3 Players Jets Must Target in Offseason to Maximize Aaron Rodgers' Potential

The New York Jets have had a disastrous 2023 season, but there's still reason to be cautiously optimistic about 2024.

The Jets season was really over the moment Aaron Rodgers tore his Achilles tendon in the first quarter of the season opener against the Buffalo Bills. The Jets went on to win the game, but the ceiling was always pretty low with Zach Wilson playing behind their offensive line.

Despite all of that, the Jets remained competitive throughout the first half of the season. They were 4-4 after eight games thanks to their great defense and just enough offense from Wilson and Co.

It all points to the Jets having the kind of roster that can do real damage if they have their quarterback.

Of course, there are still some additions that need to be made to get the most out of Rodgers when he returns.

Here's a look at three players they should target to get the most out of a huge 2024 campaign.

Trade: WR Davante Adams, Las Vegas Raiders

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Davante Adams

Aaron Rodgers needs another weapon who can take the pressure off of Garrett Wilson. Davante Adams might be in need of a change of scenery.

It might just be time for a reunion.

Adams and Rodgers parted ways when the receiver was traded to the Las Vegas Raiders. Adams reunited with college quarterback Derek Carr and had another All-Pro season with 100 receptions, 1,516 yards and 14 touchdowns.

However, the Raiders decided to go in another direction at quarterback for 2023, allowing Carr to go to New Orleans and bringing in Jimmy Garoppolo. The results have not been great. Jimmy G has been injured for most of the season and Adams is having his worst statistical season in a long time with 84 receptions, 968 yards and only five touchdowns.

It's still strong production, but it lends credence to the idea that he could still produce at an elite level with Rodgers as his quarterback.

The Jets reportedly tried to trade for Adams at the trade deadline, but the Raiders declined. However, the Raiders fired general manager Dave Ziegler around the deadline so the front office wasn't really in shape to make a major trade.

The reality is the Raiders are likely in for a rebuild with whoever takes over the job of general manager and head coach this offseason. Adams doesn't make sense for a rebuilding team.

The Jets should circle back and see if the Raiders are willing to negotiate for the star receiver.

Free Agent: OL Mike Onwenu, New England Patriots

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Mike Onwenu

Another offensive weapon would be nice for Rodgers, but fixing the offensive line is going to be the most crucial part of the offseason.

As it stands, the Jets have two definite starters on the roster next season. Joe Tippman and Alijah Vera-Tucker are both young players who have proven they should be starting to varying degrees.

Vera-Tucker is the best offensive lineman on the roster with the versatility to play guard or tackle. As long as he recovers from his torn Achilles in time, he will be one of the Week 1 starters.

Tippman has had his struggles, but he's supposed to as a rookie. He should be improved in his second season. He can play center or guard.

Laken Tomlinson has an out in his contract that would allow the Jets to release him and save $8.1 million against the cap. That money could be put toward finding an upgrade in free agency.

Mikel Onwenu is similar to Vera-Tucker in the fact that he can play guard or tackle. Either way, he would improve the quality of the line. He's only given up two sacks all season, per PFF.

If they can sign him in free agency they would have another versatile option who could be the solution at multiple spots.

Draft: OT Olu Fashanu, Penn State or OT Joe Alt, Notre Dame

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Olu Fashanu

Again, improved pass protection and run-blocking have to be the priority this offseason. The Jets have allowed the worst pressure percentage (27.9 percent) and second-most sacks (61) in the league this season.

A lot of that has to do with a revolving door of tackles this season. Mekhi Becton has surrendered 11 sacks and he's been the most present one, outside of Laken Tomlinson, with 86.9 percent of the snaps this season. Max Mitchell has the second-most snaps among tackles with just 54.3 percent.

Finding a starting option at tackle in free agency is going to be a tough task. Teams don't typically let strong tackles hit the open market. If you wan't a really good one, it's going to cost a premium draft pick.

Fortunately for the Jets, they've been so bad this season that they should be in range to draft at least one of the top two tackles in the class in Joe Alt and Olu Fashanu.

Fashanu and Alt are Nos. 5 and 6 respectively on our current big board. They both have a 9.0 grade from B/R scout Brandon Thorn. There are promising prospects after the duo, but there's a notable drop off to JC Latham who has a 8.4 grade and plays right tackle.

Finding a way to get either Fashanu or Alt would give them a ready-made Week 1 starter at left tackle to protect Rodgers blindside and maximize his potential.