Having a QB changes a lot about a franchise, even off the field. Aaron Rodgers joining the New York Jets has certainly changed the way the Jets franchised is viewed on a national level. 

We have already seen the evidence from the league when the Jets were given 5 prime time games this season after having only one each of the last 2 seasons. The Jets are not only the NFL’s flavor of the year, but they have also become NFL media darlings. It’s been a long time, and Jets fans should enjoy it.

With the notoriety comes a lot of talking heads discussing the team and with a lot of talking heads filling the airwaves comes a lot of speculation. Right now, it seems that the Jets are on the top of everyone’s list of destinations for trades or free agents. And why not? This team has an obvious championship window (say that out loud jet fans. Doesn’t it feel good?).

Here are just some of the speculated players to land with gang green for the upcoming season and how much credence should be paid to each one:

Five Potential Jets Targets and Their Chances of Joining the Team

LT David Bakhtiari

The lynch pin for this Jets team could be at the offensive tackle spot. Duane Brown is going to be 38 years old at the start of the season and was only okay last year.

Mekhi Becton is spending his off season slimming down and posting thirst trap bathroom selfies. Will a lighter version of Becton be able to stay on the field? If he does, will he be as effective as he was in the 16 games, we have seen him play? Max Mitchell was a pleasant surprise last year when he was thrown into the lineup and Billy Turner is a decent swing tackle.

The Jets probably had plans to address the OT position in the draft, but Belichick did what he does best and screwed the Jets out of Georgia OT Broderick Jones. So this is what they got.

Bakhtiari is a top player at his position when healthy (something he hasn’t been fully since 2019). His skill along with his familiarity with both Rodgers and OC Nathaniel Hackett make him a very intriguing addition to the 2023 Jets.

Bottom Line – While the Jets should certainly explore adding Bakhtiari, the likelihood of this happening is slim (Not Mekhi Becton in a gym locker room picture slim, but pretty slim). If this deal was going to get done, it would have been done along with the Rodgers trade. There’s not much more they can give up to get a player of his caliber. The Packers also must think about protecting their young QB and won’t want to just get rid of a player like Bakhtiari.

RB Austin Ekeler

Ekeler is a touchdown machine and a do-it-all back who is looking for a new contract in order to stay with the Chargers. He was granted permission to seek a trade but so far no team has bitten. He is a guy who is consummate professional and has never lost the chip on his shoulder from being undrafted.

The Jets have Breece Hall who is coming back from a torn ACL in October, which typically takes about 18 months to recover fully. Reports are that he is ahead of schedule, but it would be shocking to see him return to his full potential this year.

Michael Carter has proven he is a very good change of pace back, but really isn’t built to handle a full workload.

The Jets are high on their 5^th round pick from this year’s draft out of Pitt, Israel Abanikanda. He is a speedster who can score from anywhere on the field. They also have Zonovan Knight who looked good in limited action last year.

Bottom Line – As much fun as it would be to see Ekeler in a Jets uniform, it would cost them a lot of money and draft capital to get him. This is one that is nice to dream about but ultimately doesn’t make sense. The Jets invested a lot of draft capital in the running back position already and value their young legs as opposed to an established star.

LB Anthony Barr

Ah, the one that got away. Back in 2019 the Jets thought they had Barr signed during the legal tampering period, but the next day he spurned the Jets and went back to the Vikings on a 5-year deal.

“It was mostly when I hung up the phone after saying, ‘Yeah I can do New York, My stomach dropped, I kind of get some cold sweats. … It was like you’re about to go down the altar and marry the wrong woman. I think I’m making a bad choice. I did what I felt was right for myself.” – Anthony Barr on NFL Network

The Jets have C.J. Mosley at middle Linebacker of their 4-3 defense and Quincy Williams at SAM. The WILL is the question mark. Jamien Sherwood is penciled in to start and sixth-round rookie Zaire Barnes backing him up.

Bottom Line – The Jets don’t seem to value the position in Robert Saleh’s defense enough to invest serious money or resources in upgrading the will linebacker. Barr is a significant upgrade for them but it’s much more likely they try to bring back Kwon Alexander if they make a move at all.

TE Marcedes Lewis

We covered this previously at length as to why the Jets do not need to bring in another player just because he played with Rodgers previously.

Bottom Line – The Jets are pretty set at the tight end position with both veterans, and young talent. Bringing in a tight end to take snaps away from them would be nothing but pandering to Rodgers. After all, he wanted to come to the Jets because of their make up right? Not just because they were willing to bail all his friends out of Green Bay. On the other hand…

WR Davante Adams

Rodgers’ favorite weapon and arguably the best receiver in the NFL would look really good in Jets green, wouldn’t he? Adams is 30 years old and is on a team that will be fighting to finish 3^rd in their division.

Adams is a machine. You can put it in ink every year have over 1,300 yards, 100 receptions and double-digit touchdowns.

Adams will be on his 3^rd QB in as many seasons, but he seems to be one of those rare receivers that is QB proof. That being said, he would love to play with Rodgers again.

The Jets are loaded at the receiver position, and it all starts with the offensive rookie of the year, Garrett Wilson. Along with Allen Lazard, Corey Davis, Mecole Hardman, Randall Cobb, Denzel Mims and a few high upside undrafted free agents, the need for Adams isn’t there. HOWEVER…

Adams is an absolute difference maker. Imagine an opposing defensive coordinator trying to match up one on one with Wilson and Adams with a solid run game and a first ballot hall of famer at the helm.

Bottom Line – This one is fun to dream about. Joe Douglas will obviously make a call to the Raiders, but the price tag will simply be too high. If the Raiders get desperate next offseason, the Jets could pounce then, but Adams in a Jet uniform in 2023 is likely nothing more than a fantasy.

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While the idea of adding some big household names is intriguing for the Jets, it may not be a reality without some enduring some major cost. After giving up some prime assets already in their first-round pick in 2024 and Elijah Moore, their just might not be enough in the tank left to sign anyone more than a role player for 2023.