3 Biggest Free Agent Decisions for Jets' GM and Coach in 2024 NFL Offseason

The New York Jets' 2023 season didn't go as expected, though that obvious all the way back in Week 1. Prized trade acquisition Aaron Rodgers suffered a torn Achilles only a few plays into the season, and New York never recovered.

The Jets went 7-10 and never appeared poised to be an AFC contender. That may change next year, when Rodgers is expected to return, New York appears to be content to run things back with head coach Robert Saleh and general manager Joe Douglas.

"My decision is to keep them," franchise owner Woody Johnson said, per Brian Costello of the New York Post.

However, running it back, with Rodgers in the fold this time, won't guarantee success. Quarterback was not the only issue for the Jets, and the front office has some difficult decisions to make in the coming weeks.

Will Rodgers Play a Heavy Role in Personnel Decisions?

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Jets QB Aaron Rodgers

The Jets traded for Rodgers, and they expect to win with Rodgers. He's the new centerpiece of the franchise, and presumably, the reason why New York added former Rodgers teammates like Randall Cobb and Allen Lazard last offseason.

Those additions, it must be noted, did not have a significantly positive impact on the season.

Before Saleh and Douglas dive too deep into their offseason plans, they must decide whether Rodgers will have a big say in Personnel decisions. Rodgers, for his part, is willing to lend a helping hand.

"If [Douglas] wants my help in recruiting, I'm available," Rodgers told reporters.

We could potentially see Rodgers push for impending Green Bay Packers free agents like AJ Dillon, Jon Runyan and David Bakhtiari—who is under contract but also a serious potential cap casualty. However, Douglas and Saleh must determine whether adding them would truly benefit the team or would simply be a step toward appeasing the new face of the franchise.

The level of Rodgers' involvement could have a significant impact on the Jets' direction in free agency.

Do the Jets Re-Sign Jordan Whitehead?

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Jets safety Jordan Whitehead

With Rodgers out of the picture, New York's strength was its defense. Keeping that defense together should be an offseason priority. That fact leaves the Jets with a tricky decision to make regarding safety Jordan Whitehead.

Whitehead had a fantastic year, finishing with 97 tackles, four interceptions and an opposing passer rating of only 78.8, according to Pro Football Reference. He'd also like to be back in 2024.

"This would be the spot for me," Whitehead said, per Costello. "I'd love to be back with these guys."

However, Whitehead is sure to command a substantial contract if he reaches the open market. He's coming off arguably the best campaign of his career, and he'll only turn 27 in March.

Young productive safeties come at a premium, and New York is projected to have just $17.2 million in cap space.

A creative contract could help keep Whitehead's 2024 cap hit low, but Douglas must determine if one is feasible. Paying Whitehead fair market value would be a great move for the defense, but it could potentially make addressing other needs very difficult.

Who Can the Jets Send to Free Agency Early?

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Jets general manager Joe Douglas

Simply plugging Rodgers into the offense won't be enough for New York to become a title contender. The Jets could use another running back to complement Breece Hall and another receiver to complement Garrett Wilson. The Jets also desperately need to address their offensive line.

It will be hard to do a lot of the work in free agency, though, under the current cap conditions. Saleh and Douglas must decide if the contracts of any players can be dumped early in order to create more cap room.

There are candidates. Tight end C.J. Uzomah, for example, played sparingly in 2023 and is set to carry a cap hit of $11.2 million. Releasing him would trigger a dead-cap hit of $5.9 million but save $5.3 million off the 2024 cap.

Linebacker C.J. Mosley, a far more impactful player in 2023, is set to carry a cap hit of $21.4 million. Mosley is a big part of New York's defense, but releasing him with a post-June 1 designation would save a whopping $17 million in cap space.

Releasing players is never easy, especially when dead money gets involved, but New York can't substantially improve its problem areas without creating salary space. Deciding who stays and who doesn't will be a challenge.

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*Cap and contract information via Spotrac.