What the New York Jets Can Do This Offseason to Ensure Playoff Push in 2015

The New York Jets had one of their worst seasons in recent memory in 2014. 

The Jets lost eight straight games in the first half of the year, bringing their playoff hopes to an end before their bye week even came long. 

They continued to struggle late in the year. Despite an impressive Week 17 victory over the Miami Dolphins, Gang Green won just four games—their lowest victory total since 2007. 

As a result of the team's incompetence, owner Woody Johnson cleaned house. He fired head coach Rex Ryan and general manager John Idzik the day after the season ended. 

Ryan was certainly not helped by the talent deficiencies on the roster, and he is still a fantastic motivator and brilliant defensive mind. However, his lack of offensive prowess and subpar in-game decision-making ultimately cost him his job. 

Idzik, on the other hand, was responsible for very few positives in his two years in the front office. Outside of Sheldon Richardson, his draft picks have been disappointing, and he's been unable to improve the team through free agency either.

Bill Kostroun/Associated Press/Associated Press

Now, the Jets need to start over.

The team has some decent pieces, especially along the defensive front. Muhammad Wilkerson and Sheldon Richardson are among the best linemen in football, and Damon Harrison and Demario Davis continue to impress.

However, the secondary is in need of a drastic makeover. 

Idzik was unable to bring in a top-end cornerback last offseason, and the pass defense fell off as a result.

Signing one or two capable cover men should be New York's main priority in the ensuing months, as a better secondary could return the Jets defense to the dominant ways of the past. 

Luckily for Gang Green, several top cornerbacks are set to become free agents. Among them are Kareem Jackson of the Texans, Chris Culliver of the 49ers and Brandon Flowers of the San Diego Chargers. 

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All three would be massive upgrades at the position and immediately place the Jets defense at another level. 

Heck, Darrelle Revis might even be available. 

While all these corners will be looking for pricey, long-term deals, the Jets have more than enough money to bring them in. 

Due to Idzik's lack of spending, New York will go into the offseason $46 million under the cap limit. Add in the fact that the cap will undoubtedly increase and that cutting Percy Harvin and Chris Johnson would save millions more, and the Jets will have an insane amount of money to work with in 2015. 

To put it simply, the Jets have the ability to buy themselves into contention this offseason. And while massive free-agent coups rarely work out, it would still add much-needed talent to the team's roster. 

After addressing the cornerback position, the Jets must focus on other positions. 

The offensive line needs to get younger. Willie Colon should be replaced at left guard, and the replacements for D'Brickashaw Ferguson and Nick Mangold should begin to be groomed. 

Bill Kostroun/Associated Press/Associated Press

The receiving corps also needs to improve. If the Jets opt to cut Percy Harvin, they will need to replace him with an elite talent. While impending free agents Dez Bryant, Demaryius Thomas and Jeremy Maclin are probably too much to ask for, Michael Crabtree and Randall Cobb might be available. 

The Jets also can't forget to re-sign some of their own free agents. 

David Harris and Damon Harrison are both set to hit the open market, but New York cannot allow that day to come. Both should be brought back with long-term deals. 

As for the quarterback position, that remains a bit more complicated. It is almost impossible to find a franchise quarterback in free agency, and it appears thin in the draft this year as well. 

In short, unless Jameis Winston falls to the Jets in the first round, New York may have no choice but to stick with Geno Smith for another season. 

Worse comes to worst, New York can at least bring in someone to compete with Smith for the starting job.

Before all this happens, the Jets must first find a head coach and a general manager.

Former Bills coach Doug Marrone and Texans director of college scouting Mike Maccagnan appear to be the early favorites for each position, according to Rich Cimini of ESPN New York.

However, a lot could change in the coming weeks. 

Nonetheless, New York's main route to success is probably through the draft. The Jets need their new general manager, whomever he is, to find some capable players in this offseason's draft. 

The team must also hope that some of Idzik's picks, such as Dee Milliner and Calvin Pryor, pan out. 

With an aggressive free-agent strategy, a smart draft, some improvements from the young players on the current roster and a winning tandem at head coach and general manager, the Jets could emerge as surprise contenders as early as 2015.