Jets' Early Report Card for Most Impactful Offseason Decisions

The New York Jets entered the NFL offseason with a clear mission to improve everything around Aaron Rodgers.

The Jets landed one of the top free-agent offensive tackles in Tyron Smith to shore up an offensive line that was horrific for most of the 2023 campaign.

Robert Saleh's team even made an upgrade at backup quarterback with Tyrod Taylor so that the horrors of last season without Rodgers would not be repeated.

The Jets also added guard John Simpson to their offensive line in an attempt to help the Breece Hall-led rushing attack.

Simpson played with the Baltimore Ravens, a team that thrived on the ground with multiple players in recent seasons.

One-Year Deal for Tyron Smith

Perry Knotts/Getty Images

ARLINGTON, TX - JANUARY 14: Tyron Smith #77 of the Dallas Cowboys runs out of the tunnel prior to an NFL wild-card playoff football game against the Green Bay Packers at AT&T Stadium on January 14, 2024 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Perry Knotts/Getty Images)

The Jets needed to improve on their disastrous offensive line play from last season.

Smith was arguably the best offensive lineman on the free-agent market and the Jets lured him away from re-signing with the Dallas Cowboys.

The Jets only inked Smith to a one-year contract, but the length of the deal does not matter right now. Protecting Rodgers in 2024 is the primary focus.

New York has to be all-in on the 2024 campaign because of the resources it committed to Rodgers and the failure that occurred after the quarterback's injury in 2023.

Smith should provide much better protection at left tackle and allow Rodgers to work freely in the pocket.

Grade: A

Two-Year Contract for John Simpson

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BALTIMORE, MD - NOVEMBER 12: John Simpson #76 of the Baltimore Ravens lines up against the Cleveland Browns during the second half at M&T Bank Stadium on November 12, 2023 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)

Simpson is not as well known as Smith, but he can be as valuable to the Jets offense in 2024.

Simpson signed a two-year, $18 million deal to shore up the interior of the Jets offensive line.

Of course, his primary goal will be to protect Rodgers, but you can't help but love what he will bring to the rushing attack as well.

Breece Hall was one of the few bright spots in the Jets offense once Rodgers went down and now the Jets have a better run-blocker in place on the interior to help their star running back.

Simpson's experience in Baltimore's offensive system that produced plenty of solid running backs over the years should help the Jets get the most out of their ground game to support Rodgers.

Grade: B+

Tyrod Taylor as New Backup Quarterback

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - JANUARY 07: Tyrod Taylor #2 of the New York Giants runs the ball during an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles at MetLife Stadium on January 7, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images)

Taylor has to be viewed as a significant upgrade compared to the carousel of backups used by the Jets in place of Rodgers in 2023.

Taylor recorded 1,341 passing yards in 11 appearances, five of which were starts, for the New York Giants.

The veteran quarterback brings a more stable presence to the quarterback room. He should be trusted way more than Zach Wilson and Co. to win games in case Rodgers gets hurt again in 2024.

Another Rodgers injury would be a massive blow to the Jets, but the season may not end immediately if that happens in 2024 because of Taylor's presence.

Grade: A