Photo Credit: Eric Seals / USA TODAY NETWORK
The New York Jets pushed all of their chips into the center of the table last offseason, adding multiple veteran stars in hopes of making a Super Bowl run. The bet failed dramatically, and now the Jets are in one of the worst positions in the league. With limited financial flexibility, every move that New York makes will need to be calculated if they are to avoid a long rebuild. This New York Jets offseason checklist details the necessary steps to bring this team back into contention as soon as possible.
New York Jets Offseason Checklist
Cut Aging Veterans
The Jets have already made it clear that they plan to move on from Aaron Rodgers this offseason. However, plenty of aging veterans still remain on the roster. Players like Davante Adams and C.J. Mosely have been certified stars in the NFL for years, but they no longer fit the timeline of this team. In the eyes of Jets fans, Mosely would certainly be more difficult to move on from than Adams would, given his history with the team. If New York is to accelerate this rebuild, though, difficult decisions will need to be made. If the Jets cut both players, they could free up almost $34 million in cap space.
Sign an Offensive Tackle in Free Agency
Rookie tackle Olu Fashanu was one of the few bright spots for the Jets in 2024. However, with Morgan Moses and Tyron Smith both gone, the Jets are in need of at least one new offensive tackle to play opposite Fashanu. Luckily, this free agent class offers a few solid options at the position. Truly elite offensive tackles almost never hit the open market. However, veterans like Ronnie Stanley, Alaric Jackson, and Cam Robinson could be highly impactful additions for the Jets.
Draft the Best Player Available in the First Round
Perhaps the biggest mistake that any team can make in the offseason is failing to recognize the current state of their roster. The Jets, as currently constructed, are nowhere near Super Bowl contention. They are more than a quarterback away from being competitive again. With the seventh pick in this year’s draft, New York may be tempted to take a swing at finding their next franchise quarterback. Instead, they should draft the best prospect on their board. If this team continues to add young stars, they could return to contention within a few seasons.
For more from Michael Haney, check out The Football Ranker
