As the New York Jets wrap up preseason action, attention now turns to finalizing the 53-man roster before the league’s deadline. While the team has already been active on the trade front, recently acquiring defensive tackles Jowon Briggs and Harrison Phillips, there are still a few key position groups that need help adding some depth. This is all speculation, but seeing how active the front office has been, it would be smart to expect them to see the holes from the preseason action and act fast on finding solutions.
The defensive tackle moves earlier this week were telling. By trading for both Briggs and Phillips, the Jets clearly signaled a desire to reinforce the interior line and add overall defensive line rotational pieces. With injuries and other depth concerns along the defensive front, general manager Darren Mougey didn’t wait for the waiver wire and instead made proactive moves. Being proactive rather than reactive is a great added trait from a Jets GM that we haven’t seen in some time, but that leaves room to question. If the defensive line needed such urgent attention, which it did, then what other positions might be on his mind? Let’s take a look at some of those positions he might look to.
Potential Upgrades for the Jets 53-Man Roster
Quarterback
Quarterback is one possibility. While Justin Fields and Tyrod Taylor are entrenched as QB1 and QB2, the QB3 spot is still unresolved. Friday’s preseason finale may have clarified the picture, with rookie Brady Cook showing more poise than fellow competitor Adrian Martinez.
Still, it’s plausible the Jets could look to the waiver wire or explore a low-cost trade if neither player proves worthy of a roster spot. If the cross-town rivals, the New York Giants, make some quarterback moves by releasing Jameis Winston or Tommy DeVito, then expect the Jets to possibly check in on signing one of those guys.
Another option could be Kenny Pickett. If the Browns just want to carry three quarterbacks going into the season, this could be a solid addition to the quarterback room. With Taylor already banged up, it would be smart to get another veteran on standby in case Fields goes down as well, which is more likely because of the style of play he has.
Tight End
The Jets’ tight end depth chart has been a noticeable weak spot throughout the calendar year.
After hiring Tanner Engstrand as their offensive coordinator and proceeding to sign Fields, it was clear that the Jets needed two starter-quality tight ends to run their offense effectively. Expect a lot of 12 personnel from the background Engstrand comes from in his time with Detroit. This means they need two serviceable tight ends they can rely on, not just in pass catching, but with blocking as well. The Jets only had one tight end on the roster after the season ended, being only Jeremy Ruckert.
This meant the Jets needed to add two starter-quality tight ends to their roster. Tyler Conklin walked to Los Angeles, and New York let free agency go by without adding a starter-quality tight end. Entering the draft, they had two holes at the position.
The Jets finally made a strong pickup by drafting Mason Taylor in the second round. However, that was their lone tight end selection of the draft, leaving a gaping vacancy next to Taylor.
Nobody emerged in training camp or the preseason to alter the Jets’ outlook at this position. New York hoped that 2022 third-round pick Ruckert would stake his claim to a starting role, but in the preseason, he didn’t show the promise they had hoped he would, so he seems more like quality depth than a viable starting option.
The stars are aligning that Mason Taylor will start, but history says to not expect too much from a rookie tight end in year one. This isn’t saying that Taylor can’t or won’t have a good year, but it would be irresponsible to not have better options ready to go in the case he might not fully be ready yet. Not everyone is Brock Bowers, so the expectations need to be tapered slightly. The Jets will look to see who gets cut and who’s available via trade for some more answers at this position.
Edge Rusher
In the starting lineup, the Jets are good to go with Will McDonald and a recovered Jermaine Johnson. Behind them, though, not so much.
The competition for roster spots behind New York’s starting edge duo has featured unproven players like Michael Clemons, Rashad Weaver, Eric Watts, and Tyler Baron. Weaver did seem primed for a roster spot until he was unfortunately placed on season-ending IR. This only added more question marks to this position group.
Any drama around Clemons is likely out the window. He does have his flaws, but the Jets don’t have many other options to dip into that are currently on the roster, so he’s likely safe. Baron is likely a lock due to his fifth-round rookie status being tied up to this regime.
Outside of these two guys, though, the Jets are out of viable options for this unit that is on the roster. Watts had a poor preseason, and none of the other players seemed to. With one of their two starters coming off an Achilles tear, the need for quality depth is dire. Having depth along the defensive line in the NFL is highly regarded because of the play-to-play beating those guys take. Proper rotation to also keep the guys fresh and maximize the go-to players in important situations is another factor to take into account.
The Jets are particularly sore for a speed rusher. Clemons, who is listed at 263lb but likely much bigger than that, and Watts are both bigger-bodied edge setters rather than bendy guys. Baron is the only guy with some upside in this department with his 4.6 speed coming off the EDGE.
I would be very surprised if the Jets do not add more edge rushers before Week 1. Who will be there is another question, but the Jets need to dip into this position in the most desperate way.
Conclusion
It’s also worth noting that this is a common time for roster turnover because every team has to trim its roster down to 53 players. Every NFL team will be releasing players over the next 72 hours, and this leads to front offices getting ready to see potential fits around the league. Another team’s departure could end up being a different team’s opportunity.
The Jets, under new head coach Aaron Glenn, may prioritize adding veterans who can immediately contribute without a steep learning curve and guys who can be role model figures for those younger, more inexperienced players. Whether that’s adding more depth throughout the roster or even guys that can compete for starting positions, expect Mougey to stay active in any way to improve this roster.
Ultimately, these final decisions could play a big role in shaping how competitive the Jets are in Week 1 and beyond. As fans await the final roster cuts and potential additions, expect at least a couple more moves to come before the dust settles.
Main Image: Rich Barnes-Imagn Images
