The 2023 season didn’t go at all how Aaron Rodgers and the New York Jets had hoped it would. With last season now in the rearview, all eyes are on 2024 with similar expectations.
Rodgers is expected to be healthy and ready for the new season. Because of that, the feeling around the Jets organization is one of excitement. But it’s not just the team and players who are bullish on their chances next season, as one NFL analyst in particular is expecting big things as well.
NFL Analyst Says Jets Are a Legitimate Contender
On the latest episode of ESPN’s Get Up, former NFL quarterback and current analyst Tim Hasselbeck spoke about the Jets’ chances in 2024, and how having a healthy Rodgers makes him a real believer in the team.
“They’re a legitimate contender…they’ve had a great offseason…,” Hasselbeck started. “When I look at the Jets, I think it’s fair to love everything they’ve done this offseason in terms of the additions…
“I think the other aspect of it is this, when you look at Aaron Rodgers and his return, that’s a really big deal. I don’t know if we can overstate that part of it because of the impact Aaron Rodgers ends up having on this football team.
“If Aaron Rodgers is healthy, it’s fair to say look, he will be one of the very best quarterbacks in the league because he’s proved to do it every single year that he’s been healthy. So I think that impact, along with the additions, makes them a legitimate contender.”
All of the reasons why people around the league were high on the Jets in 2023 have now transferred to 2024.
What Were the Jets’ 2024 Offseason Moves?
The Jets’ front office understands the opportunity that they have in front of them and demonstrated that by the way they operated their roster building this offseason. From adding a future Hall of Fame left tackle in Tyron Smith, to trading for pass rusher Haason Reddick, New York has done everything it can to build a win-now roster to complement Rodgers in 2024.
In addition to the aforementioned names, the Jets didn’t stop there and continued to add talent by adding a pass catcher in WR Mike Williams and defensive disruptors in DT Javon Kinlaw and Solomon Thomas. The Jets are all-in for 2024, and their actions make their intentions clear.
The idea that Rodgers is going to be able to produce is an easy assumption. When healthy, he’s been one of the league’s top quarterbacks every season of his career.
After losing Rodgers for the year, Zach Wilson was unable to take the Jets where they wanted to go, and it derailed the season completely. Thus, a sneaky important signing they made this offseason is the addition of backup QB Tyrod Taylor.
Taylor is a capable veteran QB who can run an offense and keep a season on the rails when called upon. By no means is he as talented as Rodgers by any means, but few quarterbacks are. However, in 2024, Taylor’s presence (if needed) is a far better option to keep New York’s season on track compared to a year ago.
His signing only highlights another offseason move the Jets have hit out of the park.
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