This is The Gridiron Review’s New York Jets 2023 Offseason Team Breakdown. We provide you with all things you need to know about the Jets heading into FA and the draft. We also provide our thoughts on the needs of the team and how we think they can be addressed!
New York Jets 2022 Record: 7-10
New York Jets Salary Cap(According to Spotrac): $-2,445,607
Notable Free Agents(According to Spotrac):
- Mike White, QB
- James Robinson, RB
- Connor McGovern, OG
- Nate Herbig, OG
- George Fant, OT
- Sheldon Rankins, DT
- Nathan Shepherd, DT
- Solomon Thomas, DE
- Quincy Williams, LB
- Kwon Alexander, LB
- Lamarcus Joyner, S
Team Needs: QB, OL(Center and depth), DT, LB, FS
3 Free Agent Targets(In No Order):
- Derek Carr, QB/Lamar Jackson, QB
- Azeez Al-Shaair, LB
- Taylor Rapp, S
New York Jets First Round Pick(s): Pick 13
3 Draft Prospect Fits/Targets:
- John Michael Schmitz, C, Minnesota
- Drew Sanders, LB, Arkansas
- Christopher Smith II, S, Georgia
Our Jets Ideal Offseason Plans/Thoughts:
- The Jets have an extremely young roster with many of their key players still on rookie contracts, so it’s fairly shocking to see that the Jets are over the cap. It’s not by a lot which means it should be an easy fix to get back under, but it does make you wonder where the money is going to come from to sign a franchise QB.
- The Jets are in desperate need of a QB. Mike White looked good toward the end of the season, but he is not the answer. You can bring him back as one of the better backups in the league. They are two different styles of QB, but Carr and Lamar are the two best options. The Jets have the roster to compete year in and year out. I know there are rumors of Aaron Rodgers going to the Jets… don’t do it. You may only get one year out of him and it could cost a stupid amount of draft capital. Get the QB who could be there long term. Whether it’s Carr or Jackson, they both automatically elevate this team to contenders.
- The starting offensive line is actually really good. They have a nice mix of young guys and veterans. The priority should be re-signing Duane Brown who played well at LT for the team last season. It’s hard to give an opinion on Mekhi Becton, because it seems like 90% of what’s been said about him since he’s gotten into the league has been on the more negative side. Maybe he finally stays healthy this year and takes a starting position, but it just feels like it’s more likely that they move on. At center, you could re-sign McGovern, but we feel as though Minnesota’s John Michael Schmitz will be there in the second round even if it means the Jets have to move up a couple picks. A majority of the offensive line backups are also set to become free agents. Fant and Herbig should be the two priority re-signs.
- The Jets defensive line is going from one of the strongest and deepest rooms in the league to needing help. Rankins, Thomas, and Shepherd are all set to become free agents leaving Quinnen almost entirely by himself in the DT room. The Jets could in theory kick Franklin-Myers inside and leave the DE positions to Lawson, Johnson, and Clemons. Even if the Jets do that, they could still use more at the DT position.
- The starting linebackers all had pretty good seasons. They could try to re-sign Williams and Alexander as neither should ask for top-tier LB money. He’s not the biggest name of this year’s FA class, but don’t be surprised if Saleh tries to sneak Azeez Al-Shaair to the Jets with a contract that isn’t all that massive. He wasn’t a full time starter for the 49ers, but he flashed in his role and as an injury fill-in for Dre Greenlaw. If the Jets want a pretty major upgrade though, Arkansas’ Drew Sanders should absolutely be on the Jets board at pick 13. Sanders can play inside, outside, he can rush the passer, he’s sideline to sideline and has a really high ceiling. Saleh could see flashes of Fred Warner in Sanders and may want his own version of him in NY. Regardless of which route they go, they need to address the position.
- The Jets need a Free Safety. We are very curious what is going on with Ashtyn Davis’ development that he isn’t in the conversation to start. Either way Joyner is heading to free agency. The obvious name that comes to mind is Jessie Bates; however, the Jets priority needs to be signing a QB, so they may not have the funds for Bates. Taylor Rapp could be a solid, lower-cost option if the goal is to get one in free agency. If you want to draft, think Chris Smith from Georgia. You could trade back from 13 and take Smith in the late first(similar to what the Vikings did last year with Cine). If he somehow slips into the second round you could trade up for him.