Jets Among NFL.com’s Most Improved Teams for 2024

Since the new NFL league year began on March 13, the Jets have signed seven veteran free agents, re-signed seven of their own free agents, made two trades to acquire players, and signed a full class of draft picks and undrafted free agents.

Because of those many moves made by GM Joe Douglas this offseason to bolster the roster around a future Hall of Fame in QB Aaron Rodgers, NFL.com columnist Jeffri Chadiha put the Jets at No. 3 in his ranking of the most improved teams.

“It was a humbling season for the Jets in 2023,” Chadiha wrote. “They probably didn’t figure they’d be making substantial roster moves to improve their championship chances at this time last year, not after quarterback Aaron Rodgers arrived in a trade with Green Bay. Now here they sit, after a frustrating season that basically ended when Rodgers tore an Achilles tendon in the opener, hoping to rebuild optimism about their potential.”

The Jets reinforced the offensive line acquiring two linemen from the Ravens – LG John Simpson and RT Morgan Moses – and future Hall of Fame LT Tyron Smith from the Cowboys. And in the draft, the Jets traded back one spot to pick Penn State LT Olu Fashanu No. 11 overall.

“The first good news is that Rodgers is healthy and back in offseason workouts,” Chadiha wrote. “The second thing that should excite Jets fans is the commitment the franchise made to improving an unreliable offensive line.

“Not only did GM Joe Douglas add veteran talent – in guard John Simpson, and offensive tackles Tyron Smith and Morgan Moses – but he also used a first-round pick on left tackle Olu Fashanu. This is called throwing numbers at the problem, and I love it.”

At the skill positions on offense, Douglas signed one of the league’s premier deep pass receivers in Mike Williams. Williams, coming off a torn ACL he sustained with the Chargers last season, leads the NFL with 15.8 yards per reception (minimum 250 catches) since 2018.

In addition, in the third round of the draft, Douglas selected Western Kentucky WR Malachi Corley (No. 65). In his last two college seasons, Corley trailed only Marvin Harrison Jr., Malik Nabers and Rome Odunze – all top-nine picks in the draft – in receiving yard with 2,279.

“The acquisition of wide receiver Mike Williams is another solid move that should add a vertical dimension to the offense.” Chadiha said. “There are real questions about keeping players healthy but there also should be real hype about what the team could accomplish if injuries don’t derail it for a second straight year.”