New York Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson has already commanded a massive level of respect after just one season in the NFL.

Longtime former member of the Dallas Cowboys Dez Bryant called G-Dub, “Fantasy WR 1” on Twitter.

Bryant was then asked on Twitter who is his top-5 fantasy wideouts for the upcoming 2023 season.

He provided his list in “no particular order” but said these top guys “will lead the pack”:

• Garrett Wilson, New York Jets
• CeeDee Lamb, Dallas Cowboys
• Stefon Diggs, Buffalo Bills
• Justin Jefferson, Minnesota Vikings
• Ja’Marr Chase, Cincinnati Bengals

High Praise From a Former Top Wideout

Bryant was in the NFL from 2010 through 2020.

He was voted a first-team All-Pro in 2014 and earned three Pro Bowl nominations during his illustrious career.

If anyone would know a thing or two about playing the wide receiver position it would be Bryant.

In 119 career games, Bryant caught 537 receptions for 7,506 receiving yards and secured 75 touchdowns.

Bryant was routinely thought of as a top-flight fantasy wideout throughout his career. The same can’t be said about any member of the Jets over the last 12 years.

Mike Clay of ESPN ranked Wilson the No. 11 PPR preseason fantasy football wideout in 2023.

This is new territory for fans in the fantasy football community and members of the Jets alike.

According to Draft Shark’s projections, Wilson is expected to catch 91.1 receptions for 1,248 receiving yards and finish with 7.5 touchdowns in 2023.

Those figures would place third, sixth, and No. 15 all-time in a Jets single season if they came to fruition.

Wilson Gave Back to the Jets Community This Offseason

Wilson hosted a youth football camp on Sunday, June 25 in Highstown, New Jersey.

Rich Cimini of ESPN said there were about “300 campers on hand” and he noticed plenty of “No. 17” jerseys in the crowd.

Wilson’s camp offered three different price tiers for the youngsters in attendance ranging from $149.99 (champion’s package) to $399.99 (MVP package).

Those packages included photo ops, autographs, personal meet-and-greets, and the biggest offering included a camper going one-on-one against Wilson in a football drill in front of everyone in attendance.

100 percent of the proceeds from this event benefitted the “FlexWork Scholarship Fund.”

According to Wilson’s event details on his website, these funds will allow “disabled and disadvantaged youth the opportunity to attend our camps.”

During the camp, Wilson got to try out a new position as a quarterback throwing the ball around to campers.

Cimini took a nine-second video and you can hear the campers calling out to Garrett asking for the football during a passing drill.

After the camp came to a close, Wilson took to social media to send out a message to his 107,200 followers.

“It was my pleasure to be able to give back to the community who supports the JETS, and I. Thank you to everyone who contributed, and to all the kids for coming out today! We’ll do it again soon.”

Wilson will now enter his second professional season looking to improve upon his impressive rookie campaign.

Jets team reporter Caroline Hendershot said in an article posted on June 23 that Wilson has a chance to be one of if not the best receivers in the NFL next season.

With Aaron Rodgers at the helm, Wilson is going to have a legitimate shot to live up to that billing in 2023.

Each of the 32 NFL franchises is enjoying a final break before training camp hits in the month of July.

However, the New York Jets have plenty of work to do before the season arrives. Field Yates of ESPN said Gang Green has “one last offseason roster move” to complete.

Yates said defensive tackle Quinnen Williams and quarterback Aaron Rodgers “need new contracts.”

Williams Expected to Land Monster Contract Extension

Yates said the former Alabama standout has “emerged as one of the best players in the league.”

Williams is heading into the last year of his rookie contract and is set to make $9.5 million in base salary in 2023.

He held out the entire voluntary portion of the offseason and the mandatory portion was canceled by head coach Robert Saleh.

Jets analyst Joe Caporoso of “Badlands” predicted that Williams will land a new deal “between July 4th and [training] camp starting.”

Several defensive tackles signed massive contracts this offseason and Yates believes Williams’ new deal should be worth “at least $22.5 million per year.”

Only four defensive tackles in the NFL currently make at least $22.5 million per season according to Over The Cap:

• Aaron Donald, Los Angeles Rams, $31.6 million
• Jeffery Simmons, Tennessee Titans, $23.5 million
• Daron Payne, Washington Commanders, $22.5 million
• Dexter Lawrence, New York Giants, $22.5 million

Rodgers’ Contract Requires More Tinkering From Jets

Prior to being traded from the Green Bay Packers to the Jets, Rodgers altered his contract to make the trade happen.

