As the offseason unfolds, the New York Jets find themselves at a critical juncture, with the departure of marquee players marking a significant shift in their roster. Aaron Rodgers has already taken the first step out the door, and it’s looking like receivers Allen Lazard and Davante Adams will soon follow suit. This leaves Garrett Wilson as the primary target in the passing game, with Tyler Conklin also in the mix as a secondary option.
So, what lies ahead for the Jets as they aim to rebuild their receiving corps? The landscape of available talent is less than enticing, to say the least. ESPN’s Rich Cimini points out that the free-agent market is rather bleak. While Tee Higgins from the Bengals might draw attention, he could be a financial stretch for the Jets. The consensus second-tier option appears to be Tim Patrick, formerly of the Lions. There’s also a promising draft target in Tetairoa McMillan from Arizona, a towering 6-foot-5 receiver showcasing impressive production.
Beyond those names, it gets a bit murky. Xavier Gipson and Malachi Corley may not have made a significant impact last season, and while there are other free-agent possibilities like Darius Slayton, Marquise Brown, Tyler Boyd, and Robert Woods, these players hardly qualify as game-changers.
As the Jets hold the No. 7 pick in the upcoming draft, there’s a strong case for adding a receiver. However, they also have the option to look at a quarterback with that pick, leading to a pivotal decision. This offseason isn’t about quick fixes anymore; the Jets are facing a rebuilding phase that could hinge heavily on Garrett Wilson’s development—potentially the lone bright spot in an otherwise transformed offense heading toward 2025.
