Jets' Offseason Overview as 2023 NFL Free Agency Frenzy Kicks Off
The National Football League's new league year opens this week with a number of unanswered personnel questions for the New York Jets.
The free agency frenzy unofficially begins when the two-day legal tampering window opens on March 13, but trades and signings only become official when the NFL calendar resets at 4:00 pm ET on March 15.
Whether it’s through a trade or free agent signing, Gang Green has made upgrading its quarterback talent a priority.
“We’re going to be exploring the veteran quarterback market and look at every available option,” said Jets general manager Joe Douglas during a press conference at the NFL Combine.
Jets GM Joe Douglas on a phone call
Chris Pedota / USA TODAY NETWORK
The Jets initially showed interest in Derek Carr after the Las Vegas Raiders released the Pro Bowl quarterback, but he elected to sign with the New Orleans Saints.
After missing out on Carr, the full-court press is on to acquire Aaron Rodgers from the Green Bay Packers.
Attempting to clear salary cap space, the Jets have reportedly restructured the contracts of tight end Tyler Conklin, guard Laken Tomlinson and cornerback DJ Reed. New York has also informed veteran receiver/returner Braxton Berrios of his pending release.
As of Sunday after, Spotrac estimated the Jets to have $14,157,137 in total salary cap space.
They’ll need to free up even more cap space if they hope to sign Rodgers and still have room to sign their Draft picks later this spring.
SI’s Albert Breer reported that Rodgers, who is guaranteed $59.465 million in cash if he plays in 2023, would count $15.74 million against his team’s salary cap.
The Jets will benefit by fortifying the offensive line that will stand in front of their new quarterback whomever that may be.
Gang Green has multiple needs up front. Center Connor McGovern and tackle George Fant are set to hit free agency along with backup guards Nate Herbig and Dan Feeney. McGovern started all 17 games in 2022 while Herbig made 11 starts to help ease the loss of the injured Alijah Vera-Tucker.
“The more the merrier,” said Jets head coach Robert Saleh during his Combine Week press conference. “You know how Joe [Douglas] and I feel in regards to our offensive and defensive lines. I joke about it, but Joe would have 52 offensive linemen on the roster and one quarterback if he could.”
New York should also try to find a reliable WR2 who fits into new offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett's scheme.
On defense, the Jets will need to re-sign or replace free agent Lamarcus Joyner who made 14 appearances at safety in 2022. Adding depth at linebacker and defensive tackle is also likely on the Jets' offseason agenda.
Gang Green may opt to acquire a new kicker as 34-year old Greg Zuerlein is up for free agency.
Jets’ Offseason Position Needs
QB, OT, iOL, S
Jets’ Unrestricted Free Agents
LB Kwon Alexander, FB Nick Bawden, DE Vinny Curry, G Laurent Duvernay-Tardif, T George Fant, OL Dan Feeney, QB Joe Flacco, G Nate Herbig, RB Ty Johnson, S Lamarcus Joyner, C Connor McGovern, T Cedric Ogbuehi, DT Sheldon Rankins, T Mike Remmers, DT Nathan Shepherd, DT Solomon Thomas, QB Mike White, LB Quincy Williams, K Greg Zuerlein
Jets’ Restricted Free Agents
DE Bryce Huff, G Adam Pankey, RB James Robinson, WR Jeff Smith, NT Isaiah Mack (ERFA)
Jets' 2023 NFL Draft Picks
Round 1 - No. 13 overall
Round 2 - No. 43 overall
Round 3 - No. 74 overall
Round 4 - No. 112 overall
Round 5 - No. 143 overall
Round 6 - No. 207 overall (from SF thru HOU)
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