High Mark for the Jets on CBS Sports' AFC East Free Agency Report Card

Tyler Sullivan awarded Gang Green with the top offseason grade in the division

The National Football League’s free-agent signing period is a mere two weeks old, but CBS Sports writer Tyler Sullivan has liked what he’s seen thus far from Gang Green.

Running down the AFC East transactions and grading each team, Sullivan gave the New York Jets the division’s best mark in his March 29 article.

Naturally focusing upon the presumed acquisition of starting quarterback Aaron Rodgers, Sullivan awarded the Jets an “A” grade. The scribe also pointed to the team’s improved receivers’ room following the signings of Allen Lazard and Mecole Hardman.

New York Jets: A

“The offense -- specifically the quarterback position -- was what kept New York back from being in the playoffs a year ago. With Rodgers now in the fold, the narrative around this team is flipped overnight and could even have them rivaling Buffalo for the division crown.” - Tyler Sullivan (Read more)

Nathaniel Hackett and Aaron Rodgers in Green Bay
QB Aaron Rodgers and OC Nathaniel Hackett :: Mark Hoffman / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

The report card listed the Miami Dolphins with the next-best grade of the quartet. After adding Pro Bowl cornerback Jalen Ramsey and veteran linebacker David Long to their defense, the Fins earned a “B+.”

The reigning three-time division champion Buffalo Bills received a “B” followed by the New England Patriots with a “B-.”

The Jets have certainly made their share of national headlines thus far during the 2023 NFL Offseason. First, the front office tabbed former Denver Broncos’ head coach Nathaniel Hackett as the team’s new offensive coordinator. Then, the possibility of trading for Rodgers emerged and it all took off from there.

Gang Green is reportedly in a bit of a stand-off with the Green Bay Packers over trade compensation for the 39-year old quarterback, but a deal is expected to eventually happen.

In the meantime, Jets’ brass has added two accomplished receivers along with versatile lineman Wes Schweitzer to the offense. New York also signed punter Thomas Morstead away from the Dolphins and picked up a second second-round draft pick by trading receiver Elijah Moore to the Cleveland Browns.

On the defensive side, the Jets retained linebacker Quincy Williams and lineman Solomon Thomas, who were both set to become unrestricted free agents.

In addition to completing the trade for Rodgers, the Jets will likely look to fill holes at center and on the defensive line moving forward.

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Ralph Ventre
RALPH VENTRE

Ralph, a former college football conference administrator, brings 20 years of media experience to the New York Jets beat. Prior to concentrating on Gang Green, he covered the NCAA Football Championship Subdivision for NFL Draft Bible on FanNation. Ventre remains as an official voter for the Stats Perform FCS Top 25 and the annual legacy awards. The Fordham University graduate is a member of the Pro Football Writers of America. The veteran sports media professional resides in his native state of New Jersey.