3 Questions for Jets' General Manager Joe Douglas at NFL Combine
New York Jets' general manger Joe Douglas has some explaining to do in response to a handful of recent events, including the release of a starting offensive lineman and ownership calls for an upgrade at backup quarterback.
In Indianapolis for this week's NFL Combine, Douglas is set to speak at the podium on Wednesday, February 28 at 12:00 pm ET. Here are three items for the general manager to address.
What went into the decision to release Laken Tomlinson? Do you feel comfortable with the idea of Carter Warren as a Week 1 starting right tackle?
The Jets already had a hole at left tackle. Now, they've added another at left guard by releasing starter Laken Tomlinson, who made 34 consecutive starts since signing with Gang Green. Cutting the 32-year-old Tomlinson reportedly saves New York around $8.1 million in salary cap space.
Veteran free-agent left tackles Mekhi Becton and Duane Brown likely headed elsewhere, meaning New York needs to find adequate protection on Aaron Rodgers's blindside in the form of two new starters left of center.
On the other side, the Jets lacked stability at right tackle in 2023 before fourth-round rookie Carter Warren emerged to make four late-season starts there. The versatile Alijah Vera-Tucker was manning the right tackle spot prior suffering a season-ending Achilles tear, but probably projects as a guard upon his return.
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What is the state of the Jets' search for a No. 2 quarterback? Does Zach Wilson factor into the plans for 2024?
Owner Woody Johnson made it known that the Jets need to secure a reliable second-string signal caller to back up the 40-year-old Rodgers. Likely targeting a battle-tested option, free agency is probably the avenue to travel with veterans like Jacoby Brissett and Ryan Tannehill available. Spending a draft pick for a developmental quarterback during a win-now season doesn't make much sense.
As for Wilson, who has one year remaining on his rookie contract, are the Jets considering keeping him around as a third quarterback? There likely isn't much of a trade market for the former No. 2 overall draft pick, but a team could be willing to take a seventh-round flier on him.
What is the organization's most-pressing need to be addressed this offseason?
The answer is most likely rebuilding the offensive line, ensuring that Rodgers can operate effectively after returning from a torn Achilles. It wouldn't be surprising to see the Jets spend most of their free agent dollars and high-end draft capital on this area, but other needs do exist.
The Jets lack firepower amongst the receiving corps outside of WR1 Garrett Wilson and Quinnen Williams is their lone defensive tackle under contract. It looks as if Douglas will have to hit on the No. 10 overall draft pick and land a couple of victories in free agency to make it all work for New York in 2024.
