Along with acquiring a healthy Aaron Rodgers, the New York Jets have a number of openings to fill in NFL free agency. Allow us to assist Sauce Gardner, who is having difficulty keeping track of all the moves. Sauce said, “My timeline look like it’s a Madden Franchise going on.” Jets Country keeps you up to date on all of the Jets’ actions – and non-moves – under coach Robert Saleh and general manager Joe Douglas.
The Jets target Keenan Allen, who was traded to the Bears. Much to the displeasure of Gang Green Nation, who are eagerly expecting new receivers for Aaron Rodgers in 2024, another potential target has been dropped. Late Thursday night, the Chargers sent Keenan Allen to the Bears in exchange for a fourth-round pick.
The Jets were said to be watching Chargers receivers Mike Williams and Allen. But, according to E
CARDINALS TRADE FOR QB, ELIMINATE ZACH WILSON OPTION — With the Cardinals and Falcons completing an unusual player-for-player trade on Thursday, the options for Jets quarterback Zach Wilson continue to narrow. The Falcons, who signed Kirk Cousins earlier this week, will trade Ridder to the Cardinals in exchange for receiver Rondale Moore. Ridder is currently anticipated to be Arizona’s second quarterback after Kyler Murray.
The Cardinals were considered a possible candidate for Wilson. But the teams that require a backup are dwindling. The Jets gave Wilson permission to seek a trade, and last week signed veteran Tyrod Taylor as Aaron Rodgers’ backup in 2024.
JETS RE-SIGN VETERAN PUNTER – As expected, the Jets will re-sign veteran punter Thomas Morstead. The two-year contract ensures that New York will retain two of its greatest and most important players, Morstead and kicker Greg Zuerlein, beginning in 2023.
The Jets are adding a rotational piece to their defensive line by signing former Cardinals lineman Leki Fotu. At 6-5, 334 pounds, he can also play nose tackle and may fill in for Al Woods, who had a season-ending Achilles injury last October. Fotu, 25, recorded 28 tackles and 2.5 sacks while starting nine games for Arizona last season. The Cardinals selected him in the fourth round of the 2020 draft. Woods, Solomon Thomas, Quinton Jefferson, and Jalyn Holmes are among the Jets’ defensive lineman set to enter free agency.
ROUGH START FOR AFC EAST – The Jets’ division seemingly got a little weaker on the first day of NFL free agency, with key losses by teams on both sides on the ball. A look at the significant early comings and goings in the AFC East: *Jets – Re-signed kicker Greg Zuerlein, but the loss of star pass-rusher Bryce Huff is sure to dent one of the league’s best defenses. *Bills – They re-signed offensive lineman Dion Dawkins and lost center Mitch Morse to the Jacksonville Jaguars. But the big hit was No. 2 receiver Gabe Davis also signing with the Jags. Late in the afternoon Buffalo also lost star edge-rusher Leonard Floyd, who signed with the San Francisco 49ers. Floyd, of course, sacked Rodgers on the fourth snap last season, rupturing the quarterback’s Achilles and effectively ending New York’s season before it began.
*Dolphins – Miami declined to place the franchise tag on Pro Bowl defensive lineman Christian Wilkins, who left for the Las Vegas Raiders and a four-year, $110 million contract. They also lost starting guard Robert Hunt to the Carolina Panthers. The Dolphins remain over the salary cap, limiting their free agency options. *Patriots – After dealing former franchise quarterback Mac Jones over the weekend, the Patriots re-signed wide Kendrick Bourne, signed former Commanders third-down running back Antonio Gibson, and informed receiver DeVante Parker that he would be released. Late Monday afternoon, they lost linebacker Mack Wilson, who signed to terms with the Arizona Cardinals.
Bryce Huff of the Jets signs with the Eagles. Bryce Huff, one of the most successful undrafted players in organization history, is leaving the Jets to sign with the Philadelphia Eagles, according to several reports. Huff’s three-year, $51 million contract with Philadelphia will make him the highest-paid undrafted, non-quarterback in NFL free agency ever.
During the 2022 offseason, New York allowed Huff to enter the last year of his rookie deal, and the Memphis standout recorded 10 sacks in 2023.
KEY NFL SIGNINGS: On a hectic day of free agency, the headline moves are quarterback Kirk Cousins (Vikings) to the Atlanta Falcons, running back Saquon Barkley (Giants) to the Philadelphia Eagles, and running back Josh Jacobs (Raiders) to the Green Bay Packers.
BILLS RE-SIGN KEY OFFENSIVE LINEMAN. The Buffalo Bills, four-time defending AFC East champions, will keep a crucial element of their offensive line after agreeing to a three-year, $60 million deal extension with starting left lineman Dion Dawkins.
