The New York Jets are coming off a really disappointing 2023 NFL season that basically ended as soon as Aaron Rodgers tore his Achilles just four snaps into their first game.
Rodgers is now expected to be fully healthy for the start of this upcoming season, and even coming off a devastating injury at his age, the former Green Bay Packers quarterback should be a huge upgrade over Zach Wilson.
With a healthy Rodgers, to go along with their elite defense and other offseason additions, one prominent NFL analyst is really bullish on the Jets in 2024, to the point that they could even win the AFC East for the first time in 22 years.
New York Jets ‘Could Absolutely Win the AFC East Next Year’
ESPN’s Damien Woody believes that the Jets’ eight consecutive years of losing seasons will all come to a close this season, as he’s expecting them to be dominant in 2024.
“Listen, I preface this by emphasizing the word health,” Woody said on ESPN’s Get Up. “If they are healthy — yes, the Jets could win the AFC East next year. You have one of the all-time great quarterbacks in Aaron Rodgers coming back off of the Achilles.
“I know he’s old…with all of the moves that the Jets have made, the Jets are all in this year… they are one of the most talented teams, not only in the AFC but the National Football League.”
How Have the Jets Improved From Last Season?
It all starts with the offensive line.
New York got off to a 4-3 start last season despite Rodgers’ injury, but the team was still nursing many injuries sustained by offensive lineman Alijah Vera-Tucker (Achilles), Duane Brown, and others.
Tackles Mekhi Becton and Max Mitchell struggled, and the team has since upgraded by signing former Dallas Cowboys tackle Tyron Smith and trading for former Baltimore Ravens tackle Morgan Moses.
General manager Joe Douglas was able to add former Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Mike Williams, who suffered an ACL tear last in Week 3, on March 20, and traded a conditional 2026 third-round pick to the Philadelphia Eagles to acquire edge rusher Haason Reddick.
Head coach Robert Saleh gave an update on Williams’ injury recovery, as the 29-year-old wideout prepares to return to the field.
“He’s got a long way to go,” Saleh said. “He’s on the same timeline that Breece [Hall] had. They’re very similar injuries, same timeframe. Speaking with Mike, he knows he’s got a road to trek, but at the same time, if he does it the right way, we’re very confident that we’ll have them ready for Week 1.”
Recently, the Jets have reportedly been looking to trade down from the No. 10 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. Whether or not New York decides to move down in the draft, adding an offensive lineman could add depth to multiple positions.
KEEP READING: What Are the Jets’ Expected Win Totals in 2024?
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