New York Jets: How Free Agency will shift momentum in the AFC East
Opportunities to improve appear to those that work hard. A tight race for the AFC East title last season impressed the fans that call the division home. It was clear, the front offices have worked diligently to improve their playoff odds. In 2021, the Buffalo Bills and the New England Patriots were the front runners in the division. The Miami Dolphins (9-8) finished two games shy of the divisional title while the New York Jets (4-13) struggled to win games.
A change in the standings in 2022 raised the eyebrows of fans waiting for the revival of their favorite franchise. The Buffalo Bills finished with the best record for a consecutive season (13-3), but the road to the top required more than many expected. Head Coach Mike McDaniel relied on Tyreek Hill and Tua Tagovailoa to upstage New England for the second-best team in the division. A duel for third place between the Jets and the Patriots resulted in a one-game difference – keeping the intrigue among fans high for the upcoming season.
Time to reconvene in the off-season gave the Jets’ front office time to revise the roster. In 2022, defense saved McDaniel’s squad – ranking fourth in yards allowed per game (311.1) and points allowed per game (18.6). Offensive struggles cast a shadow over New York’s projection. Injuries to Breece Hall and tantrums from Zac Wilson cost the team during an important stretch of the regular season. Second-string quarterback Mike White did his best to carry his team out of the rut – but the Jets still finished in last place.
New York Jets Free Agency additions will spread optimism across the fanbase
A fast start to the off-season helped the Jets reshuffle their roster. Offensive struggles cost the franchise a division title in 2022 – producing disappointing results. New York finished the season ranked 25th in yards per game (318.2) and 29th in points per game. Breece Hall and Garrett Wilson showed they were the only bright side to a cloudy regular season. They made big plays as rookies – earning roles within their new franchise.
Quarterback woes disrupted the momentum last season. Zac Wilson failed to win over the fans in the Meadow Lands when it mattered most. He performed below expectations, finishing the season ranked 33rd in passing touchdowns (6) and passing yards (1,688). Depending on Wilson in 2023 will be hard for the Jets, especially if they land the biggest trade of the off-season.
Conversations between Green Bay and New York concerning the future of Aaron Rodgers have taken over the off-season headlines. Collateral for an MVP-caliber quarterback is the cost for the bidder two first-round picks – altering leverage in the upcoming NFL draft. Deliberation is still in effect, and both parties want to ensure progress with this transaction. Landing Aaron Rodgers is definitely a goal for the Jets’ front office, but there is work handled at other positions.
The excitement surrounding Aaron Rodgers’ arrival attracted the attention of two developing receivers. Allen Lazard and Mecole Hardman are now a part of the lethal offensive unit. Wilson, Hardman, and Lazard maintained a ten-yard per-catch average last season, and are known to make explosive plays down the field.
Finding players for a developing offense is an art, and the Jets are displaying their maestro abilities. Their work thus far in the off-season is noteworthy and will help the franchise achieve greater heights. While fans wait to see if Rodgers will become the next starting quarterback, they can take pride in knowing their team is moving in a progressive direction.