Grading Jets’ best, worst moves to start free agency
The Jets are looking to get back on track after a lost season in 2023.
The New York Jets made the biggest of splash of the 2023 offseason when they traded for Aaron Rodgers. Unfortunately for them, the shine on that acquisition did not last very long.
Rodgers got hurt on the Jets’ fourth snap of the season and was lost for the rest of the year. Gang Green’s 2023 season flew out the window once that injury took place and resulted in a disappointing 7-10 campaign.
But, there is room for optimism with the Jets after some of the moves they’ve made to start free agency. They’ve added a number of high-profile names to their roster, including Tyron Smith, Mike Williams, John Simpson, Javon Kinlaw, and Tyrod Taylor.
All of those players should help the Jets in some capacity, but of all of them, Smith profiles as the biggest and best acquisition the team has made so far. Allowing edge rusher Bryce Huff to leave the building, however, tracks as the worst move of free agency so far for New York.
Best move: adding Tyron Smith and Morgan Moses
The clear and utmost priority for the Jets this offseason was improving their offensive line. It was nothing short of a disaster last season. In 2023, they ranked 30th in the NFL in pass block win rate and 29th in run block win rate according to ESPN.com.
As one would imagine, that led to New York allowing more sacks than than they would like. They conceded 64 of them in 2023, which was tied for the fourth-most in the league.
Enter Tyron Smith. Smith has been one of the best left tackles in the NFL for a long time. Even though he’s getting up there in age (he will turn 34 years old in December) he is still playing at an elite level.
