Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
Making Meaningful Moves, New York Jets Were Nearly Unmatched This Offseason
Only the Seattle Seahawks improved more than the New York Jets this offseason according to an assessment from Sports Illustrated.
SI scribe Gilberto Manzano identified the "The 10 Teams That Improved the Most This NFL Offseason" and Gang Green claimed runner-up honors.
Despite all the good Seattle did, the Jets were the only National Football League team to add a four-time Most-Valuable Player to their roster.
Factoring in free-agent additions as well as 2023 draft choices, Manzano produced a top—10 list that featured five teams from each conference. The Jets were one of two AFC East division members who made the cut. The Miami Dolphins were ninth.
Three different divisions placed two teams in the Top 10. AFC North rivals Pittsburgh and Cleveland both ranked amongst the most improved while NFC South members Carolina and Atlanta joined them (Read the Complete List).
As for the Jets, Manzano did not laud the three free-agent receiver signings by Joe Douglas and Co. and also raised concern about the viability of the offensive line.
READ Jets OTAs Blotter: Injury Scares Not Enough to Dampen Excitement
Allen Lazard lacked gaudy numbers, but he did lead the Packers in receiving last year. Meanwhile, Mecole Hardman had a down year in 2022, but was coming off three straight 500-yard receiving seasons as a secondary weapon in Kansas City.
Three of the Gang Green's five projected starting linemen are coming off surgery to repair season—ending injury.
From Manzano:
2. New York Jets
Key veteran additions: QB Aaron Rodgers, WR Allen Lazard, WR Mecole Hardman, WR Randall Cobb, DT Quinton Jefferson, S Chuck Clark
Key draft additions: DE Will McDonald IV, C Joe Tippmann, OT Carter Warren
Analysis: Rodgers’s arrival turned the Jets into Super Bowl contenders, but the team probably could have done more to help their middle-aged quarterback. They waited until the fourth round to address their tackle concerns, eventually selecting Warren. And the new group of receivers (Lazard, Hardman and Cobb) appears underwhelming. McDonald might have been a reach as the No. 15 pick, but coach Robert Saleh needed another pass rusher. Rodgers and a talented 2022 draft class might make the Jets AFC East champions, but they can go only so far in the postseason if the offensive line struggles.
— Gilbert Manzano
READ MORE:
The 10 Teams That Improved the Most This NFL Offseason
Sports Illustrated Ranks Team Rosters in Jets' Stacked Division
Two Perfect Chances to Join the Jets on the Road in 2023
Rodgers Has Lifted the Mood at 'Lit' Jets Facility
