The Jets swung for the fences in 2023, pulling off a blockbuster trade for future Hall of Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers that had some analysts calling them a Super Bowl contender in the preseason. Rodgers’ torn Achilles tendon four plays into the regular season destroyed Gang Green's plans and they soon dropped out of contention after a 4-3 start.
There’s no question that Robert Saleh and Joe Douglas have to win in 2024 if they’re to keep their jobs beyond this year, so the organization will no doubt be looking to make some more big splashes.
Some of the upcoming moves are obvious: New York is widely expected to revisit a possible trade for Rodgers’ former teammate wide receiver Davante Adams, for example. However, let’s see if we can make some more guesses about the kind of moves they might end up making.
With that in mind, here are some bold predictions for the Jets this offseason...
1. Bryce Huff won’t be back, but the Jets won’t immediately use Will McDonald to replace him
Huff had a terrific season in 2023, earning himself tens of millions of dollars by proving himself capable of holding his own against a run, maintaining his high-pressure rates with a larger workload and turning pressures into sacks. However, he’s heading into free agency where there should be a market for him and he’s already said that he isn’t planning on giving any kind of hometown discount.
Huff might be viewed as someone who can produce even more with an even bigger role and that’s not something the Jets can offer him because they like to rotate their linemen.
If McDonald, the 2023 first-round pick, was ready to step up into Huff’s role, that would be an ideal scenario. His role will increase and the Jets will hope his year two growth mirrors that of Jermaine Johnson. However, don’t be surprised to see the Jets invest in a veteran as a short-term hedge. Someone like Leonard Floyd or Josh Uche could be affordable but still capable of producing in a rotational role.