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Wealthy Cimini
FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — When necessary minicamp opened final June, the New York Jets made information for the fallacious causes. Two of their most distinguished gamers had been no-shows. One was on the opposite aspect of the world, investigating the riddle of the Sphinx. The opposite was on the opposite aspect of New Jersey, spinning his personal riddle with a perplexing holdout.
The latter was newly-acquired edge rusher Haason Reddick, who would proceed his holdout till October. The previous was quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who determined to skip minicamp in favor of a trip to Egypt. It was a foul search for Rodgers and the Jets, who turned enveloped in an argument that might’ve been simply prevented.
A yr later, nobody is speaking about camels and pyramids across the Jets. For a change, the main focus is on soccer.
“The gamers get it,” first-year coach Aaron Glenn stated. “Every day we exit, man, we exit with a objective. We do not waste the day, and the blokes are on level.”
Glenn praised his gamers’ work ethic and participation stage all through the voluntary portion of the offseason, which concluded final week. Subsequent up is the necessary minicamp, which begins Tuesday — one other step in Glenn’s quest to rebuild the Jets’ tradition. A distraction-free spring actually helps, however that is solely a part of the method of flipping a dropping scenario (9 straight sub-.500 seasons).
It takes expertise, and it is truthful to surprise if the Jets have regressed in that space. Let’s make a position-by-position comparability to final season and have a look at whether or not they’re higher, the identical or worse:
Quarterback
2025: Justin Fields, Tyrod Taylor
2024: Rodgers, Taylor
Rodgers is among the most achieved passers in historical past, so it is a no-brainer, proper? Not precisely. Based mostly on the what have you ever finished currently criterion, it is nearer than you suppose. Of their previous 17 begins, Fields is superior to Rodgers in Complete QBR (52.0 to 48.0), completion share over anticipated (2.4% to -5.2%) and yards per try (7.0 to six.7). Fields additionally has a greater document as a starter — 9-8 to 5-12.
In truth, neither one performed effectively over that span. The mitigating issue: Rodgers was in his age-41 season, coming off a torn Achilles. If Fields would not enhance on these numbers in 2025, the Jets might be in hassle. They imagine Fields, 26, is an ascending participant. His understated demeanor ought to make him a greater match with Glenn than Rodgers would’ve been.
“I am not going to go on the market and say that he is the following Joe Namath or something like that,” Glenn stated about Fields, “however I’ll inform you what: He will be a very good participant for us, and I am excited with what he will do for us this season.”
Consequence: Similar.
1:02
Why Louis Riddick thinks Justin Fields may have a profession yr
Louis Riddick explains why Justin Fields might have a profession yr with the Jets.
Operating again
2025: Breece Corridor, Braelon Allen, Isaiah Davis
2024: Corridor, Allen, Davis
Similar group, completely different strategy.
The Jets wish to run the ball, and the plan is to make the most of all three backs. Corridor was the focus final season, however he rushed for under 876 yards, partially, as a result of the offense revolved round Rodgers’ passing. Corridor by no means reached 20 speeding makes an attempt in a recreation, which is troublesome to imagine for a participant of his capability. If he is not a high-volume runner once more this season, it will not be due to neglect. It will likely be as a result of Allen and Davis are proficient, too, and Glenn has made it clear he desires them concerned.
Consequence: Similar.
Huge receiver
2025: Garrett Wilson, Josh Reynolds, Allen Lazard, Xavier Gipson, Tyler Johnson, Arian Smith, Malachi Corley
2024: Wilson, Davante Adams, Lazard, Gipson, Mike Williams (traded at midseason), Corley
Adams was a three-month rental, however he produced spectacular numbers — 67 receptions, 857 yards and 7 touchdowns in 11 video games. The present roster has nobody who can replicate these numbers in a WR2 position, which suggests opponents will focus their recreation plan on Wilson.
Reynolds and Lazard are what they’re — skilled, big-bodied targets with modest pace and manufacturing. Neither one has caught greater than 60 balls in a season.
The Jets’ hope is that rookie speedster Arian Smith can work his approach into the combo, however that is asking rather a lot. It is time for Corley, a former third-round choose who’s coming off a disappointing rookie yr, to make his transfer. His minicamp standing is unsure, as he sat out the latter portion of OTAs with an undisclosed damage.
Consequence: Worse.
Tight finish
2025: Mason Taylor, Jeremy Ruckert, Stone Smartt
2024: Tyler Conklin, Ruckert, Kenny Yeboah
The preliminary thought is to say the place regressed as a result of Conklin (270 receptions over three seasons) is gone however take a more in-depth look: He was a possession receiver, mainly a checkdown possibility. Taylor, this yr’s second-round choose, has an opportunity to be greater than that. The query is, how lengthy will it take earlier than he will get snug? The coaches like Taylor’s potential as a blocker, which issues on this offense. After three nondescript seasons, Ruckert has proven enchancment, in accordance with Glenn.
