Jets' Biggest Keys To Having Successful NFL Offseason

As the New York Jets look to end the longest active postseason drought in the NFL and reach the playoffs for the first time since the 2010 campaign, every offseason is important. They must continue to make the right moves to try to get the franchise back on track.

In 2022, the Jets appeared to be on a trajectory toward the postseason after winning seven of their first 11 games. Then, they ended the season on a six-game losing streak that knocked them out of playoff contention.

So this will be another crucial offseason for New York, especially because it has a major question mark at quarterback. The moves the Jets make could determine if they get closer to a postseason return or take a step in the wrong direction.

Here are the biggest keys to New York having a successful offseason.

Straighten out the Quarterback Situation

AP Photo/Seth Wenig

New York Jets quarterback Zach Wilson (2) looks to pass against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the third quarter of an NFL football game, Thursday, Dec. 22, 2022, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

The Zach Wilson era could be short-lived in New York. The 23-year-old, who was selected with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2021 NFL draft, has greatly struggled over his first two seasons with the Jets, who may be ready to move in a different direction.

New York doesn't have any other internal QB options, with Mike White and Joe Flacco both hitting the free-agent market. But neither of those quarterbacks would be a long-term answer, anyway.

Do the Jets pursue one of the top QBs available in free agency? Do they try to work out a trade? Or could they attempt to move up from the No. 13 overall pick in the 2023 NFL draft to try to land one of the top prospects from this year's class?

Over the next couple of months, New York will need to consider all of those options. It isn't clear which route may end up as the best one, but the Jets need to try to get this right so that they don't end up in another situation with a QB who doesn't live up to expectations, like Wilson.

Address the Holes in the Back of the Secondary

AP Photo/Greg M. Cooper

New York Jets safety Jordan Whitehead (3) prepares during the first half of an NFL football game against the New England Patriots, Sunday, Nov. 20, 2022, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Greg M. Cooper)

There's a decent chance that the Jets will be looking to add a pair of starting safeties this offseason. Lamarcus Joyner is about to become a free agent, and the 32-year-old could even consider retirement, like he did last offseason. Jordan Whitehead has one more year remaining on his contract, but he could be cut as a cap casualty due to his $10.2 million cap hit for 2023.

New York's secondary is shaping up to be a strong unit, as cornerback Sauce Gardner thrived during his 2022 rookie campaign. It has some other talented, young defensive backs as well who could develop into key players in the future.

But the Jets can't go into the upcoming season with their current group of safeties, especially if that doesn't include Whitehead. Otherwise, they'll get exploited by opposing passing attacks and will struggle to defend deep balls.

That was already a bit of an issue for New York this past season. So it needs to strengthen that area in order to take the next step defensively.

Potentially Renovate the Receiving Corps

AP Photo/Lynne Sladky

New York Jets wide receiver Braxton Berrios (10) gestures during the first half of an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins, Sunday, Jan. 8, 2023, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

With the Jets likely looking to clear cap space early in the offseason, a pair of wide receivers could become casualties. They could at least consider cutting Corey Davis ($11.2 million cap hit in 2023) and/or Braxton Berrios ($8.2 million). It's highly likely that Berrios will be let go.

If New York also parts with Davis, that would leave Garrett Wilson as the only reliable playmaker in the receiving corps. Elijah Moore and Denzel Mims both have potential, but they have been inconsistent at times during their NFL careers.

The Jets will want their QB (whomever that may be) to be in the best position to succeed. So they'll likely need to add at least one solid wide receiver to this group, and potentially more, depending on how the early offseason unfolds.

This year's free-agent class of wide receivers isn't too impressive. That means if New York hopes to make a notable acquisition, it will likely need to explore the trade market or consider taking a receiver early in the 2023 NFL draft.