Jets' Glaring Offseason Needs on Offense
Finishing with a Top 4 NFL defense for the second year in a row, the New York Jets' most-glaring offseason needs are on the offensive side of the ball.
New York has a deep secondary that was able to withstand a couple of injuries to go along with two reliable, highly-productive linebackers. Defensive tackle Quinnen Williams anchors a line that features a bevy of capable edge rushers.
When it comes to the offense, however, the Jets lack weapons and protection around 40-year-old quarterback Aaron Rodgers. In particular, both offensive tackle spots need to be addressed as well as the absence of difference-making skill players behind WR1 Garrett Wilson and RB1 Breece Hall.
Left tackle Duane Brown is a free agent and it appears as if Father Time has finally caught up to the 38-year-old, who was limited to only two starts due to nagging injuries. Former first-round draft pick Mekhi Becton held up over the course of an 18-week schedule, silencing durability concerns, but the Jets declined to exercise his fifth-year option last spring. Although available, Becton's performance seemed to fall off during the season's second half, and he led the team by committing 16 penalties.
Right tackle Alijah Vera-Tucker, who is probably better suited at guard, will be coming off an Achilles tear next year. Fourth-round rookie Carter Warren got his feet wet in 2023 but it's still unclear if he'll provide a long-term answer.
Despite being forced to work with four different starting quarterbacks for the second year in a row, Wilson accounted for another 1,000-yard receiving campaign. Outside of the WR1 spot, however, running back Breece Hall and tight end Tyler Conklin were the Jets' most-productive pass-catchers.
Allen Lazard, who was a healthy scratch on three different occasions, did not live up to the free-agent deal he signed last March. Presumably taking on WR2 responsibilities, Lazard finished fourth on the team with 23 receptions. He caught fewer than 50 percent of his 49 targets. Randall Cobb, another free-agent addition, offered little in the passing game this year. Targeted only 17 times, the 33-year-old made five receptions for 39 yards.
The team's third-leading wide receiver, behind Wilson and Lazard, was undrafted rookie Xavier Gipson, who secured 21 of 39 targets for 229 yards. By comparison, the AFC East division champion Bills' third-leading wide receiver Khalil Shakir went for 39 catches for 611 yards.
Needing upgrades in two key spots, the Jets may have the opportunity to fill a major void by using the No. 10 overall draft choice on a dynamic wide receiver or a franchise offensive tackle.
Should they be fortunate enough to secure another Garrett Wilson in Round 1, the team will still need to add through free agency, even if the options aren't overly appetizing. New York needs to upgrade its offense around Aaron Rodgers if it hopes to catch up to division rivals like Buffalo and Miami.
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