The New York Jets are hoping that the hype surrounding their 2024 team sees a better return than the hype surrounding their 2023 squad. When New York acquired four-time NFL MVP quarterback Aaron Rodgers from the Green Bay Packers, many national media personalities started talking Super Bowl aspirations. To sweeten the deal, the Jets brought in several of Rodgers’ favorite teammates from Green Bay, including wide receivers Allen Lazard and Randall Cobb.
Unfortunately for everyone involved, including the Packers, the Jets’ 2023 campaign did not go as planned. Rodgers tore his Achilles early in Week One, meaning that Green Bay would not get New York’s 2024 first round pick (they are still getting their second round pick this year). It also meant that Zach Wilson and Tim Boyle would have to shoulder the load of starting quarterback.
Aaron Rodgers Will Return to the New York Jets with an Improved Roster
New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers
Dec 17, 2023; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers walks on the field prior to the game against the Miami Dolphins Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
One of the biggest reasons why the Jets’ 2023 season did not go as planned is because they prioritized pleasing their new future Hall of Fame quarterback instead of building the best roster. Lazard and Cobb had the worst seasons of their careers, Boyle was released, and offensive tackle Billy Turner couldn’t crack what turned out to be one of the worst offensive lines in the NFL.
This offseason, the Jets have made fortifying their offensive line a priority. New York recently signed eight-time Pro Bowl left tackle Tyron Smith to a one-year deal to protect Rodgers’ blindside.
In addition, the team also seems to be moving on from several of Rodgers’ friends. Lazard has been made available via trade and there have been no talks of bringing Cobb back in 2024. What they have done, though, is go out and get Rodgers another big-time wide receiver to target.
The New York Jets Signed Former Los Angles Chargers Wide Receiver Mike Williams
New York Jets, Mike Williams
Sep 15, 2022; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Mike Williams (81) runs the ball against the Kansas City Chiefs during the first half at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Former Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Mike Williams was released by the organization in order to create more salary cap room. In 2023, he played just three games due to a torn ACL in Week Three. Williams also missed four games in 2022 due to various injuries.
In 2021, though, he had 76 receptions for 1,146 yards and nine touchdowns. Two years prior, in 2019, he had 49 receptions for 1,001 yards and led the NFL with 20.4 yards per receptions.
Earlier this week, the Jets signed Williams to a one-year $15 million contract.
Entering his age 30 season, it is concerning that Williams has dealt with so many injuries over the past two seasons. However, he missed just two games from 2018-2021. If he can get back to his more durable self, the Jets may have gotten a steal in free agency.
Mike Williams Chose the New York Jets Because of Aaron Rodgers
In an interview with ESPN, Williams revealed the factors that led him to choose the Jets out of all the other teams he visited in free agency. The first one he revealed was the chance to play with Rodgers:
“I just felt like it was a great fit for me. Aaron, I want to be able to play with him, pick his brain, learn from him.”
Rodgers has been famously (or infamously) quoted as saying that the only reason anyone signed with the Packers was because of the chance to play with him. While that may or may not have been true, it certainly played a factor in Williams’ signing.
Williams also compared new teammate Garrett Wilson to Keenan Allen and said that he feels New York has all the pieces it needs to put together a special run.
That is what everyone said last year.
We’ll see if it remains true this time around.
