The New York Jets are entering the 2024 NFL season fully aware of what it means for them. Four-time NFL MVP and future Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers is entering his age 41 season and coming off of a torn Achilles tendon in 2023. If he cannot return to his 2021 form (2022 Rodgers was not very good for the Green Bay Packers), or somewhere close to it, the Jets could be in real trouble.
Rodgers himself even said, “Well, I think if I don’t do what I’m capable of doing, then we’re all probably gonna be out of here (next season).” By “all,” Rodgers means himself, head coach Robert Saleh, offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett, and maybe even general manager Joe Douglas.
The New York Jets Have Made Some Significant Additions on Offense This Season
Knowing that their window to win with Rodgers as their quarterback is not open wide, the Jets made several significant roster decisions this offseason to ensure that they are in the best position to succeed.
Back in March, they signed eight-time Pro Bowler and five-time All-Pro left tackle Tyron Smith away from the Dallas Cowboys to protect Rodgers’ blindside. The very next day, the Jets signed former Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Mike Williams to add a boost to their wide receiver room.
Like Rodgers, Williams is coming off of a significant leg injury, having torn his ACL in the Chargers’ third game of the season last year. Of course, he has the potential to come back and be as good as ever, but there are still some serious questions surrounding the offense.
Will Rodgers’ Achilles hold up? Have they improved their offensive line enough? Do they have enough weapons in the passing game?
NFL Analyst Says the New York Jets Should Trade for Brandon Aiyuk “If They Are Really Serious”
While the additions above, as well as others, are good moves on paper, it is yet to be seen if they will be enough to help New York return to the NFL Playoffs for the first time since 2010. NFL analyst Marcus Mosher of The 33rd Team recently wrote that if the Jets are really serious about winning with Rodgers, they would trade for embattled San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk:
“The Jets did upgrade their No. 2 receiver position this offseason, adding Mike Williams in free agency and selecting Malachi Corley in Round 2. But Williams is coming off a torn ACL, and Corley is more of a gadget player than an every-down receiver. Could the Jets take a big swing on Aiyuk and pair him with Garrett Wilson to create arguably the league’s best wide receiver duo?
“New York doesn’t have the cap space to get a deal done right now, but they can easily free up some money with a few restructures. If the Jets are really all-in for this season, why not go out and get the best receiver available and make the offense even more explosive?
“It might seem like overkill, but with such a small window, it’s not be a bad idea to consider.”
Mosher does state that such a move is not realistic. However, he does make a good point. If the Jets are really going all-in for what could be their last season with a future Hall of Fame quarterback, why not swing big?
Plus, trading for Aiyuk could also include signing him to an extension, which would give whatever quarterback comes after Rodgers in New York two top-tier wide receivers to throw to.
