3 Things the Jets Must Do in FA to Prevent 2023 From Repeating

Coming off a very disappointing season that was destined for failure when Aaron Rodgers tore his Achilles on the first drive of the season, owner Woody Johnson wasn’t happy with how the team responded. The same issues from the last decade or so of Jets football occurred: Brutal injuries, ineffectiveness, a QB carousel that continues to get bigger year after year, and a terrible offense. The defense and special teams carried this team to 7 wins throughout the year, even when the offense couldn’t stay on the field for longer than 3 minutes (this happened WAY too often). To prevent the 2023 season from happening again, Joe Douglas and the Jets need to do these 3 things in FA: 

1. Bolster the O-line and let Becton go 

The offensive line last year was a massive disaster. There were way too many injuries, ineffectiveness, and the effort was very questionable at times. A big part of the struggles was from Mekhi Becton. Yes, he could’ve been playing through an injury, and his struggles may have been because of that. However, it’s time to move on from him. He has been a massive bust since the Jets drafted him 11th in the 2020 draft, as he hasn’t been able to stay healthy or play well. The Jets have their center with Joe Tippmann and Vera-Tucker as another lineman. Good news for the team is that there are many good linemen in FA. Tyron Smith, Michael Onwenu, Connor Williams, Jonah Jackson, and Kevin Zeitler could all be targets for the Jets to help bolster their line.

2. Sign a solid WR 

The Jets’ performances from their WRs last season was downright dreadful. Garrett Wilson was the only WR that opposing defenses were afraid of, which would severely hinder their offense if he got shut down in a game. Wilson had a phenomenal season, as he caught over 1,000 yards 

again on 95 catches and recorded 3 TDs. If the Jets want to have more success on offense, they’re going to need another WR that the defense has to keep an eye on. Calvin Ridley (76-1016-8), Odell Beckham Jr. (35-565-3), Marquise Brown (51-574-4), and Tyler Boyd (67-667-2) would all vastly improve the Jets’ WR core. Rodgers would also heavily support any of these moves, as it would give him another weapon alongside Tyler Conklin, Breece Hall, and Garrett Wilson. Of course, if the Jets can convince the Raiders to trade Davante Adams (highly unlikely), that would be a pleasant surprise as well. 

3. Let Bryce Huff go, resign Zuerlein and Morestead

   Many Jets fans want Bryce Huff to come back, as he looked like a beast last season. He recorded 29 tackles, 10 sacks, 10 TFL, and 21 QB hits to dominate for the Jets. He made headlines nearly every week for a big sack or a big tackle. However, it would be better off for the Jets to let him go. They don’t need Huff as much as they need a big WR or reinforcements on the O-line. Resigning Huff would be a luxury for the team, but at what cost? They have Franklin Myers, Jermaine Johnson, and Will McDonald as defensive ends for a reason. The team will have success with or without Huff, but they won’t have success with a mediocre O-line and a mediocre WR corps. In addition, re-signing Morestead and Zuerlein is key for the Jets’ special teams. Zuerlein has been incredible for the Jets the past 2 seasons as their kicker, making nearly 87% of his FG and only missing 2 XP attempts. Meanwhile, Morestead was a valuable punter, as he had a NFL-leading 99 punts for 4,831 gross yards and helped the Jets’ defense out in nearly every game. Also, watching him run down the field after every punt was a joy to watch in another disappointing season. Resigning both of these guys would be a huge help to the Jets defense and special teams. Make it happen, Joe!