Rodgers is owed $108.7 million over the next two calendar years and that includes “$101 million in guarantees”, according to Roster Management.

A-Rod “dropped his 2023 salary to $1.2 million” and he pushed the rest into 2024, per ESPN. According to Spotrac, he is set to receive $107.6 million in yearly cash next season.

Yates said Rodgers won’t be making “that little” in 2023 nor will he make that much “next year.” He said the two sides “will renegotiate revised contract terms in time.”

So it isn’t a matter of if but rather when this Rodgers deal is going to be reworked ahead of the season. The same can’t be said for the Quinnen situation.

He is under contract for 2023 and the Jets have the franchise tag in their back pocket. General manager Joe Douglas technically doesn’t have to extend Williams if he doesn’t want to. The Jets have team control over Williams for the foreseeable future.

However, if Douglas chooses not to that could create a potentially contentious situation in the locker room ahead of an all-in type of season which could prove detrimental.

Although the expectation from everything I’ve heard indicates both a Rodgers restructure and Williams extension is expected to happen before the start of the season.

Which situation happens first will be interesting to watch. In theory, Gang Green has the ultimate flexibility.

The Jets could make Quinnen’s cap hit very small in 2023 on a new contract allowing the team to eat more of Rodgers’ cap hit this season. Or they could do the opposite by making Q’s cap hit ginormous this season and small in other years.

Gang Green has the fifth most cap space in the NFL with $23 million, per Over The Cap.

When the New York Jets completed the trade for Aaron Rodgers, there were several immediate comparisons that came to mind.

Peyton Manning closing out his career with the Denver Broncos. Brett Favre to the Jets, for obvious reasons. Or more recently, Matthew Stafford winning with the Los Angeles Rams and Tom Brady doing the same with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

That last QB comparison rang true with a former member of the Bucs organization who now starts for the Jets — strong safety Jordan Whitehead.

“I tell the guys it’s kind of like déjà vu for me,” Whitehead voiced via team contributor Jack Bell. “I let everyone know that we have to have the right group.”

He added that “it was kind of the same situation I fell into when I was with the Bucs. We had a great defense the year before and we just needed one piece that was missing.” That piece was obviously Brady, and some believe Rodgers could have the same impact in New York.

“The same vibe that I did with the Bucs,” Whitehead responded when asked about the feel around OTAs. “I joke with the guys that we’re about to create a team.”

Jets’ Jordan Whitehead Describes Aaron Rodgers Early Impact at OTAs

Whitehead also spoke about Rodgers’ influence on practice and OTAs.

“On the field, he’s making us better, we’re getting the best we can get,” Whitehead noted. “He’s making us checkdown and communicate on another level.”

“[Then] in the locker room you see and hear him,” he went on. “He’s a funny character. He’s a good guy, open to everything. A real great guy.”

It didn’t take long for the Green Bay Packers legend to gain the respect of his peers at Florham Park. That’s what a Hall of Fame resume and a team-first mentality will do.

Year one in Tampa Bay, Brady threw for 4,633 yards and 40 touchdowns, leading the Bucs to an 11-5 record and an eventual Super Bowl run. Stafford bumped his numbers to 4,886 and 41 in year one with the Rams (12-5) during his championship campaign, and Manning eventually exploded for a career-high 5,477 passing yards and 55 touchdowns in Denver — although that total came during his second season as a Bronco (2013) and Manning didn’t win another ring until year four (2015).

As for Rodgers, he might have the best supporting cast he’s ever had at age 39 with the Jets when you consider both defense and skill positions. The one question mark is the offensive line, which is finally getting healthier heading into training camp.

Jets’ Jordan Whitehead Discusses Year 1 in NY & What to Improve on in Year 2

Whitehead had an up-and-down season in 2022. Overall, the defense was the strength of the team, and the veteran safety played a large role in that considering he started all 17 games.

At the same time, Whitehead missed a team-high (tied with LB Quincy Williams) 17 tackles according to Pro Football Focus. His run defense grades were also down from his 2020 through 2021 average, although his coverage grades were solid with Gang Green.

