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The New York Jets had a devastating 2023 campaign thanks to Aaron Rodgers' torn Achilles, but the Jets reloaded with some big moves during the NFL offseason and seem prepared to make another run at the AFC East title in 2024.
The Jets made big moves on both sides of the ball, adding more weapons for Rodgers, patching up what had previously been a putrid offensive line and even buttressing what was already an elite defense.
But has New York done enough to seriously contend next season?
Obviously, Rodgers' healthy is the elephant in the room. If he is close to 100 percent, the Jets should have a great shot of winning the division or at least snaring a Wild Card berth. If not, it's going to be another long season for Gang Green.
While it's hard not to like what the Jets have done this offseason, making significant signings, swinging impactful trades and having a nice NFL Draft, there is obviously still some risk involved.
New York's riskiest move of all over these past several months? Signing wide receiver Mike Williams.
Why Mike Williams is a risky signing for the Jets
It's not that I don't like the Jets' signing of Williams in a vacuum. I do. On paper, the duo of Williams and Garrett Wilson is pretty scary and should give opposing defenses fits. Plus, New York too wide out Malachi Corley in the third round of the draft, which could give the club a rather impressive trio of pass-catchers.
But Williams comes with a rather crucial caveat: he is coming off of a torn ACL.
Williams played in just three games with the Los Angeles Chargers last season before suffering the knee injury. He was then a cap casualty of the Chargers in March.
The Jets pounced after Williams was released, as they clearly liked his big-play ability. After all, he once led the NFL with 20.4 yards per catch back in 2019. He is also just two seasons removed from catching 63 passes for 895 yards and four touchdowns. Very respectable numbers for a No. 2 receiver.
However, there is no question this is a high-risk, high-reward move by the Jets.
Not because of what New York is paying Williams. It's only a one-year deal with a $5 million base salary. It can become $15 million if all of the incentives kick in. That's not the issue. It's that there were other healthier options out there, such as Tyler Boyd.
Boyd ended up signing with the Tennessee Titans last month. While he may seem older because he's been around longer, he is actually the same age as Williams. And you know what? He actually has the same amount of 1,000-yard campaigns to his name (two) as Williams.
So, why go with Williams over Boyd?
Well, again, the Jets are going with the upside here. Williams is undoubtedly the more physically gifted receiver. He stands 6-foot-4 and has shown the ability to be a terrific red-zone threat, as evidenced by the fact that he hauled in 10 touchdown catches in 2018 and then caught nine in 2021.
Williams can stretch the field and has the ability to come down with passes in traffic. Boyd is more of a dependable possession receiver with great hands. He also stays healthy, as he has only missed three games since 2019. Williams, meanwhile, has more of an injury history, and that's even without the ACL tear.
But in a way, I can see what the Jets are doing here.
New York's entire 2024 hopes are dependent on the health of a 40-year-old quarterback coming off of a torn Achilles anyway. The team might as well go for broke, right? If Rodgers gets hurt again or simply isn't himself, it's not going to matter if the Jets have Williams or Boyd at wide receiver. They would just be cooked.
So general manager Joe Douglas was probably just aiming for the highest ceiling possible. The Jets really only have a one or two-year window with Rodgers. They understand that if they are going to win a Super Bowl with him, it's going to be now. That's why Williams was the more appealing pick for him and the rest of Gang Green's brass.
We'll see if the Jets' gamble pays off come September.
