The New York Jets will be effectively “running it back” in 2024 after the first season of their Aaron Rodgers experiment couldn’t have possibly gone any worse. Literally.
With Rodgers coming back from his nightmare Achilles injury, the Jets front office knows they need to tweak a few things to be able to have a shot at accomplishing their lofty goals.
Joe Douglas//Highlights 2024 Offseason// Jets Super Bowl push 2025‼️‼️🚨🚨🔥🔥🔥🟢⚪️🟢⚪️ pic.twitter.com/e2WBmnNsXk
— Matt (@m_kistlerr) March 12, 2024
Perhaps the biggest area-of-need for Gang Green is along their offensive line. Anchored by the signing of tackle Tyron Smith, the unit already figures to be in much better shape in 2024.
Tyron Smith & John Simpson both gave up just one sack each last season
OH YEA, the left side of our OL is looking STRONG 💪🏾💪🏾#Jets pic.twitter.com/NUuumNRext
— Harrison Glaser (@NYJetsTFMedia) March 16, 2024
Another area of need is with skill position players, mainly wide receivers.
For better or worse, general manager Joe Douglas wants to do everything in his power to make Rodgers happy.
Of course, providing him with as many weapons as possible is a good tactic to take.
If #Jets can get a deal done with free agent WR Mike Williams, and he's healthy off the Week 3 ACL tear, think they're cooking with gas:
* Massive QB upgrade in Aaron Rodgers
* Offensive line overhaul: Added LT Tyron Smith + LG John Simpson in free agency, traded for RT Morgan…— Adam Levitan (@adamlevitan) March 18, 2024
Two of the top wide receivers who figure to be available on the trade market are Tee Higgins of the Cincinnati Bengals and Brandon Aiyuk of the San Francisco 49ers.
According to ESPN’s Rich Cimini, the Jets have their eyes set on both of them.
REPORT: The #Jets are still exploring the trade market at wide receiver, per @RichCimini
They were in the running for Keenan Allen but weren’t able to get it done. They are running out of options. Tee Higgins and Brandon Aiyuk are two guys that could be available but it’s not… pic.twitter.com/zUcgqfbugJ
— JPAFootball (@jasrifootball) March 17, 2024
The current depth chart behind standout receiver Garrett Wilson highlights the urgency for reinforcements.
Higgins’ well-known discontent in Cincinnati has caught the attention of Douglas and the Jets front office.
Despite the Bengals exercising the franchise tag on him, Higgins has expressed frustration over the lack-of-progress of a long-term extension.
He has requested a trade from Cincinnati and figures to be excited about the thought of playing with Rodgers.
After all, you can do a whole lot worse than going from Joe Burrow to Aaron Rodgers.
Joe Douglas and the #Jets are “still exploring the trade market” at WR, @RichCimini was told
Tee Higgins and Brandon Aiyuk are two big names, though there’s no evidence to suggest either is available
names that’d make sense to me: Courtland Sutton, Brandin Cooks, Darius Slayton
— Jack (@jackstollow) March 17, 2024
Similarly, Aiyuk is said to be unhappy with his current situation in San Francisco.
Immediately following the 49ers Super Bowl loss to the Chiefs, Aiyuk made his frustrations known through his family and friends.
There are only 3 guys who elevate our O roster the way we need it to. Everyone else has a story attached and an if, and or but. Higgins, Adams or Aiyuk. All three take trade and $. In other words, they are anti-JD pick ups.
Bring me Aiyuk!!!!
— Jet Optimist- Mark (@drmtesta) March 15, 2024
What do you think about the Jets reported interest in Higgins and Aiyuk?
All things being equal, who would you rather have?
When it’s all said and done, will either one of them be traded???
BREAKING:
My New York sources are telling me it’s ‘very likely’ Mike Williams is going to sign with the Jets on an extended deal.
I’m told the Panthers are the underdog in this competitive scenario.
That would give Aaron Rodgers quite a trio of weapons in G Wilson, Hall, MW pic.twitter.com/rnyRMwUdN2
— John Frascella (Football) (@LegendSports7) March 16, 2024