The New York Jets have been moderately busy this offseason, addressing several needs in NFL free agency and on the trade market. However, before the 2024 NFL Draft happens, the Jets reportedly could make another move that will give them more flexibility with their first-round pick.
New York’s top priority this offseason was to upgrade the offensive line. By signing guard John Simpson and swinging a trade for offensive tackle Morgan Moses, the Jets’ front office accomplished two of its primary goals by upgrading its perimeter and interior blocking for quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
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The team also improved its defensive line depth by signing former first-round pick Javon Kinlaw. In addition, New York learned from its mistake at quarterback last season, signing Tyrod Taylor to backup Rodgers and serve as a reliable fill-in starter if disaster strikes. With those spots addressed, a new priority is emerging.
According to Connor Hughes of SNY, the Jets are “monitoring” the wide receiver market. While some of the top pass-catchers have recently come off the board, there are still a few names being tied to New York.
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Hughes mentioned free-agent wide receivers Mike Williams, Odell Beckham Jr. and Tyler Boyd as possible options on the Jets’ radar. Boyd has also been tied to the Kansas City Chiefs and Pittsburgh Steelers, but the Chiefs’ recent signing of Marquise Brown could make it a two-team race for Boyd.
Williams would bring a completely different element to the Jets’ receiving corps than Boyd. Whereas Boyd is a sure-handed slot receiver, Williams is a vertical threat who can make contested catches downfield. He is recovering from an ACL tear last season, but is expected to be fully cleared by August.
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Beckham Jr. wanted to sign with the Jets last offseason but the two sides couldn’t agree to terms. He also has a strong relationship with Rodgers and they have expressed a desire to play together. While Beckham Jr. is no longer a high-end receiver, he recorded the fourth-highest yards per route run (2.93) among receivers from Weeks 8-14, earning a 118.6 QB rating when targeted, per Pro Football Focus.
Considering Rodgers’ preference to work with veteran wide receivers, there’s a greater likelihood of the Jets adding an impact receiver through NFL free agency than the 2024 NFL Draft.
