Jets' Team Needs to Fill in 2023 NFL Free Agency

It's possible the New York Jets are only a few moves away from being legitimate contenders in the AFC.

They flashed their potential early in the 2022 NFL season, winning seven of their first 11 games, and now they need to build on the positives from last year.

However, the Jets may need to get a bit creative in order to clear up some cap space for the offseason. According to Over The Cap, New York is projected to be $264,487 over the cap, so it will have to clear some space in order to be active on the free-agent market.

If the Jets can do that and sign some key players, they could move closer toward ending their 12-year playoff drought. They may even become capable of going on a deep postseason run.

Here's a look at the biggest needs New York has to address heading into free agency, which begins March 15.

Quarterback

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MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - JANUARY 08: Zach Wilson #2 of the New York Jets warms up prior to a game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium on January 08, 2023 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Cliff Hawkins/Getty Images)

The Jets' biggest offseason priority should be straightening out their quarterback situation.

Zach Wilson doesn't appear to be the long-term answer at the position, but he and Chris Streveler are the only signal-callers under contract, with Mike White and Joe Flacco hitting free agency.

There are several ways New York could try to find a new starting quarterback. It could look to land one of the top prospects in the 2023 NFL draft. It could try to swing a trade, such as one for the Green Bay Packers' Aaron Rodgers. Or it could explore the free-agent market.

If the Jets look to free agency, perhaps they would consider trying to sign Derek Carr. The 31-year-old could be a good fit in an offense that has a few young, talented playmakers on it.

Even if New York acquires a starter via the draft or by trade, it will still need to build some QB depth via free agency. So, the Jets seem likely to sign at least one signal-caller this offseason.

Offensive Line

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DENVER, COLORADO - OCTOBER 23: New York Jets players, including guard Nate Herbig #65, center Connor McGovern #60, guard Laken Tomlinson #78, and offensive tackle Duane Brown #71 huddle before a play against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High on October 23, 2022 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)

No matter who ends up at quarterback for the Jets in 2023, they need to do a better job of protecting him. They allowed 42 sacks this past season, a number they'll be looking to cut down moving forward.

Several key members of New York's offensive line are set to hit free agency, such as center Connor McGovern and tackle George Fant. The unit was already lacking a bit of depth, so the Jets should try to acquire numerous linemen capable of playing various positions.

New York's returning O-linemen are fairly versatile, so it has different ways it can slot them in. It also makes it easier for the Jets to plan on signing/drafting the best players available and then figuring out how to best use them up front.

It would be a surprise if New York doesn't try to bring in several free-agent offensive linemen, especially if McGovern, Fant and/or others don't come back. Once the Jets are stronger on the O-line, they should be better set up for success.

Linebacker

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - DECEMBER 22: C.J. Mosley #57 of the New York Jets gets set against the Jacksonville Jaguars at MetLife Stadium on December 22, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images)

There are only two Jets linebackers under contract for the 2023 season: C.J. Mosley and Chazz Surratt. So, they will need to replenish the unit, possibly by bringing back some of their pending free agents, such as Kwon Alexander and Quincy Williams.

Still, the Jets need to improve their linebacker corps, even if they re-sign all of the players from the group who are about to hit free agency. Their defense is already strong, but the addition of another standout LB or two could see the unit reach another level.

Plus, Mosley will be 31 by the start of the 2023 campaign. He may have been a Pro Bowler this past season, but there could be a point soon when he begins to regress. So, the Jets should try to accumulate some depth at middle linebacker just in case.

New York will likely use multiple avenues to acquire linebackers this offseason. Expect it to bring in several via free agency, considering how few it currently has on its roster.