The New York Jets moved to 2-1 by taking down the division-rival New England Patriots on Thursday night. Gang Green won its second straight game following a season-opening loss to the San Francisco 49ers, and — perhaps most importantly — Aaron Rodgers looked like his vintage self.
The 40-year-old connected on a variety of incredibly accurate throws despite facing New England’s talented secondary. Rodgers completed 27 of 35 attempts for 281 yards and two touchdowns in Gang Green’s 24-3 victory. His 0.45 EPA per dropback was his best mark since Week 15 of the 2021 season when Rodgers was still a Green Bay Packer.
However, New York isn’t perfect. Rodgers could probably use another pass catcher, while injuries and a complicated contract situation have already depleted the Jets’ defensive depth chart.
What moves should the Jets make in the coming weeks and months? We’ve got three suggestions that could help New York keep rolling in 2024.
3 Moves the 2-1 Jets Should Consider
1) Trade For Another Pass Catcher
While the Jets’ most immediate need might be at right tackle after Morgan Moses went down with a knee injury on Thursday night, New York had a contingency plan in place. First-round rookie Olu Fashanu will take over at RT while Moses is sidelined for several weeks.
Instead, let’s look at Rodgers’ weapons. Garrett Wilson, a bona fide WR1 finally getting to prove it, caught his first touchdown from Rodgers in Week 3. Offseason addition Mike Williams continued to get more involved, hauling in three passes for 34 yards. Breece Hall is one of the NFL’s best running backs and a dynamic option in the receiving game.
Rodgers has choices. But a team as all-in as the Jets are in 2024 could afford to add another receiver.
Davante Adams, who spent years making magic with Rodgers during their All-Pro run in Green Bay, would be the most obvious acquisition for GM Joe Douglas. Adams might demand a move if the Las Vegas Raiders are struggling near the Nov. 5 trade deadline, and the Jets would be his logical destination.
Other veteran receivers could become available this year, depending on their teams’ performance.
The Carolina Panthers just benched Bryce Young; would they move Diontae Johnson if they keep losing games? Will the Cleveland Browns try to trade pending free agent Amari Cooper if Deshaun Watson keeps struggling?
And it doesn’t have to be a wide receiver. Tyler Conklin is a serviceable tight end, but the Jets could either upgrade from his production or lean into 12 personnel with two TEs on the field.
Instead of targeting Adams from Vegas’ roster, Douglas could ask about Raiders tight end Michael Mayer, a 2023 second-round pick who’s already been made redundant by breakout rookie Brock Bowers.
2) Solve the Haason Reddick Situation
Let’s get this over with already.
Haason Reddick still hasn’t reported to the Jets, continuing his holdout into the regular season with the hope of landing a new contract. New York acquired the pass rusher from the Philadelphia Eagles this offseason, knowing he wanted his deal reworked. So far, Reddick has cost himself roughly $8 million in fines and lost salary.
Gang Green should probably bite the bullet and get Reddick back in the building, especially given how much the club has riding on this season. However, NFL front offices are typically reticent to break precedent in contract negotiations. ESPN reported this week that the Jets aren’t close to a solution with Reddick and his camp.
New York probably won’t recoup what it paid for Reddick, but trading him — either for a WR, another pass rusher, or future picks — might be the club’s best option.
3) Bolster Pass Rush (Regardless of Reddick’s Outcome)
If anything, Reddick gained more leverage when Jets edge rusher Jermaine Johnson II went down with a season-ending torn Achilles. Johnson, one of New York’s three 2022 first-round picks, was poised for another step forward after putting up 7.5 sacks last season.
Instead, Will McDonald IV and Micheal Clemons are currently the Jets’ top edge defenders, with Takk McKinley and rookie UDFAs Braiden McGregor and Eric Watts in reserve.
Yannick Ngakoue is probably the only impact free agent rusher remaining on the open market, so New York might have to explore a trade.
Would the Panthers be open to moving Jadeveon Clowney if they keep losing? The Denver Broncos have a pair of pending free agent EDGEs — Baron Browning and Jonathon Cooper — who could be available. Even a cross-town trade for New York Giants pass rusher Azeez Ojulari could make sense for the Jets.