“We all talk about it, especially since we had a lot of PBUs [passes broken up],” Whitehead replied when asked about the defense forcing more turnovers in 2023. “But we need those INTs and pick-sixes that change games. We got a great pass rush that got some sack fumbles and that made the job easier for us. Now we need to capitalize on those quarterback mistakes.”

Whitehead put some of that on himself, stating: “I had a couple of chances, but I don’t like to talk about missed opportunities. It’s not okay to say ‘my bad.’ I’ve been working to hold myself accountable. We want to win. There’s a lot of competition in the room.”

Overall, he was proud of what his defensive unit accomplished during his first season as a Jet, however.

“It was a great season, a great learning experience being in a new system and playing with new guys,” Whitehead said in June. “D.J. [Reed], Sauce [Gardner], Michael Carter. It was a great time with the cornerbacks, who made my job easier. I’m really, really — I’m ready for the guys, Sauce is not a rookie anymore. It’s a more veteran group.”

Who is going to win the AFC East in 2023?

The Buffalo Bills have won three crowns in a row and are the prohibitive favorite to win it a fourth time this upcoming season.

Bet MGM has released the AFC East division winner odds ahead of 2023:

1. Buffalo Bills (+130)
2. New York Jets (+250)
3. Miami Dolphins (+275)
4. New England Patriots (+750)

Gang Green has been the team of the NFL offseason after acquiring Aaron Rodgers in a blockbuster trade with the Green Bay Packers. Could the Jets win the divisional crown for the first time in 21 years?

Well, that is exactly what we are going to debate about live on Tuesday, June 27 at 4:30 pm ET. You can watch the show right here on the article page [link at the top].

Paul ‘Boy Green’ Esden will represent the Jets and Emily Bicks will defend the Bills. They will go back and forth debating the merits of each squad.

Throughout the live show and during the lead-up to it, fans can comment and ask questions in our comment section below.

For a chance to be featured on the show, you must send your commentary in the comment section of this article. Load up the comment section ahead of time with all of your questions about the Bills and Jets.

Is there a certain weakness on either squad you want to be addressed on the show? What is your most pressing question? Heck, you can share your opinion on who you think is going to win the AFC East in 2023 and you can explain why!

Late June is the perfect time to dive into some 53-man projections and New York Jets media member and Jets X-Factor co-founder Robby Sabo dropped his first 2023 roster prediction on June 24.

Notably, Sabo made a couple of bold cuts on the offensive side, waiving 2023 draft picks Carter Warren (OT) and Zack Kuntz (TE). The expectation is that both would join the NYJ practice squad should they pass through waivers, but it’s hard to see every front office around the NFL passing on a recent fourth-round selection in Warren.

Jets general manager Joe Douglas has also never cut a rookie draft pick in year one since taking over in New York. Shifting that track record from none to two in one summer feels a tad aggressive.

Having said that, this 2023 roster is loaded with more talent than ever before under Douglas’ regime. Tough decisions will have to be made, and Sabo explained two of his most surprising choices on June 24.

Jets UDFA WR Xavier Gipson Steals Roster Spot From Draft Picks Carter Warren & Zack Kuntz

There’s not always a direct correlation between different positions on who stole whose roster spot, but it certainly felt like undrafted wide receiver Xavier Gipson and third-string quarterback Tim Boyle swiped the roster spots of Warren and Kuntz in Sabo’s 53-man projection.

“The stunner on the offensive side could be undrafted free agent Xavier Gipson, whose shiftiness and athleticism help a roster in a variety of ways (wide receiver, kick returner, etc.),” the veteran Jets analyst wrote. “The final wide receiver spot (if six are carried) may come down to Gipson and Jason Brownlee.”

Aaron Rodgers gave Gipson and Brownlee an unprovoked shout-out at the conclusion of Organized Team Activities (OTAs), so that may have factored into Sabo’s thought process here.

“There’s been some young guys that have been really impressive, I think, in the camp but you always got to temper expectations because there’s no pads on, there’s no contact,” Rodgers voiced at the time. “I would say [numbers] 16 and 82 really had nice camps as rookies.”

Those are the current jersey numbers of Brownlee and Gipson.

