The reported visit of Derek Carr to the Jets highlights the fact that New York needs to get to a QB this offseason if they want to make the playoff next season. Will the Jets get a QB or will the franchise continue their down-rotted 12 years without a playoff appearance?
Going into the 2023 offseason, it’s clear the Jets have one big need. The QB position is the biggest need for the Jets among other things. While the Jets are technically a little over the salary cap, they have tons of potential restructuring options to get cap space in order to trade for Aaron Rodgers or sign Derek Carr.
From a talent and cap standpoint, Aaron Rodgers is the better option. When trading for Rodgers you are able to get a better QB for around the same cap hit in year one when things are all said and done. Still, it’s not completely known if Rodgers wants to come back this season or if the Packers will accept the Jets’ offer for Rodgers. If you are able to offer Carr a good deal, you have a really solid chance of making sure you at least get an average QB. If you wait to trade for Aaron Rodgers, you might miss on a QB entirely.
With the fact, the Jets really only need an average QB to be contenders in the AFC and have an outside chance to go to the Super Bowl; they should go all-in on Carr while keeping tabs on Rodgers just in case he becomes available. If Rodgers only has an interest in joining the Jets, then should forget about Carr and go full speed for the Hall of Famer.
Robert Saleh and Joe Douglas (even though he had an amazing draft class last season) are on the hot seat. Whether that is fair or not, this is a fact of the matter. The Jets need to make the playoffs this season and getting at least an average QB, while finding a way to fill holes at safety, WR3, and the offensive line will make them a lock for a wild card spot.
Getting Rodgers allows this team to be super bowl contenders. Still, Joe Douglas and company don’t have time to just wait around for hypotheticals they need a QB this season.