend their best defensive player since Darrelle Revis and you may not have heard that their QB budget just skyrocketed.

Especially not one that that is on the tail end of their career. That’s why things never came together with Odell Beckham Jr. That why the Jets never really entertained trading for DeAndre Hopkins and that is why they are not going to sign him now that he is a free agent.

For those screaming that they would be unstoppable with him on the team, remind me of how many playoff games he has helped win over the course of his career. He is 2-4 in the playoffs with game over 100 yards and one touchdown. Doesn’t sound like a much of an “unstoppable force” does it?

The fact is the Jets have enough weapons on the offense and a legit number one guy in Garrett Wilson that spending big money on a player who is past his prime doesn’t make sense. Don’t get it wrong, if Hopkins wanted a low money deal to try and prove he still has it, or to play with Rodgers, then they should jump at the chance.

But by all accounts, that isn’t want he wants. He wants one more bite of the apple in his 31-year-old season. So, move on.

Dalvin Cook made noise on social media this week by following Woody Johnson and then mentioning the Jet during an interview. "You know, a lot of people got me pegged going back home (to Miami). A lot of people got me going to the Jets," Cook said during an appearance on SiriusXM NFL Radio. "It's all over the place right now, but what's gonna be important for me is just going to that right situation and helping somebody turn the page.”

Again, we take a look at the money. Reports are that Cook wants around $10 million plus. It’s fair value for a player of his talent, but it doesn’t fit what the Jets have or need. The Jets have a star in the making returning from injury, a nice change of pace back, a rookie with high expectations and bruiser all of whom are on rookie salaries. It’s not Douglas’ way to pay for a running back. So, move on.

How about Danielle Hunter. Gary Davenport of Bleacher Report proposed the Jets as a trade partner with the Minnesota Vikings for the standout edge rusher. Davenport proposed the Vikings receive: 2024 Round 3 Pick, 2024 Round 4 Pick, 2025 Round 5 Pick in exchange for Hunter.

This one is simple. WHY? Is he a good player? Yes, very good. Is he expensive? Yes, very expensive. Is he a position of need for the Jets? NO! The Jets are loaded at the edge position so much so that they are trying to move two of their edge guys inside. So, move on.

If the Jets are going to kick the tires on a big splash trade this offseason (or at least, another big splash trade) then why not do it for something they actually need? Is an offensive tackle available? How about a difference making linebacker? Even a true number two defensive tackle to Quinnen Williams.

If they can’t fill a position of need, then they better swing for the fences on a position of want and get a guy who can be a true difference maker. Imagine a world where they went and got Davante Adams. Now that is a splash trade. Realistically, they don’t have the ammo to pull something like that off.

Face it Jets fans, this is basically your team for the 2023 season. At least this time it is a good one.

Featured Image via Chris Pedota, NorthJersey.com / USA TODAY NETWORK