As for Boyle, Sabo noted that the “Jets would love to carry Tim Boyle” before acknowledging that it will definitely be a tight numbers game at QB3. “Aaron Rodgers and Nathaniel Hackett would both love to have Boyle on the roster,” Sabo went on. “Would he accept a lowly practice squad role? Perhaps he would, but the odds are solid that he’d receive a better job somewhere else.”

It’s fair to mention that the new NFL QB rule probably helps Boyle’s chances, although the Jets could also choose to elevate him from the practice squad on gamedays whenever they need him — should he pass through waivers.

“Yes, Joe Douglas drafted tall and lanky tight end Zack Kuntz,” Sabo admitted while discussing his TE cuts. “But how can they sneak him onto the initial roster? It’ll be interesting to see how tight end shakes out, considering there is depth.”

The Jets X-Factor creator didn’t talk much about Warren, aside from mentioning that “Douglas did everything in his power to back up his offensive line [depth] this summer.” Perhaps five is too many O-tackles in Sabo’s mind.

Jets Analyst Would Be ‘Stunned’ If Denzel Mims Makes Week 1 Roster

Considering Gipson made Sabo’s 53, you may have already realized that the math doesn’t quite add up for 2020 second rounder Denzel Mims.

Long rumored as a trade or cut candidate, Mims could finally get the boot in 2022. Barring injury, the Jets have a clear top five at the wide receiver position (Garrett Wilson, Allen Lazard, Corey Davis, Mecole Hardman and Randall Cobb).

That doesn’t leave much room for Mims considering NFL teams typically roster five or six wideouts depending on preference. Sabo does have six making it, but Mims was never a strong contender based on media member’s analysis.

“I’d be stunned if Denzel Mims is on the initial 53-man roster come Week 1,” he stated. “The other undrafted kid to watch is Kutztown product Jerome Kapp, whose minicamp tryout led to a summer contract.”

Aaron Rodgers left the Green Bay Packers for the New York Jets in a blockbuster trade this April.

That move made him the biggest loser of the NFL offseason according to Mike Jones of The Athletic.

Jones said Rodgers got “what he wanted in his exit from Green Bay” but he also warned the future Pro Football Hall of Famer, “be careful what you wish for.”

“Yes, he got what he wanted in his exit from Green Bay and reunion with new Jets offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett, his former Packers OC,” Jones explained in a column posted on Friday, June 23. “He also gains a more potent cast of wide receivers. But in leaving the NFC for the AFC, he now has a significantly tougher road to the Super Bowl.”

Path Grew More Difficult for Rodgers in New York

Jones pointed out Rodgers’ inability to beat Jared Goff and the Detroit Lions in Week 18.

The task was simple for the Packers, beat the Lions and you’d punch your ticket to the postseason. Detroit ended up walking away with the 20-16 victory over Green Bay ending its season in Lambeau.

Jones said if he struggled to beat the Lions, “what makes Rodgers think he can win a shootout with Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, Joe Burrow, Lamar Jackson, Justin Herbert, Trevor Lawrence, Deshaun Watson, and Tua Tagovailoa?”

The other new difficult task Jones pointed out is the difference in divisional strength.

“After generally rolling through the NFC North annually, Rodgers will learn that winning a first-round AFC playoff game will be much more challenging — and that’s if Rodgers and the Jets even get out of the AFC East, where the Bills, Patriots, and Dolphins all boast tough defenses.”

Since 2011 the Packers have won 8 of the last 12 NFC North crowns. That guaranteed a home playoff game and in theory a favorable position in the postseason bracket.

However, that’ll prove much more difficult in his new location in New York.

The Jets have only won the AFC East once (2002) over the last 24 years. Over that same span of time, every other member of the division has won the crown at least twice.

Jets Crowned as Top Offseason Winner

In the same breath that Jones called Rodgers the NFL’s biggest loser, he crowned the Jets as the league’s top winner.

“Robert Saleh and company went from a gravely concerning quarterback situation to landing a future Hall of Famer at the position who now makes them must-see TV,” Jones said. “The Jets are all-in on their quest for a Super Bowl after their trade with the Green Bay Packers for Aaron Rodgers and the NFL has scheduled them for five prime-time contests plus the inaugural Black Friday game this fall.”

The AFC path appears more difficult on paper and the Jets own the NFL’s longest active playoff drought. However, New York has never had a quarterback of Rodgers’ capabilities so it’s difficult to judge its star-crossed history.

