The hard work of building the Jets’ roster has been completed.
Jets GM Joe Douglas and the Jets targeted certain areas of the team this offseason, particularly the offensive line and wide receivers, in an effort to end the team’s 13-year playoff drought.
Now that free agency and the NFL Draft are in the rearview mirror, focus is turning to the Jets’ 2024 roster.
Adjustments will need to be made between now and September, but most of the players who will be joining the team this season are already in place.
Let’s take a look at what the Jets improved this offseason and what they can still add.
quarterback
The position was thrown into turmoil in 2023 when Aaron Rodgers tore his left Achilles tendon in Week 1. They started three other starters, Zach Wilson, Tim Boyle, and Trevor Siemian, but the offense was terrible. The return of a healthy Rodgers will be the biggest addition in 2024, but the Jets also added a veteran backup in Tyrod Taylor, who was missing last year. Jordan Travis is a fifth-round pick that the Jets hope to develop.
run back
If there was a surprise in the draft, it would be that the Jets selected two running backs. They drafted Braylon Allen in the fourth round and Isaiah Davis in the fifth round. Those two, along with Israel Abanikananda, will compete in training camp as Breece Hall’s primary backups.
wide receiver
The Jets signed Mike Williams to a one-year contract in March and drafted Malachi Coley, who will play alongside Garrett Wilson, in the third round. Some may argue that the Jets still need to strengthen at this position, but I think the Jets will round out their receiving corps with Allen Lazard, Xavier Gipson, and Jason Brownlee. There are questions here about Williams’ return from his ACL injury and how quickly Coley can make an impact. Rodgers will help everyone play better.
tight end
At this position, CJ Uzomah was cut and there was only a points deduction. There was a lot of talk before the draft about taking tight ends, but the Jets have a good feeling about Tyler Conklin, Jeremy Ruckert and Zach Kuntz.
offensive line
The Jets added three new starters, tackles Tyron Smith and Morgan Moses, and guard John Simpson. They also drafted Olu Fashanu in the first round. This position should be significantly improved. They could still use someone to back up center Joe Tippman. Connor McGovern remains a free agent and would make sense as a depth signing.
corner
It will be interesting to see what this group looks like without Bryce Huff and John Franklin Myers. Haason Reddick is a big addition, and Will McDonald should get more minutes in his second season.
inside defense line
I think this is a sneaky position that the Jets have worsened this season. Losing Quinton Jefferson is bigger than you think. Franklin Myers could also be moved inside. Javon Kinlaw and Leki Fotu are big additions, but I think the Jets could use more depth here. It’s no surprise that Lawrence Guy and Linval Joseph are free agents.
linebacker
The Jets are solid here with starters CJ Mosley and Quincy Williams. Jamian Sherwood and Chaz Surratt are backups who can play special teams.
cornerback
Once again, the Jets have a great group of starters in Sauce Gardner, DJ Reed, and Michael Carter II, but there are some questions behind them. Fifth-round pick Quantez Stigers is an interesting player with a CFL background. Isaiah Oliver should be Carter’s primary backup at nickelback.
safety
If you’re looking for a weak spot in your defense, this is it. Chuck Clark is returning from a torn anterior cruciate ligament that sidelined him all season last year. Tony Adams is in his second year as a starter after a rocky first year. Ashtyn Davis is the third safety. There are some interesting players at this position who are still available, but perhaps because they are asking for too much money, they are still available. Justin Simmons, Eddie Jackson, Micah Hyde, and Quandre Diggs are all seasoned players who are still free agents. The Jets probably won’t add anyone unless the price drops.
