The New York Jets are at a critical juncture heading into the 2025 offseason. Following another disappointing season that saw them finish with a 5-12 record, some things need to be addressed in the upcoming off-season period. With their playoff drought extending to 14 years, the organization must prioritize several key areas to revive their roster and return to competitiveness. Here are the concrete steps they should take this offseason.
The loyal fanbase is eager to see the Jets return to the Super Bowl. Jets fans are hopeful that the combination of new general manager Darren Mougey and head coach Aaron Glenn will finally break the playoff drought and help shift their Super Bowl odds for the next season.
Coordinate With the New Management
The New York Jets have recently hired Darren Mougey as their new general manager. Clear communication is needed moving forward. Through clear communication, both the coaching staff and the front office can align their approach. This is particularly important for making decisions such as player acquisitions and future roster management. Owner Woody Johnson should finally let his football people make football decisions, instead of constantly interfering in the football affairs and heavily influencing who the Jets draft, sign and trade for.
Quarterback Situation
The fate of Aaron Rodgers remains uncertain. If the Jets decide to cut him this year, or he retires, his dead money charge will be $49M in 2025. If the Gang Green lets him go after June 1st, the would split the dead money amount between 2025 ($14M) and 2026 ($35M). This move would also allow them to explore other quarterback options, such as trading for Matthew Stafford from the Los Angeles Rams. A potential trade could involve sending Garrett Wilson and a first-round pick to Los Angeles in exchange for Stafford and wide receiver Cooper Kupp. This move will significantly bolster their offense. If Rodgers comes back for 2025 and leaves after one year, the dead charge would be $63M in 2026.
Alternatively, if they choose to draft a quarterback, they hold the seventh overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. This could be an opportunity to select a promising talent like Drake Maye or Caleb Williams, both of whom are viewed as franchise quarterbacks.
Revamping the Roster
The Jets need to take care of the offensive line and running game, which ranked 31st last season. The team once again chose to patch up their offensive line with aging veteran free agents, such as Tyron Smith or Morgan Moses. They may choose to draft some linemen or trade for more established younger ones.
The Gang Green might also have to fill in quite a few positions on their defense, as several of their key defensive players, such as D.J. Reed, Javon Kinlaw and Solomon Thomas, are going to become free agents. They should target players like Osa Odighizuwa from the Dallas Cowboys to help solidify the defensive line. It would be great support next to Quinnen Williams and help the defense that often struggled in big moments last season.
Cap Management and Player Retention
The Jets will have to work on their salary cap management. Releasing guys like Davante Adams could save almost $30 million in cap space that could be used in investing in younger talent and filling the gaps on both sides of the ball. The organization needs to think about restructuring contracts with key players, such as Quinnen Williams, to create more flexibility.
Draft Strategy
With eight draft picks in the upcoming NFL Draft, including the number seven overall, the Jets have plenty of options. The Gang Green might go for an offensive lineman or a receiver in the first round. After that, it will be important to get players for other needed positions, such as another quarterback to compete with Jordan Travis and a defensive back if D.J. Reed is gone.
All in all, what the New York Jets need to do to reverse their fortunes in 2025 is to work in tandem with the new administration, reevaluate the quarterback position, make some roster changes through trades and free agency, manage the salary cap well, and then execute a targeted draft strategy. These moves will be crucial to breaking their playoff drought and building a competitive team for the future.
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