Last season the Jets won seven games in spite of its quarterback play. Instead Gang Green relied on the No. 4 overall defense in the league and a complement of young players on both sides of the ball.

The Jets retained the majority of its core roster this offseason and just added Rodgers. That has dramatically increased expectations and put New York immediately into the title conversation.

Rodgers didn’t move the Packers to the AFC, he joined a brand new team that has different strengths and weaknesses.

Consider this, Eric Edholm of NFL.com ranked the top-10 most complete rosters in the league back on May 22. The Jets were listed at No. 8.

The Packers weren’t featured on the top-10 list nor did they make the honorable mention section at the bottom of the article that featured an additional four teams.

The NFL Madden franchise’s newest video game will launch worldwide on August 18, 2023.

However, they might have a few things to fix before we get there.

New York Jets cornerback DJ Reed got a sneak peek at the video game version of himself and he wasn’t pleased.

“lol this ain’t me @EAMaddenNFL fix this”, he tweeted on June 23.

Reed then provided Madden some very detailed tips on how they can fix his character in the popular video game franchise.

“Let me help y’all out Madden: I have dimples, my eyes are more almond shape, I don’t have a cut in my eyebrow, & let me know what else y’all need [inserting a pair of laughing crying emojis], get me right.!”

Reed Might Already Be One of the Best Jets Free Agents of All Time

The 26-year-old signed a three-year deal with the Jets for $33 million on March 27 of 2022.

Reed said he felt “disrespected” by his old team’s contract offer in free agency. He was honest saying he wanted to stay with the Seattle Seahawks but it didn’t work out so he joined New York.

Reed talked a big game at his introductory press conference.

He said it’s “obvious” that he is a CB1 and he said his stats compare favorably to some of the best in the game.

Reed didn’t just talk the talk, he also walked the walk in 2022.

The Kansas State product started in all 17 games and delivered a career campaign. He registered one interception, 12 pass deflections, and a forced fumble.

Reed got a 77.5 coverage grade in 2022 from PFF and Dalton Wasserman ranked him among the “biggest free agent bargains” from 2022.

Beyond his on-field contributions, Reed might have delivered for the Jets at a higher clip off of the field.

Sauce Gardner admitted to Jets team reporter Caroline Hendershot that he probably would have been just an “average rookie” without the guidance of Reed throughout the season.

Sauce ended up winning the Defensive Rookie of the Year award and ascended to the top of the cornerback rankings in the NFL.

Reed Wasn’t the Only Jet Who Had Issues With Madden

Madden doesn’t come out for a few months, but typically the franchise “has released a closed beta” version of the game early so fans can test “out the new product”, per Chris Studley of Dexerto.

That allowed Twitter user J. Gray to take a look at several Jets players in the video game franchise.

Veteran tight end CJ Uzomah is among the worst. The video game version looks nothing like the real one and social media let the Madden franchise have it.

“AINT NO F***** WAY [laughing crying emoji] @EAMaddenNFL fire your designers.”

Another Twitter user bluntly said, “this is honestly the worst one I have ever seen. @cj_uzomah did you refuse to let them use your likeness?”

According to Twitter user J. Gray who revealed all of the Jets players on social media, all of these face scans are from 2023. Apparently, Madden doesn’t update those in the closed beta version of the game.

However, that is no excuse for these player scans to be this off. The facial structures and flaws of these video game characters aren’t consistent with what they actually look like and that hasn’t changed from 2022 to 2023.

When asked about veteran free agent running back Dalvin Cook, New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh didn’t say no.

During the June 9 press conference, Saleh told reporters that “we’ll turn the stones over on that one.” This was considered somewhat significant at the time, being that the Jets HC totally shut down the idea of signing wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins after a similar question on May 31.

Since then, rumors and speculation have swirled surrounding Cook to the Jets, featuring betting odds and some flirtatious activity on social media. Having said all of that, is Cook a worthwhile addition for Gang Green?

The answer could depend on cost, although Jets X-Factor film expert Michael Nania has been notably outspoken against the veteran signing. “NY Jets fans are overlooking the harsh reality about Dalvin Cook,” Nania headlined a recent article on June 22, in which he broke down all the analytics on the former star running back’s performance over the past couple of years.

His argument — backed by a ton of statistical evidence — is certainly worth taking a look at.

