The New York Jets should be seriously considered for a postseason berth in 2024 after addressing several problems in the offseason, but there is still work to be done to get there. In light of that, New York needs to take these three more steps this offseason to guarantee that its 13-year playoff drought comes to an end. Quandre Diggs, Justin Simmons, or sign safety Though it still needs improvement, New York’s safety room isn’t entirely disorganised because Jordan Whitehead signed a free agent contract with the Buccaneers, leaving Chuck Clark and Ashtyn Davis as the team’s probable starters. Although Davis has displayed glimpses of his ballhawking ability, he is not a starting-caliber safety for a team hoping to make it to the Super Bowl. Clark’s performance after missing the previous season due to an ACL tear is impossible to predict. For the Jets, adding a veteran would be ideal, and there are some good choices available in the free-agent safety market. The best available safeties were Simmons (cut by the Broncos) and Diggs (cut by the Seahawks), who were released owing to salary cap restrictions. Either would greatly improve the formidable Jets defence. With 70 tackles (two for loss), a sack, three interceptions, and a Pro Bowl nomination in his previous campaign, Simmons was selected for the second time in his career and was named to the second team of the All-Pro team. Diggs recorded a total of 95 tackles, one interception, and five pass breakups for Seattle in the meantime. Diggs could be a more feasible target than Simmons given the contracts they’d probably require, but the former Bronco would definitely be the superior pickup. Israel Abanikanda, a trade running back On Day 3 of the 2024 NFL Draft, New York stunned a lot of people by choosing to double dip at running back. Isaiah Davis of South Dakota State was selected 39 choices after Wisconsin’s Braelon Allen was selected. The Jets obviously want a bruiser to back up Breece Hall, even if the two have similar skill sets. As a result of their arrivals, 5-foot-11, 215-pounder Abanikanda finds himself the odd man out in the backfield. Abanikanda, a fifth-round pick in 2023, saw limited action as a rookie despite rushing for 70 yards on 22 carries. Nonetheless, the 21-year-old’s status as one of the most prolific players in college football during his last season at Pitt in 2022 makes him a potential trade candidate for clubs in need of RBs. Abanikanda set the Pitt game rushing record (320 yards) in 2022 by ranking first in the FBS in rushing touchdowns (20) and 14th in rushing yards (1,431). In retrospect, the Jets would likely be considered the “loser” of a possible trade involving Abanikanda, but if another team is prepared to give up a draft pick in exchange, there’s no reason to hang onto him. Sign Calais Campbell, a defensive lineman Without question, the Jets have one of the best starting defensive lines in the NFL, but with John Franklin-Myers just traded to Denver, the unit’s depth is a little bit lacking. Although the edge rusher isn’t very good, he was a valuable run defender and gave the interior defensive line the versatility they needed. Though there aren’t many possibilities available to New York this late in the summer to replace Franklin-Myers, Campbell seems like a strong contender. As he approaches his 38th season, Campbell is a potent run-stopper and pass-rusher. The six-time Pro Bowler led the Falcons in 2023 with 56 tackles (10 for loss) and 6.5 sacks. Moreover, among edge defenders, Campbell had the eighth-highest run-defense grade (80.2) from Pro Football Focus. According to Spotrac’s estimated market value, Campbell is expected to sign an offseason contract worth $7.5 million for one year, which is well within New York’s means. Campbell’s production and leadership qualities would make him a valuable asset in the locker room.
Leave a Reply