The New York Jets made arguably the biggest splash this offseason when they acquired quarterback Aaron Rodgers via trade from the Green Bay Packers. Owner Woody Johnson said the No. 1 priority this offseason for his team was finding an upgrade at the quarterback position and general manager Joe Douglas came through landing Rodgers.
The 18-year veteran represents a huge upgrade under center for the Jets, who started Zach Wilson, Joe Flacco and Mike White under center in 2022. Wilson, the No. 2 pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, is the only one of that trio that remains on the roster. Flacco remains a free agent and White signed a deal with the Miami Dolphins.
With Rodgers in the mix, some people believe that the Jets are legitimate Super Bowl contenders. The pieces are certainly in place for New York to contend this upcoming season, as they have one of the best defenses in the NFL and surrounded Rodgers with a plethora of weapons offensively.
There will be some familiar faces as Allen Lazard and Randall Cobb both came over to New York from Green Bay this offseason. They join reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year Garrett Wilson and Corey Davis atop the depth chart along with fellow free agent signing, Mecole Hardman.
In the backfield, the Jets are hoping that Breece Hall can return to form after tearing his ACL right as he was picking up steam during his rookie season. If he needs some more time to round into shape, the backfield will consist of Michael Carter, Zonovan Knight and rookie fifth-round pick, Israel Abanikanda out of Pittsburgh.
A lot of the team’s success will rely on how well Rodgers can play. Last season he averaged a career-low 217.4 yards per game. Is he declining? Turning 40 in December, there is certainly a chance.
But, PFF is expecting big things as they still have Rodgers ranked as one of the best players in the NFL heading into 2023. He is ranked as the No. 6 quarterback and 45th overall player in the league in PFF’s opinion.
If he can live up to those expectations, the Jets are in great hands. It certainly won’t be an easy path navigating the AFC, where stars Patrick Mahomes, Joe Burrow, Lamar Jackson and Justin Herbert reside. In his own division, he is going to have to get past Josh Allen and Tua Tagovailoa, but for the first time in a long time, the Jets have a quarterback they are confident in going toe-to-toe with the other greats around the league.
