The offseason can’t come soon enough for the New York Jets. With both head coach Robert Saleh and general manager Joe Douglas both fired, fans are eager for 2025 to start fresh. While the playoffs are out of reach, another top-10 pick creates an opportunity to add to this young core. The retroversion of an old Aaron Rodgers has been abundant, so quarterback will be a priority. However, that isn’t the only position of need that must be addressed.
A Rodgers departure will guarantee Davante Adams is not here next season. The regression of the Jets once stout defense must be addressed as well. They haven’t been able to generate turnovers like years passed and have failed to stop the run. (130 rushing yards allowed per game.) Not to mention a potential hole at cornerback with DJ Reed heading into free agency. New York will have options to improve this offseason.
New York Jets Positional Needs in 2025
While there are still six games left in the season, the New York Jets look towards 2025 with a 3-8 record thus far. While the team regressed, it’s not without their bright spots. Garrett Wilson is establishing himself among the best wide receivers in the league. The duo of Breece Hall and Braelon Allen shows flashes of brilliance in their running game. On defense, Will McDonald IV and Jamien Sherwood have emerged as long-term pieces this season at linebacker. The return of Jermaine Johnson II next year bodes well for the team’s pass rush abilities next season.
In order to capitalize on that, New York will have to be creative in addressing these different positions. Quarterback is a guarantee, but the team also has additional needs on offense. Not to mention a new special teams unit starting with a kicker. If they can find the right defensive coordinator, the team can get their stellar defense back with an upgrade at safety too.
Quarterback
This one seems pretty evident. While the box score shows solid play, the eye test shows Aaron Rodgers has failed this offense. Miss-timed throws, turnovers, delay of game penalties, and a lack of mobility. Father Time is closer to the Hall of Famer now more than ever. With a regime change, it’s expected a new quarterback will be on the way as well. Fans dream of the opportunity to potentially add Shedeur Sanders or Cam Ward out of Miami. But both are expected to go earlier than the Jets can pick. Carson Beck, Jalen Milroe, and Quinn Ewers are more realistic options in the first round.
Offensive Line
While Rodgers has regressed, the offensive line has been the most disappointing unit this season. Tyron Smith has looked like a shell of himself this season, which didn’t make the offense’s life easier. Pass protection hasn’t been terrible, but it’s not enough to make up for Rodgers’ indecisiveness under pressure. It’s also hampered Breece Hall’s production as well with a lack of running lanes. Fortunately; the trio of Olu Fashanu, Joe Tippmann, and Alijah Vera-Tucker gives New York a nice building point for the long-term. Right Tackle will be needed with Morgan Moses heading into free agency. But a guard like Will Campbell out of LSU would be beneficial on the interior in pass protection.
Secondary & Tertiary Wide Receiver
The Jets’ biggest bright spot has been Garrett Wilson. The star wide receiver is on pace to finish with his third consecutive season with over 1,000 receiving yards. His expected contract extension should make him among the highest-paid players at the position. But, finding him a long-term partner is needed. Davante Adams and Allen Lazard have no more guaranteed money after this season. Both could depart if Rodgers doesn’t return in 2025. New York will need to either ensure the development of Malachi Corley, or they will need to look at the draft to add a high-upside wide receiver to pair with Wilson. Standout Tet McMillan out of the University of Arizona has an impressive frame at 6’5″ while running a 4.5 40-yard time. Pairing McMillan with Wilson would be a game-changing WR duo to develop any quarterback of the future.
Defensive Line
In my opinion, the Jets defensive line is the biggest glaring hole this season. After losing Bryce Huff and Jonathan Franklin-Myers in the offseason, the unit took a step back during Haason Reddick’s extended absence. This wasn’t aided by the torn Achilles suffered by standout outside linebacker Jermaine Johnson II as well. The interior is more of a pressing issue, however. Javon Kinlaw hasn’t made the impact fans had hoped when paired next to Quinnen Williams. New York must find a run-stopper to pair with Quinnen inside next year. Those two paired with a healthy Johnson and Will McDonald can turn the ship around. Imagine a front seven including Kenneth Grant out of Michigan paired next to Williams?
Safety
Another reason for the Jets recent struggles has been a lack of production from the secondary. Although Sauce Gardner has had a down year, Tony Adams and Chuck Clark have been fighting an uphill battle at safety. Jordan Whitehead wasn’t great, but his four interceptions helped the Jets with field position last year. A solid safety can also help neutralize Gardner’s struggles in completing tackles. A player like Nick Emmanwori out of South Carolina could be a game-changer in 2025.
Kicker
One of the toughest blows this season has been the struggles of kicker Greg Zuerlein. After a great 2023 season, Father Time has started to rear its head this year. Zuerlein is 1-5 on field goals over 40 yards or more. New York should prioritize Florida State kicker Ryan Fitzgerald. The Seminole has made a perfect five-for-five on field-goals over 50 yards this year, including a 59-yarder. He’d be welcomed on special teams with open arms.
Main Photo: [Kevin R. Wexler-NorthJersey.com] – USA Today Sports