This will probably be a greater blocking unit than final season, however the identical cannot be stated concerning the receiving — but.
Consequence: Similar.
Offensive line
2025: Olu Fashanu, John Simpson, Joe Tippmann/Josh Myers, Alijah Vera-Tucker, Armand Membou, Chukwuma Okorafor, Max Mitchell, Carter Warren,
2024: Tyron Smith/Fashanu, Simpson, Tippmann, Vera-Tucker, Morgan Moses, Mitchell, Warren.
It is a a lot youthful and extra cell line than final yr’s group, particularly with Membou (2025 first spherical) changing Moses, 34, at proper deal with. There will probably be some rising pains, even with Fashanu (2024 first spherical), however the ceiling for the beginning 5 is excessive. It must be, contemplating it consists of three former first-round picks.
The hot button is solidifying the all-important heart place, as Tippmann and Myers (a four-year starter for the Inexperienced Bay Packers) proceed to battle for the job. The depth at heart and deal with is improved over final yr.
Consequence: Higher.
Defensive position
2025: Quinnen Williams, Will McDonald IV, Jermaine Johnson, Byron Cowart, Micheal Clemons, Derrick Nnadi, Jay Tufele, Tyler Baron, Leonard Taylor III
2024: Williams, McDonald, Clemons, Reddick, Javon Kinlaw, Solomon Thomas, Taylor
In 2023, this was the strongest and deepest place group on the group. Not anymore. The expertise stage has plateaued after dropping off final season. Williams and McDonald comprise a pleasant inside-outside tandem. If Johnson (Achilles surgical procedure) returns to his 2023 type, the Jets may have three high quality linemen for his or her 4-3 entrance. Cowart, a veteran wide-body, has the within monitor on the fourth beginning job. The remainder of the gamers are rotation-caliber.
Depth is a query, particularly on the sting, although it will not take a lot to interchange Reddick’s manufacturing (one sack).
Consequence: Higher (if Johnson is 100%).
Linebacker
2025: Jamien Sherwood, Quincy Williams, Jamin Davis, Zaire Barnes,
2024: Sherwood, Williams, C.J. Mosley, Chazz Surratt, Barnes, Davis
They may roll once more with Sherwood and Williams as their each down linebackers, and that is not a foul factor. They is perhaps undersized, however they convey turbo-like pace to the place. The brand new regime expects large issues out of Sherwood, who was rewarded with a three-year, $45 million contract this offseason. Mosley’s management will probably be missed, however the group had little selection however to maneuver on, contemplating age, cap and damage.
Consequence: Similar.
Secondary
2025: Sauce Gardner, Brandon Stephens, Andre Cisco, Tony Adams, Michael Carter II, Isaiah Oliver, Azareye’h Thomas, Kris Boyd, Malachi Moore, Qwan’tez Stiggers
2024: Gardner, D.J. Reed, Chuck Clark, Adams, Carter, Oliver, Brandin Echols, Jalen Mills, Ashtyn Davis, Stiggers
All of it hinges on the Stephens-for-Reed swap at cornerback. They saved $9 million in ensures by signing Stephens and letting Reed stroll in free company, however did they get higher? It is exhausting to say they did as a result of Stephens is coming off a down yr with the Baltimore Ravens; he was focused 98 instances as the closest defender, fifth most amongst corners, per Subsequent Gen Stats. The Jets imagine he is higher than his stats, that he is a great scheme match.
Cisco is a slight improve over Clark at security when it comes to cross protection, although he, too, is coming off a subpar season with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Consequence: Worse.
Particular groups
2025: Okay Anders Carlson/Caden Davis, P Austin McNamara/Kai Kroeger, PR Gipson, KR Kene Nwangwu
2024: Okay Greg Zuerlein, P Thomas Morstead, PR Gipson, KR Gipson
Do we actually have to attract a conclusion? Statistically, Zuerlein and Morstead had been among the many worst at their respective positions final season, leading to pink slips. Their potential replacements are largely untested, aside from Carlson, a former draft choose of the Packers, who has bounced round.
P.S. The Packers drafted him with a choose acquired from the Jets within the 2023 Rodgers commerce. It all the time comes again to Rodgers.
Consequence: Similar.
Abstract
The Jets improved on each traces, which ought to make them a extra bodily group than final season. They regressed at large receiver and within the secondary however held regular within the different areas. For those who’re scoring at residence, it is a toss-up between 2024 and 2025, though it looks like the present roster has a number of extra holes than final season due to depth points in key positions.
Their projected win complete is 6.7, in accordance with ESPN’s Soccer Energy Index. The one AFC group with a decrease projection is the Cleveland Browns (6.3). In fact, rather a lot can occur between now and Sept. 7, when the Jets open the season in opposition to Rodgers and the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Glenn has kept away from discussing any expectations, saying, “We’re in underwear. As soon as we get the pads on [in training camp], I may give you a greater reply.”
Closing end result: Similar.
