This week, the NFL world will convene in Indianapolis for the annual scouting mix.
Jets coach Aaron Glenn and normal supervisor Darren Mougey will communicate to reporters on Tuesday for the primary time since their introductory press convention final month.
All 32 groups will check and interview a number of prospects earlier than drills start on Thursday. The Jets have rather a lot to determine earlier than free company begins on March 12.
With that in thoughts, it’s time to assessment the highest storylines getting into the week.
What led to the crew shifting on from Aaron Rodgers?
Earlier this month, the Jets introduced they might transfer on from Rodgers after two disappointing seasons. The final time reporters spoke to Glenn, he mentioned Rodgers’ future could be mentioned.
Now that we all know Rodgers is not going to return, what led to the choice? We could by no means know precisely why Glenn, Mougey, and the Jets determined to maneuver on from Rodgers. Nonetheless, they are going to be requested if the choice got here all the way down to Rodgers’ declining abilities, age, contract, or lack of a tradition match.
Like anything, there are most likely a number of causes the Jets determined to maneuver on from Rodgers. I’m unsure that may fulfill a number of the indignant Jets followers who’ve been clamoring for a aggressive playoff crew since 2010, the final time the crew made the postseason.
Glenn and Mougey’s tenure with the Jets will in the end be judged on whether or not they can discover a franchise quarterback, one thing the group has lacked for many years. It’s their first yr with the Jets, but it surely has been 14 years since they final made the playoffs. So the stress is on Glenn and Mougey to discover a long-term resolution at quarterback.
Plan at quarterback for 2025
Since Rodgers received’t be again, what’s the Jets’ plan at quarterback for the 2025 season? The free agent class isn’t nice however offers just a few choices.
Amongst them is Justin Fields, who went 4-2 final season for the Steelers whereas Russell Wilson was nursing a calf damage. In six begins for Pittsburgh, Fields threw for 1,106 yards, 5 touchdowns, and one interception.
Different free-agent quarterbacks embody Wilson, Jameis Winston, Sam Darnold, and Daniel Jones. The draft doesn’t present numerous choices, both. Exterior of Miami’s Cam Ward and Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders, the quarterback prospects are a blended bag.
Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart will seemingly be the third quarterback chosen within the 2025 NFL Draft, however taking him at No. 7 is a gigantic attain. However a very good week of exercises and interviews on the mix may enhance his draft inventory.
The Jets may additionally go along with Tyrod Taylor, the crew’s backup final season, and doubtlessly select a quarterback on Day 2 or 3 of the draft. Additionally they have Jordan Travis, whom the crew drafted within the fifth spherical final yr.
What different areas will the Jets concentrate on throughout free company?
Along with quarterback, the Jets have a number of holes to really feel in free company. Gang Inexperienced could have 28 free brokers, and among the many positions of want are broad receiver, proper sort out, linebacker, defensive sort out, and security.
Vast receivers Davante Adams and Allen Lazard may each be launched earlier than the beginning of the league yr. If the Jets launch Adams, they are going to acquire $29.9 million in wage cap financial savings.
They’d additionally add one other $6.6 million by releasing Lazard, who hasn’t performed as much as expectations throughout his two seasons with the Jets. Linebacker C.J. Mosley is also a cap casualty after solely taking part in 4 video games final season due to a toe and neck damage.
The Jets are projected to have $23.8 million in wage cap area, in keeping with Over the Cap. For sure, the crew might want to discover extra wage cap room to handle their wants in free company and the draft.
May the Jets doubtlessly make an enormous splash and transfer up the draft board?
There have been rumors about whether or not the Jets will attempt to commerce up with the Titans to select Ward or Sanders at No. 1 general. With two months earlier than the NFL Draft, the Jets seemingly received’t present all their playing cards this week in Indianapolis.
However we may have some thought if they might be curious about buying and selling up for the highest decide. The Jets will seemingly interview Ward and Sanders as a result of it’s normal protocol for groups to take action with high quarterbacks. Nonetheless, the price of shifting up from No. 7 to No. 1 is an excessive amount of.
Gang Inexperienced would most likely have to surrender at the least three first-round picks to maneuver up. If this was the 2024 draft class, which may warrant shifting up for his or her chosen quarterback. Final yr, six quarterbacks had been chosen within the first spherical—Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels, Drake Maye, Michael Penix Jr., J. J. McCarthy, and Bo Nix—which tied the report from 1983.
The 2026 draft class is also higher than this yr’s with gamers akin to Texas’ Arch Manning, LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier, and Penn State’s Drew Allar. So there’s no want for the Jets to panic and provides away the farm for both Ward or Sanders.
