Bilal Powell Breaks Down Jets' Biggest Free Agency Needs
The New York Jets had a lot of promise before the 2023 season began. That promise was immediately downgraded in the first game of the season, as QB Aaron Rodgers suffered a season-ending Achilles injury.
Instead of securing a viable backup QB for Rodgers, the Jets experimented with Zach Wilson as their starter again, along with Trevor Siemian. Wilson failed to impress, but it wasn't just the QB position that failed to live up to expectations. Former Jets running back Bilal Powell breaks down which positions group the team will need to immediately address in free agency on In Flight Snack.
"Well, we heard it from Woody Johnson's mouth. They didn't have a backup quarterback. And I think that was one of the biggest things that hurt this season is not having a backup quarterback. I have to disagree that the season was over in four plays. It wasn't. They still had time to go out and get a backup quarterback to help this team win."
via Bilal Powell, In Flight Snack
Powell pushes back on co-host Rami Lavi saying the Jets season ended when Rodgers got hurt, but he does agree that a backup QB is needed. Wilson is not a great backup and certainly not a starter.
Siemian is also not a viable backup who could step in and make an immediate impact, should Rodgers go down again. The Jets will need to pick up a proven veteran on the free agent market, and someone like Ryan Tannehill or Mason Rudolph could be good for the team.
Powell also indicates that the WR room needs an immediate upgrade as well.
"They absolutely have to go get a number two receiver to help out Garrett Wilson. Put a veteran on the other side, someone we'll talk about later. But go get a veteran receiver to help out. Garrett Wilson, maybe a guy that's solidified at running routes and use Garrett Wilson more in the deep threat."
via Bilal Powell, In Flight Snack
The Jets do have a wide receiver room that has failed to do anything that impressive. Wilson is a huge deep threat, but only if he has help via a good route runner. Someone like Tyler Boyd or Keenan Allen could be huge.
James Brizuela has been a professional writer since 2019. After covering entertainment and the NFL for Sportskeeda, he now works as an Assignment Desk Editor for the LA Sports Report Network which has partnered with the Sports Illustrated FanNation Network, focusing on his expertise in LA sports at the college and professional level.