New York Jets general manager Joe Douglas did a fantastic job this offseason by adding talent at multiple positions of need
If the Jets are going to make a run to a Super Bowl, they had to address multiple areas after ending the 2023 season with a 7-10 record. Even though the Jets season ultimately crashed down with Aaron Rodgers tearing his Achilles before fans could take their seats, there were a lot of holes in the squad that got exposed.
Douglas focused on adding more talent specifically on the offensive side of the ball, which was putrid this past season, but also made some interesting moves on defense that will impact the Jets beyond 2023.
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Although there were numerous players added to this "all-in" team, there are three that stand out as the most valuable.
Top 3 most valuable players Jets added this offseason
Tyrod Taylor, QB
Tyrod Taylor is one of the most underrated players that was signed by Douglas this offseason. The elephant in the room in 2023 was the fact that Douglas didn't address the quarterback position after trading for Rodgers and when he got injured in week 1. Former Jets first-round pick Zach Wilson was supposed to redshirt and sit behind Rodgers all of this past year, but was unfortunately thrown into the fire which did work out well for all parties involved.
Now that Rodgers is fully healthy again, Douglas had to right the ship with a quality backup quarterback and ultimately did so by signing Taylor to a two-year deal at the beginning of free agency. Taylor was one of the more highly regarded players among the quarterbacks available in free agency. He provides experience, competency and overall knowledge at the position.
Taylor may also have to play some games this season, even though everyone would like to see Rodgers play all 17 games. No one knows what's going to happen with Rodgers' health as he enters his 20th season at 40 years old. Coming off an Achilles injury doesn't usually bode well for any athlete, let alone a veteran of Rodgers' stature. If he were to get hurt for a few games or worse, Taylor is a solid option having thrown for a total of 65 touchdowns and 29 interceptions in his 10+ year career.
Another important aspect of Taylor's presence in the Jets quarterback room is the knowledge he can provide to rookie Jordan Travis, who was drafted in the fifth round of the 2024 NFL Draft and was a vital piece to an FSU team that went undefeated in the 2023 NCAA season. Travis went down after suffering a gruesome leg injury that ultimately kept FSU out of the college football playoffs this past season. Now that he's working back from his injury and starting to get healthy, he has a chance to soak in everything he sees from a true pro in Taylor and of course Rodgers. Taylor will become more valuable than people may realize and it will be interesting to hear more about him as an asset.
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Haason Reddick, Edge rusher
Haason Reddick was brought in via trade by Douglas back in March and immediately comes into this Jets squad as the best pass rusher on the team. Sure, Quinnen Williams may argue about that sentiment, but there's no doubt that Reddick brings an edge presence even better than what Bryce Huff offered this past season. Reddick at 29 years old is the first player in NFL history to record 10-plus sacks in three consecutive years with three different teams. What's even more impressive is the fact that he's had for straight seasons with 11 or more sacks.
The Jets lost a young and homegrown talent in Huff which confused many people, especially Jets fans. Huff broke out in 2023 with 10 sacks which led the Jets team. In addition, Reddick's contract situation is one to watch and is the reason why the Eagles traded him in the first place. That being said, Reddick is currently a better player than Huff and he is still in the middle of his prime which is why the Jets felt that they could replace Huff for the short term while their window to win is now.
He was recently spotted in Japan amid not appearing at voluntary and mandatory Jets activities. There shouldn't be any reason to worry about Reddick not showing up for the start of training camp and when he does play for the Jets this year. Not only will he lose money if he doesn't show up for training camp but Reddick will have to ramp up in game speed to set himself up to have a successful potential contract year. Regardless, Reddick will be a game wrecker alongside Jermaine Johnson, who is a breakout candidate at the other edge spot, and Williams from the interior.
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Tyron Smith, LT
The most important piece that Douglas brought in this offseason was left tackle Tyron Smith. Keeping Rodgers upright was a priority for Douglas and the future Hall of Famer easily became the best tackle the Jets have had since D'Brickashaw Ferguson.
Smith is a significant upgrade over ex-first-rounder Mekhi Becton. Becton played 16 games in 2023, allowing 12.5 sacks and 12 penalties. Smith missed the final four games of the 2023 regular season due to a knee injury and health is certainly a concern for Smith as he hasn't played a full season since 2015. Nevertheless, in the 13 games he did play, Smith only allowed 1 sack and 3 penalties.
He becomes a crucial piece for the Jets beyond 2024 as well. Similarly to Taylor in the QB room with Travis, Smith will be the veteran leader in a young offensive line group and a mentor to this year's first-round draft selection in Olu Fashanu. Fashanu raved about Smith in his post-draft press conference and talked about absorbing as much information as possible from the five-time All-Pro.
"He's truly my football idol and for me to have the opportunity to be in the same room as him and learn from him," Fashanu said. "I mean it's awesome."
Smith, Reddick, and Taylor all have different skills and talents that the Jets will be better for this upcoming season. They all share a common theme in that they provide a veteran experience that will be important when adversity hits. Also, they will be able to teach the young athletes on this squad how to hopefully win in a professional setting which no Jet player has experienced in over a decade.
