There’s no denying that the New York Jets are rebuilding this offseason, even though Aaron Rodgers dislikes the phrase. Although the 40-year-old quarterback favors “retooling,” the project’s scale and scope remain the same. Jets general manager Joe Douglas is expected to bring in at least three new starters for the offensive line, a playmaker for a receiver, a safety, and a defensive tackle, despite losing his top two lieutenants to other positions. Oh, and do it with just $25 million still under the salary ceiling, mind you. Douglas is in luck if he needs a cheat sheet. The Jets may benefit from our top five free agents in 2024 and beyond.
Tyron Smith, left tackle – The Cowboys’ eight-time Pro Bowl star is only thirty-three years old and has just finished one of his best, healthiest seasons. The Jets would be relieved of the burden of selecting the same player with the No. 10 overall pick if they were to acquire them. Alternatively, a right tackle might be selected and developed into the left tackle of the future. 2. Ezra Cleveland, OG – Douglas wouldn’t have required an elite guard if he hadn’t made a mistake with Laken Tomlinson, but alas, here we are. Cleveland, a 26-year-old former Jaguar, would improve New York’s left guard void right away. 3. Wide receiver Michael Thomas: A cheap veteran with a Super Bowl omission on his record but enough left in the tank. Against Garrett Wilson, Rodgers needed a weapon because the Packers’ re-treads haven’t proved successful. 4. Andre James, C – The Jets need to start a player who can play both guard and center, whether it’s the former Raider or Aaron Brewer (Titans). Related: Seahawks Safety Concerns Jets, But Jamal Adams Isn’t Listed? 5. Jordan Whitehead, S – The Jets must retain one of their own to maintain one of the top defenses in the NFL, forget about the whole Jamal Adams reunion crap. Now that you’ve signed Seattle’s Quadre Diggs, let’s speak.
