Expectations are again high in New York after championship hopes were shattered last year in the opener. If you like the analysis here, consider signing up for our free newsletter to get can’t-miss NFL news and insights straight to your inbox every week.
- 2023 finish: 7-10 (third in AFC East); missed playoffs
- Over/under: 9.5 wins
Notable additions
QB Tyrod Taylor, WR Mike Williams, TE Anthony Firkser, OT Tyron Smith, OT Morgan Moses, G John Simpson, DE Haason Reddick, DT Javon Kinlaw, DT Leki Fotu, CB Kendall Sheffield, DB Isaiah Oliver
Notable losses
QB Zach Wilson, QB Trevor Siemian, WR Randall Cobb, TE C.J. Uzomah, OT Mekhi Becton, OT Duane Brown, OL Billy Turner, C Connor McGovern, DE Bryce Huff, DE Carl Lawson, DT Quinton Jefferson, DT Al Woods, CB Justin Hardee Sr., CB Bryce Hall, S Jordan Whitehead
2024 draft class
OT Olumuyiwa Fashanu (1.11), WR Malachi Corley (3.65), RB Braelon Allen (4.134), QB Jordan Travis (5.171), RB Isaiah Davis (5.173), CB Qwuan’tez Swtiggers (5.176), S Jaylen Key (7.257)
Projected starters
QB: Aaron Rodgers
RB: Breece Hall
WR: Garrett Wilson
WR: Mike Williams
WR: Malachi Corley
TE: Tyler Conklin
LT: Tyron Smith
LG: John Simpson
C: Joe Tippmann
RG: Alijah Vera-Tucker
RT: Morgan Moses
DE: Haason Reddick
DT: Quinnen Williams
DT: Javon Kinlaw
DE: Jermaine Johnson
LB: C.J. Mosley
LB: Quincy Williams
CB: Sauce Gardner
FS: Tony Adams
SS: Chuck Clark
SCB: Michael Carter II
CB: D.J. Reed
2024 outlook
Some of the moves by the Jets in recent years have been questionable in my opinion, but I loved what they did this offseason for the most part—particularly on offense by adding Mike Williams, Tyron Smith, John Simpson, and Morgan Moses to significantly boost the supporting cast for Aaron Rodgers. As stated by Hall of Fame quarterback Troy Aikman last year during a broadcast, New York probably wouldn’t have fared much better with Rodgers healthy in 2023 considering the roster around him, but general manager Joe Douglas taking a riskier approach with veteran additions completely changes their outlook for this season.
The Jets also have much better depth up front compared to a season ago, as No. 11 overall pick Olumuyiwa Fashanu—who we had as the top offensive tackle in the class—won’t even see the field if things go according to plan, which is reason Georgia tight end Brock Bowers was thought to be a target for New York. Ideally, the team will be able to play through Breece Hall, Garrett Wilson, and a healthy Mike Williams, though, and Rodgers should provide a confidence boost for the entire offense.
In general, staying poised is key for a team that—as Rodgers recently brought up with the media—will have ups and downs, which has already begun to start camp with top pass rusher Haason Reddick yet to report. I assume he will be on the field by Week 1 because there is too much money at stake, but he does have leverage, and a defense reliant on generating pressure wants to have a full stable of rushers to keep everyone fresh.
Position battle to watch: No. 3 wide receiver
Third-round rookie Malachi Corley is the favorite to have the biggest role behind Garrett Wilson and Mike Williams, but Allen Lazard—who was a major disappointment in his first year with the Jets—has chemistry with Aaron Rodgers, and Xavier Gipson flashed as a rookie. The damage Corley can do on designed touches should give him the edge and provide an element that many were expecting that Jets to have if they would have drafted versatile weapon Brock Bowers.
Breakout candidate: G John Simpson
Simpson was released by the Raiders in December of 2022 after being a fourth-round pick in 2020, but he worked to rebuild his value in Baltimore last season—starting all 17 games before signing a two-year, $12-million contract with the Jets. The former Clemson standout now playing in New York could allow him to be more of a household name if he performs like he did in 2023.
Circle on the calendar: Week 9 (v HOU) | Thursday, October 31 – 8:15 PM ET
Maybe this is just me playing favorites with a holiday game, as the opener versus San Francisco or a MNF battle versus the Bills in Week 6 could have been chosen. But the Texans are clearly an up-and-coming contender with C.J. Stroud under center, and you can be sure Aaron Rodgers will be fired up for the Halloween showdown after Stroud downplayed the career of the four-time NFL MVP and former Super Bowl champion on a podcast this offseason.
Bottom line
Again, I really like what the Jets did in the spring after not buying into the hype in previous years, and the pieces are finally there to be a legitimate contender. The pressure is on for the entire organization, though, and I still view the Bills as the team to beat in the AFC East.