A LOT MORE TO UNPACK
Even if Jets wrap up deal for Rodgers, they still have many free-agent needs
The Jets are on the cusp of adding quarterback Aaron Rodgers in a trade with the Packers, a move that, to many, would solidify the team’s status as a serious contender in the conference.
But even if Gang Green acquires Rodgers, much work remains to be done.
A week after the negotiating period, the Jets continue to have a few needs to address on both sides of the ball. According to Over The Cap, the Jets have $11.2 million of salary cap space. However, the team can gain more cap space with a few moves.
If the Jets release wide receiver Corey Davis, they will gain $10.5 million of savings. Davis could be released or traded after the Jets signed ex-Packers receiver Allen Lazard to a four-year, $44 million contract last week.
Gang Green could also add an extra $15.4 million if it released defensive end Carl Lawson, who will be in the final year of a three-year, $45 million contract.
The Jets haven’t made many moves since the free agency period began outside of Lazard and trading for safety Chuck Clark. Because of the possible Rodgers trade, the Jets will undoubtedly be giving up at least one draft pick, if not more. So, the Jets will need free agency to fill a few of their needs because they could have limited picks in April’s draft.
Here are the needs the other Jets need to address in free agency:
CENTER
The Jets do not have a starting center on their roster. Last year’s start Connor McGovern is a free agent as it appears the Jets are ready to go in a different direction. Pro Football Focus gave him posting a 69.6 grade after allowing five sacks.
Gang Green’s offensive line struggled with consistency last season after having 11 different starting lineups and allowed 42 sacks, the 14th most in the league last year. The Jets attempted to sign Jake Brendel, but he signed a four-year contract extension with the 49ers.
Many top centers have already been signed, including Bradley Bozeman and Jason Kelce. But there are veterans the Jets could target.
One of them is former Titans center Ben Jones, who was released earlier this month after seven seasons in Tennessee with a failed physical designation. Jones was instrumental in helping Titans run back Derrick Henry rush for 6,042 yards and 56 touchdowns from 2019-22.
A couple of reasons Jones could join the Jets are he recognizes a few familiar faces. Tennessee’s former offensive line coach Keith Carter is now the Jets offensive line coach/run game coordinator.
Also, the Jets hired former Titans former offensive coordinator Todd Downing. Both Carter and Downing were fired in January after the Titans finished 7-10.
If the Jets do not sign Jones, the team could look toward the draft to find their next starting center.
The Jets have Quinnen Williams, who had a breakout 2022 season after he registered 55 tackles and 12 sacks. But the team needs a starter alongside him and more depth at the position, as Solomon Thomas is the only other experienced defensive tackle on the roster.
Sheldon Rankins, who was a leader of a Jets defense that finished fourth in the league in points allowed and yards per game, signed a one-year and $10.5 million deal with the Texans.
Also, backup defensive tackle Nathan Shephard signed a three-year, $15 million contract with the Saints.
Michael Brockers and Derrick Nnadi are two players the Jets could potentially target on the open market.
RUNNING BACK
Yes, I know this might sound crazy, but the Jets need a running back this offseason. Breece Hall tore his ACL last October and while he is expected to make a full return, who knows how long it will take for him to return to his rookie season form.
Michael Carter and Zonovan “Bam” Knight are on the roster, but the Jets offense and rushing attack suffered without Hall as they ran over 100 total yards in just three of their final nine games.
There are a few veteran running backs who could help the Jets at a low price.
Kareem Hunt might be the best of the available options as he was Nick Chubb’s backup in Cleveland for the last four seasons. Ezekiel Elliott and Leonard Fournette are also free agents, but their best days are behind them.
Whomever the Jets target, it should be relatively cheap. During the early stages of free agency, teams have been reluctant to pay veteran running backs a lot of money. Gang Green could also look at the draft to select a running back in the third or fourth round.
BOTH OFFENSIVE TACKLE SPOTS
Duane Brown will return for his second season with the Jets. But he will be 38 in August and the Jets need to find a long-term solution at left tackle. Also, Brown dealt with a shoulder injury he eventually had offseason surgery.
Former first-round pick Mekhi Becton appears to be in great shape, but he has played one game in two seasons. Donovan Smith and Taylor Lewan are possible options for the Jets. With Carter on the Jets coaching staff, Lewan is the likest option.
Even if Brown does return, the Jets could use added security at right tackle as well, as George Fant is a free agent and a blood-clotting condition prematurely ended Max Mitchell’s season.
“You’d love to add as many players as possible,” Jets coach Robert Saleh said about the tackle position.
“You guys know how Joe [Douglas] and I feel with regards to our offensive and defensive lines, I joke about it, but to every joke, there’s a little bit of truth and Joe will have 52 offensive linemen on the roster, one quarterback if he could.”