New York Jets Offseason Progress Report
Can the grown ups in the room turn this team into a serious franchise?
Overview
2024 Record: 5-12
General Manager: Darren Mougey
Head Coach: Aaron Glenn
Starting Quarterback: Justin Fields
Key Extensions:
WR Garrett Wilson (4 years, $130 million, $90 million guaranteed), CB Sauce Gardner (4 years, $120.4 million, $60 million guaranteed)
Key Additions:
QB Justin Fields, iOL Josh Myers, WR Josh Reynolds, DL Harrison Phillips, OT Armand Membou, TE Mason Taylor, CB Azareye'h Thomas
Key Departures:
WR Davante Adams, DL Javon Kinlaw, QB Aaron Rodgers, OT Morgan Moses, CB DJ Reed
Offense
Offensive Coordinator: Tanner Engstrand
2024 Ranks:
EPA/play: 17th Success Rate: 17th PPG: 24th (19.9ppg)
Projected Starting Offense (11 personnel):
QB Justin Fields
RB Breece Hall
WR Garrett Wilson
WR Allen Lazard
WR Josh Reynolds
TE Mason Taylor
LT Olu Fashanu
LG John Simpson
C Joe Tippmann
RG Alijah Vera-Tucker
RT Armand Membou
Offense Notes:
A year removed from tearing his Achilles four snaps into the season, Aaron Rodgers and the Jets offense dealt with constant stagnation and disorganization. Rodgers obviously wasn't himself at the start of the season, and while he returned to form toward the end, he still played like a 40+ year old quarterback. Last year's big addition, Davante Adams, didn't increase the win total either. It was simply a mess.
This season brings changes from top to bottom. Not only did the organization bring in a new general manager and head coach, but the offense will be completely different. New play-caller Tanner Engstrand comes from Detroit and can hopefully infuse this offense with creativity. Justin Fields is the new starter at quarterback, bringing an element of athleticism this team hasn't had at the position in years. The 2025 Jets' offense should look much different than what we saw last season.
Defense
Defensive Coordinator: Steve Wilks
2024 Ranks:
EPA/play: 21st Success Rate: 10th PPG: 20th (23.8ppg allowed)
Projected Starting Defense (Base 4-2):
DE Will McDonald IV
DT Harrison Phillips
DT Quinnen Williams
DE Jermaine Johnson
LB Quincy Williams
LB Jamien Sherwood
CB Sauce Gardner
CB Brandon Stephens
NB Michael Carter II
S Andre Cisco
S Tony Adams
Defense Notes:
The once stout Jets defense took a nosedive from Top 10 finishes to ending in the bottom half of the league. It was apparent that after head coach Robert Saleh was fired, the defense was largely orchestrated according to him, as the team immediately became worse on that side of the ball. Even with all the high-end talent, this unit struggled without strong leadership.
Strong leadership is exactly what new defensive coordinator Steve Wilks can bring. From helping the 2022 Panthers rally to being an effective defensive coach for years, Wilks should be able to instill better discipline in this group. Aside from coaching, the Jets are hoping that one of the young edge rushers can have a true breakout season, catapulting this unit back into the top quarter of the league.
Outlook
Overall, the goal for the Jets this season is a bit murky. I think that Aaron Glenn and his new staff will bring a level of professionalism that this team, frankly, hasn't dealt with in years. Becoming more athletic on offense probably gives this team a higher floor to be competitive in close games, but the talent level doesn't really scream "high-powered."
This Jets team should be able to compete in every game. While I think that they should have a better finish than the 5-12 record the team produced last season, I don't think this group has enough strength to break into the AFC elites. Trying to push for a wild card spot should certainly be on the table, but I don't think it's a disaster if this team doesn't make the playoffs in Aaron Glenn's first season.
Expectation/Goal for 2025: Become more competitive on offense, battle for Wild Card
2025 Schedule
Primetime games are BOLDED, all times EDT/EST
*Week 6 game against Denver is in London*