The New York Jets must re-sign this 5 players in the 2023 offseason
The NY Jets' predicament this offseason will be very different from previous ones. With negative cap space of $2.8 million, the Jets are heading into the summer. Joe Douglas will need to think outside the box this summer to make room for movement.
The Jets have some of their own players to bring back in addition to recruiting a proven quarterback and other players through free agency. The Jets must re-sign the following five players.
#1. Bryce Huff, Defensive End
Being a restricted free agent, Bryce Huff should be quite simple to sign back. For a player like Huff, a second-round tender would only cost $4.3 million, which is an absolute bargain.
Huff was a victim of the Jets' extensive defensive line rotation, only playing 173 pass-rush snaps but amassing an impressive 4.0 sacks and 36 total pressures in his limited role. Huff received a fantastic 88.0 pass-rush grade from Pro Football Focus, which was the eighth-highest among edge defenders, despite not playing enough snaps to qualify.
Carl Lawson might become a cap casualty if the Jets need to free up contract space elsewhere. which would provide Huff with more opportunities.
#2. Sheldon Rankins, Defensive Tackle
Sheldon Rankins was a key component of the Jets' defensive line rotation and will likely return for the 2019 season. Rankins had a good recovery season this year after a difficult debut with the Jets. With 4.0 sacks, 25 pressures, and a career-high 43 total tackles, he was a strong run defender and pass rusher.
Rankins should be a top priority because he shouldn't cost too much to keep, unlike Solomon Thomas and Nathan Shepherd who will both be eligible for free agency.
#3. Kwon Alexander, Linebacker
Kwon Alexander or Quincy Williams, the Jets' free-agent linebackers, will almost probably be re-signed. Williams might demand a higher contract than most anticipate, and the Jets might not be able to afford it given that they will already be paying C.J. Mosley over $21 million per season for the next two years.
Among linebackers who played more than 573 snaps this season, Williams had the ninth-highest missed tackle percentage (14%) with 14 percent. Williams had the highest missed tackle percentage on passing plays among linebackers with more than 335 coverage snaps (20.4%).
Williams does a lot of good, but unless C.J. Mosley's contract is changed, it might be difficult to justify paying him. It might be preferable to re-sign Alexander and select a linebacker with the Day 2 pick.
#4. Connor McGovern, Center
Connor McGovern was a reliable presence at center during a season in which the offensive line for the Jets was a moving target. Despite the offensive line's overall issues, McGovern played in all 17 games and did a good job.
McGovern received the 10th-highest center grade from PFF. Although he did allow five sacks and 24 pressures, McGovern ought to perform better the next season with a more dependable guard and tackle performance.
The Jets will need to make a lot more changes to their offensive line, but they already have a starting-caliber center, so it makes sense for them to hang onto him as long as his contract is affordable.
#5. Greg Zuerlein, Kicker
Not least, the Jets ought to bring Greg Zuerlein back. Zuerlein was signed by the Jets last offseason to face off against Eddy Pieiro; Zuerlein was chosen and had a successful season.
Zuerlein made 28 out of 29 attempts, scoring all but one extra point. Just 30 of his 37 field goal attempts were successful, although five of the misses were from 50 yards or more.
Although Zuerlein wasn't flawless, the Jets' offensive shortcomings meant that he had to make numerous challenging field goals. Zuerlein should be brought back for the Jets, and they should consider adding another player to challenge him.