Jets Film Expert Warns Against Dalvin Cook Signing

Nania’s warning stemmed from several areas of diminished play:

• Rushing efficiency in 2022 — namely expected points added (EPA) per rush, defense-adjusted value over average (DVOA) and rush success rate.
• Cook’s age (28 in August) and its correspondence in his declining performance.
• His 1.29% fumble rate per touch since 2019 (sixth-worst out of 31 running backs with a minimum of 500 touches over that span).
• His 19 dropped passes since 2019 and 10.1% career drop rate.
• His bad pass protection numbers and receiving metrics.
• And his durability concerns (2022 was his first full NFL season of his career).

The first bullet point was probably the most key, although the entire article is very informative.

“Over the past two years, Cook has shown significant signs of decline even if his box-score stats still looked impressive on the surface,” Nania explained while discussing his recent efficiency as a rusher. “The 2022 season saw Cook rank near the bottom of the league in most of the important analytics for running backs.”

Nania acknowledged that Cook registered 1,173 rushing yards and eight touchdowns last year while also noting that he should have done far better based on the analytics.

“Here are some of Cook’s rankings in 2022 among 42 running backs with at least 100 carries, according to NFL Next Gen Stats and Football Outsiders,” Nania relayed. “EPA (Expected Points Added) per rush: -0.20 (39th). DVOA: -10.8% (36th). Rush success rate: 48% (33rd).”

“Metrics like EPA and DVOA are far more accurate than raw yardage when it comes to measuring a player’s impact on his team’s chances of winning the game,” he went on. “The disparity between Cook’s yardage totals and his EPA/DVOA rankings suggests he recorded a lot of empty yardage and was not nearly as helpful to his team as his raw counting stats might suggest.”

Nania also detailed the Minnesota Vikings offensive line’s running blocking grades, which ranked third according to Pro Football Focus during the 2022 regular season. In short, Cook has benefited from his surroundings the last year or two while struggling mightily in several areas.

Michael Nania’s Conclusion on the Jets’ Pursuit of Dalvin Cook

Again, Nania goes into far more detail on every topic listed above, but each point branches back to one overarching theme — Cook is not the playmaker he used to be.

The Jets X-Factor film analyst concluded that “the Jets need to avoid being enamored by the shiny object” in the case of Cook, reasoning:

“If you weed out the noise and focus on who Cook really is as a football player at this stage of his career, I just don’t see how he makes the Jets a better team. The Jets should stay the course with their young running backs. Every player in the Jets’ backfield is on the upward side of the running back career arc and [Joe] Douglas should keep it that way. Rely on runners whose best days are ahead of them, not behind.”

Over the course of his career as the Jets general manager, Douglas has definitely followed Nania’s philosophy. Not only did he release the excessively overpriced Le’Veon Bell — a Mike Maccagnan signing — the first chance he got, but he’s also drafted a new half-back in every offseason rather than pursue veteran starters in NFL free agency.

The Jets current RB room is made up of Breece Hall, Michael Carter, Zonovan Knight, 2023 draft pick Israel Abanikanda and rookie UDFA Travis Dye — all under the age of 25.

A Cook signing would deviate from that strategy in a major way. During “The Rich Eisen Show” on June 8, NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported that the former four-time Pro Bowler “is not coming in [to an organization] for $4-5 million,” hinting that his preferred price tag could be much higher.

Free agent NFL running back Dalvin Cook followed the Owner of the New York Jets this week on Twitter.

It didn’t take long for Woody Johnson to return the favor with a follow of his own on the bird app.

Jets Social Media Speculates on Cook-Johnson Twitter Activity

Johnson has over 64,800 thousand followers on his Twitter account, but he only follows 74 people on the planet.

The Jet Press pointed that out and also revealed that his most recent follow is Cook.

Jets content creator Matt O’Leary did a video on YouTube where he openly asked if Johnson’s social media is “hinting at a Dalvin Cook signing?”

Cook’s most recent like on Twitter was a Johnson tweet where he reminisced about Pro Football Hall of Fame running back LaDainian Tomlinson being in New York.

LT at 31 years of age joined a Jets team hoping to win a world championship in 2010. Could Cook be hoping for a similar career path?

Another recent like by Cook on Twitter was regarding a report from ESPN NFL Insider Dianna Russini. She said on NFL Live that the Jets have been “doing their homework” on the talented running back in free agency.

