The 2023 season brought both excitement and disappointment for the New York Jets. Their promising start was cut short by an Achilles injury to their star quarterback, Aaron Rodgers, setting the tone for the rest of the year. Despite clawing their way to a 7-10 record, the Jets missed the playoffs and now face a challenging offseason.
One of the biggest obstacles for New York is their limited cap space. Currently sitting at just $1,924,837, the Jets have the second-lowest amount in the NFL, making it difficult to make significant roster upgrades. They have six players on their payroll earning eight figures, with five of them making at least $15 million annually.
The Jets also have a limited number of draft picks, with just seven in total. While they have picks in the first and third rounds, they have more in the later rounds, leaving them with fewer options to add impact players.
Despite these challenges, the Jets have identified several trade targets to improve their roster. One area of need is wide receiver, where they are eyeing Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who was selected 20th overall in the 2023 NFL Draft. Although he didn’t have a stellar rookie campaign, Smith-Njigba showed flashes of potential, making at least five catches in 12 of his 17 games.
Another target for the Jets is Marte Mapu, a safety drafted in the third round by the New England Patriots in 2023. Despite limited playing time as a rookie, Mapu has shown potential when on the field. His low cost and third-round status make him an attractive trade candidate for New York.
Kelvin Beachum, a veteran offensive tackle, is another player on the Jets’ radar. The 34-year-old has been a valuable asset for several teams throughout his career, including the Jets from 2017 to 2019. He can play both right and left tackle, providing depth and experience to New York’s struggling offensive line.
To create more cap space and draft capital, the Jets may consider trading away some of their high-earning players. John Franklin-Myers, a pass rusher, and Allen Lazard, a wide receiver, are among the candidates for a potential trade.
Franklin-Myers has been a solid contributor for the Jets, but his high cap hit of $16,364,000 in 2024 could be a burden. Trading him would free up space for other positions in need of upgrades.
Lazard’s production declined last season, and his $12,184,000 cap hit could be better allocated elsewhere. The Jets could potentially find a replacement for his production with their third-round pick in the upcoming draft.
Overall, the New York Jets face a complex offseason with many challenges and opportunities. They need to navigate their limited cap space and draft picks wisely, while also exploring trade options to improve their roster. With Aaron Rodgers still at the helm, the Jets have a chance to turn things around next season, but they will need to make some strategic moves to do so.
