David D’Annibale, Staff Writer |
The New York Jets are coming off their fourth straight losing season after finishing the season at 7-9. They entered the offseason with first-year general manager Joe Douglas, who previously worked for the Philadelphia Eagles as the vice president of player personnel. So far this offseason, Douglas has done an excellent job of rebuilding the offensive line and filling other positions on the roster.
One of the biggest weaknesses the Jets faced was that of their offensive line. Last season, the offensive line ranked twenty-ninth overall and allowed 52 sacks. In order for quarterback Sam Darnold to succeed in year three, the team needs to drastically improve one of the worst offensive lines in the league. Douglas has made that his top priority this offseason by signing multiple new linemen and letting players like Brandon Shell test out free agency. Some of the new players include offensive tackle George Fant, offensive guard Greg Van Roten, center Connor McGovern and offensive guard Josh Andrews. They re-signed offensive guard Alex Lewis to a three-year contract worth up to $18.6 million. McGovern and Van Roten will instantly boost the line, as last season they allowed a combined total of two sacks. George Fant will replace Brandon Shell at right tackle. The Jets will likely address the offensive line during the draft by scouting out some talented linemen. They have the eleventh pick in round one and some possible selections for key linemen are: offensive tackles Andrew Thomas, Jedrick Wills, Mekhi Becton or Tristan Wirfs. If that doesn’t work out, the Jets could also try and trade for another offensive tackle during the offseason.
Douglas has slightly improved the defense this offseason. The Jets cut cornerback Trumaine Johnson and replaced him by signing Pierre Desir to a one-year contract. They brought back slot cornerback Brian Poole on a one-year deal but are still seeking a true number one corner, as a few big names remain on the market. The team added another linebacker by signing former Raven, Patrick Onwuasor. Plus they re-signed edge rusher Jordan Jenkins to a one-year contract. The Jets have also shown interest in edge rusher Jadeveon Clowney, but it seems unlikely that he’ll make the move. However, as no team has met his demands, it could be possible to sign him if Douglas outbids the other teams. Another key pickup for the Jets was wide receiver Breshad Perriman, who they signed to a one-year contract. However, the team still is in the market for a true number one receiver. Looking ahead to the draft, some possible selections could be Oklahoma receiver Ceedee Lamb or Alabama receivers Jerry Jeudy and Henry Ruggs III.
The New York Jets still have a long way to go, but general manager Joe Douglas looks to improve the roster enough to help the team reach the playoffs for the first time since coming one game short of the Super Bowl in the 2010 season.
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