The Jets aren’t the only team that Cook has been interacting with on social media.

If you scour his likes on Twitter you’ll find plenty of connections to the Miami Dolphins. Ultimately this could become an AFC East arms race between Miami and New York.

The last competition of significant note between these squads was for the services of wide receiver Tyreek Hill in 2022.

Cook Reveals Some Interesting Details in New Interview

During a new interview this week on SiriusXM NFL Radio, Cook name-dropped both the Dolphins and Jets as possible destinations he could land with this offseason.

“You know, a lot of people got me pegged going back home [to the Dolphins],” Cook said via Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk on June 22. “A lot of people got me going to the Jets. It’s all over the place right now, but what’s gonna be important for me is just going to that right situation and helping somebody turn the page.

I want to go and be the piece that can just help somebody win and get over the hump and whatever that situation comes with, if it comes with me taking less reps, but me being in the perfect situation to hold up that trophy, I don’t mind. I just wanna go somewhere I can just get the ball and just help somebody win, and turn the next page.”

This is the first time that Cook has admitted publically that he would be willing to take fewer reps in the right situation.

The Jets have the necessary cap space to give a competitive offer to the former Florida State product. However, the potential issue could be the presence of Breece Hall. He is recovering from a torn ACL but eventually will be healthy.

Would Cook be willing to share the rock with someone else? Apparently, the answer to that question is yes and that won’t be a hindrance in a potential pairing with the Jets.

New York Jets quarterback Zach Wilson was issued some extra homework this offseason.

Offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett revealed the hilarious details during a conversation with NFL Insider Peter Schrager.

“We [a bunch of Jets coaches and Aaron Rodgers] had a little barbeque and we had this long conversation going through this whole process of movies,” Hackett explained on “The Season with Peter Schrager.”

“We’ve got Zach Wilson [and] Tim Boyle and they’re like what movies are those? You should have seen the list that we built for their summer… you know how there used to be a summer reading program? We created a summer movie list. So we ended up setting it up by genre. I mean there were so many things that they hadn’t seen.

The movies that like blew my mind, I mean it was funny because my son was there [15 years old] and he had never seen “The Terminator.” They looked at me and they’re like Arnold Schwarzenegger? What has he been in? Because they look at him and he was the governor of California. You forget these guys are so young. Oh my gosh, we need a major education.”

Rodgers and Wilson Getting Along Great in Jets QB Room

“I mean Shawshank Redemption? There were so many different things that we were like okay we have to make sure that we get all these things down and the guys had seen a couple of them,” Hackett said on the program. “We kind of went a little overboard but we figured it could last longer than the summer.”

Schrager jumped in and added, “I’m laughing because I’m picturing you’ve got like Zach Wilson who is 22. Chris Streveler who has been all over the world playing football. You’ve got this great room and then there’s Rodgers calm in the corner just probably throwing out [movie] titles.”

At the end of the 2022 season Jets head coach Robert Saleh advised his young passer to get away from football this offseason.

“Sit on a beach, read a book and reset” Saleh said via Brian Costello of the New York Post.

When the former No. 2 overall pick spoke to the media on June 9 for the first time since the season ended, Wilson seemed like a different man.

Zack Rosenblatt of The Athletic told me on “The Boy Green Show” that it felt like the pressure and spotlight of his position had been lifted and he seemed looser.

Wilson Enjoying His Break From the Jets

In between learning the new offensive playbook and watching movie homework Wilson has been enjoying some nice R&R this offseason.

Nicolette Dellanno, Wilson’s girlfriend, shared photos on her Instagram on Thursday, June 23 that she was enjoying a vacation in the Bahamas with her man.

Saleh canceled the team’s scheduled three-day mandatory minicamp providing a 40-day break for his players ahead of training camp in the middle of July.

Wilson has been crowned the No. 2 quarterback behind Rodgers. Rosenblatt told me on “The Boy Green Show” that the only way that changes is if Wilson totally imploded during camp forcing the Jets to add another body to the room.

It’s easy to forget that Bryce Hall was an unquestioned starter for the New York Jets at the cornerback position heading into the 2021 season — after seven starts as a rookie.

Taking that one step further, Hall appeared to be a rising star on an otherwise lackluster roster in 2020. Now the Jets have Sauce Gardner and D.J. Reed Jr., along with Michael Carter II and Brandin Echols. Just like that, Hall became an afterthought three years into his NFL career.

