When the NFL free agency window opened, the New York Jets focused on building their offensive line to protect Aaron Rodgers.
Protecting the 40-year-old quarterback who ruptured his Achilles just four plays into his Jets career was a needed priority, but New York’s options at receiver are running thin.
New York Jets Free Agency Roundup
The Jets gave longtime Cowboys left tackle Tyron Smith a one-year deal up to $20 million, a much-needed patch, especially since 2020 first-round pick Mekhi Becton never really worked out and is unlikely to return. On the inside, New York signed Baltimore Ravens guard John Simpson to a two-year deal and brought back Jake Hanson.
Defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw also signed with the Jets on a one-year deal.
While protecting Rodgers is important, New York needs to quickly shift their focus to wide receiver.
Jets Still Haven’t Figured Out WR
Last year, Rodgers brought along some old friends and castaways to New York, but that didn’t go too well.
Outside of Garrett Wilson, the Jets didn’t get much production out of Rodgers’ old buddies like Randall Cobb or Allen Lazard. Mecole Hardman didn’t even make it the entire season and helped the Kansas City Chiefs win another Super Bowl after his release from the Jets.
Something needs to change in New York’s receiving room.
The Jets have the No. 10 overall pick, but that might be too far back to draft Marvin Harrison Jr. or Malik Nabers. Cheaper veteran options like Hollywood Brown signed with the Chiefs, while Keenan Allen was traded to the Chicago Bears, and Jerry Jeudy was traded to the Cleveland Browns.
Jets general manager Joe Douglas is reportedly still exploring the WR trade market, but options are dwindling there as well. It’s no guarantee that the Cincinnati Bengals trade Tee Higgins or the San Francisco 49ers trade Brandon Aiyuk.
Jets Remaining WR Options
While they can hope and pray that a blue-chip receiver falls to them at No. 10 overall, the Jets probably need to get active in the discounted veteran receiver market. New York’s window to contend in a loaded AFC is right now with Rodgers.
Odell Beckham Jr. is available in free agency after his one year with the Ravens. While he’s a far cry from the player that MetLife Stadium once knew with the Giants, he can still be productive.
Last year in Baltimore, Beckham put up 565 receiving yards and three touchdowns on 35 catches. The Jets almost signed him last year, so perhaps a reunion with the Big Apple is still in store.
Meanwhile, the Jets are reportedly set to meet with star receiver Mike Williams who is coming off an ACL injury. Williams is 29 years old and has over 4,800 receiving yards and 31 touchdowns in seven seasons with the Los Angeles Chargers.
KEEP READING: 2024 NFL Free Agents by Position
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