State of the roster: Offense

Edition #383

Good morning! ☀️

One week closer to the season, one week closer to seeing Aaron Rodgers take an official snap for the Jets. I’ll be honest, I’m starting to get excited about the possibilities, mainly because I’ve been studying the roster in preparation for a few pieces I’m writing.

Today we’re going to focus on the offense and predict who will make the 53 based on how many players the Jets carried at each position last year. Of course, it’s far too early to talk about roster predictions, but when has that ever stopped us?

6️⃣ - I don't tend to care about player numbers, but I know a lot of fans do and the players obviously do. Mecole Hardman announced he'd be wearing #6, which is the number Greg Zuerlein wore last year.

😂 According to multiple reports Bill Belichick accepted lower compensation in his trade down with the Steelers based solely on the knowledge that Pittsburgh wanted to take the player the Jets were reportedly after. Again, this is based on an unconfirmed report, but if he did that, it shows how far he's fallen. Imagine taking less for your organization based solely on trying to put one over your ex employee of over 20 years ago. Imagine how pathetic you have to be, imagine how mentally weak you have to be to want to do that. Also there are no guarantees with prospects, imagine if Jones busts and McDonald becomes a perennial All-Pro. I can't believe Bill would be that stupid, but I can believe he'd be that spiteful. If the Patriots are taking less compensation in April, it means they're scared for September, and I love that.

💲 The New York Giants and Defensive Tackle Dexter Lawrence agreed on a four year $90 million deal with $60 million guaranteed. Another DT got paid and I imagine Quinnen is wondering when his time will come. He'll also be earning more than Lawrence.

✍️ The Jets officially signed cornerback Jarrick Bernard-Converse to his rookie deal. He's the first Jets draftee to sign his rookie deal.

✍️ Randall Cobb also officially signed his one year deal worth up to $4 million.

It’s hard to piece this together without looking at the entire roster as a whole, but I’ve tried to be realistic about the players the Jets will carry. Most NFL teams carry 9 offensive linemen, but I have the Jets carrying 10 here as I couldn’t see where another cut could be made. Wes Schweitzer got a two-year deal and $1.6 million guaranteed, so maybe it’s more realistic that the Jets cut Connor McGovern over him, but at this early stage, I’m going to predict the Jets carry 10 offensive linemen.

The Jets started the 2022 season with four tight ends, but I think to make room for the extra offensive linemen the Jets will carry just three to start the season. There is also a world where I see them carrying just two quarterbacks. Anyway, let’s dive in.

Currently Rostered: Aaron Rodgers, Zach Wilson, Tim Boyle, Chris Streveler
2022 Initial: Zach Wilson, Joe Flacco, Mike White
2023 Prediction: Aaron Rodgers, Zach Wilson, Tim Boyle

Analysis: No position group has seen a bigger improvement than the quarterbacks, that’s what adding a future hall-of-famer will do for you. The Jet’s hopes in 2023 largely rest on the shoulders of a soon-to-be forty-year-old, which is precarious, just ask the Mets. But even in Rodgers ‘down-year’ last year, his statistical line was something we could only dream about. 3,700 yards, 26 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions would be one of the better QB years in Jet’s history. The hope is that we see a year like 2021 where he threw for over 4000 yards and 37 touchdowns. Ideally, this is a red-shirt year for Zach, a chance to pause, catch his breath, and learn from the best. Tim Boyle may or may not make the team, but right now I have him in.