Entering year four, the Virginia product could be hard-pressed to make the Week 1 roster, and that’s no exaggeration. With more infrequent reps, Hall’s performance has suffered, dropping him to fifth on a depth chart that includes special teams captain Justin Hardee — who will most likely steal a roster spot from an extra CB.

That leaves little room for error if you’re Hall, who already profiles as a 2023 cut candidate due to his increased cap hit during the final year of his rookie contract — a $2.822 million hit according to Over the Cap. Of course, the NFL’s decision to suspend Echols for Week 1 could help save his job, being that he won’t count as a member of the official 53 for the opener.

Brandin Echols Suspension Could Sway Jets to Keep Bryce Hall in 2023

The Jets held onto Echols and Hall in 2022 despite replacing both over the offseason. This gave them elite depth at cornerback, turning a major weakness into one of the greatest strengths on the roster — if not the greatest.

Considering the surge in salary and cap hit, as well as the overall abundance of talent on the 2023 roster, many thought Hall’s days were numbered this summer. The Athletic’s Zack Rosenblatt cautioned against this narrative during a 90-man roster breakdown on June 20, however, noting that “Echols’ suspension helps [Hall’s] chances of making the team.”

Rosenblatt added that the once-promising draft pick is still “fighting for a roster spot” though, with new competition in undrafted rookie Derrick Langford and déjà vu in the form of an NYJ reunion with versatile speedster Javelin Guidry.

2023 draft pick Jarrick Bernard-Converse is also in the mix. The LSU cornerback is expected to focus on free safety and nickel at the NFL level, although he did play outside CB in college.

Finally, veteran role players Craig James and Jimmy Moreland close out the room as we look ahead to training camp.

It’s true, whoever makes the roster in place of Echols could theoretically be released upon his return, but you never know what’s going to happen once a player makes the initial 53-man roster. An injury could free up a spot, or perhaps the front office decides to subtract from another area that’s stronger than expected. Sometimes, surviving one week is all it takes.

Jets Unlikely to Cut Brandin Echols After Suspension

Of course, it has been floated that the Jets organization could just cut Echols after his off-the-field incident, but that feels very unlikely at this time.

Rosenblatt called the 2021 draft pick “a high-end backup,” voicing that he’ll “stick around when that [one-week suspension] is over.”

The NYJ beat reporter had far less to say about the other options. “[Guidry] brings depth primarily as a nickel corner and on special teams,” Rosenblatt wrote, while simply calling Langford “a UDFA in a crowded room.” Not exactly a strong vote of confidence.

James and Moreland were labeled as likely practice squad candidates once again.

Rosenblatt isn’t general manager Joe Douglas or head coach Robert Saleh, to be clear, but he is a reliable team insider that doesn’t appear even slightly concerned about Echols’ status with the team. A one game suspension is manageable, but it should be noted that the absence comes against a key division rival in the Buffalo Bills.

That feeds into the narrative that Hall will have a place on the Week 1 roster. After all, if Gardner or Reed were to get injured, do you really want Guidry or a rookie going up against Stefon Diggs and Gabriel Davis in Week 1?

The upcoming 2023 season is perhaps the most anticipated in the history of the New York Jets franchise.

That sort of thing can transpire when you trade for Aaron Rodgers, a future member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Ahead of this epically hyped-up campaign, we decided to predict every single contest.

Full Jets 2023 Schedule Prediction

Managing editor for Heavy.com Ben Doody and Jets digital reporter Paul ‘Boy Green’ Esden Jr went back and forth during a video segment going game by game through the whole Gang Green schedule.

Boy Green:

Week 1 vs Buffalo Bills (Monday Night Football): win

Week 2 at Dallas Cowboys: win

Week 3 vs New England Patriots: a blowout win

Week 4 vs Kansas City Chiefs (Sunday Night Football): loss

Week 5 at Denver Broncos: loss

Week 6 vs Philadelphia Eagles: win

Week 7 BYE WEEK

Week 8 at New York Giants: win

Week 9 vs Los Angeles Chargers (Monday Night Football): win

Week 10 at Las Vegas Raiders (Sunday Night Football): win

Week 11 at Buffalo Bills: loss

Week 12 vs Miami Dolphins (Black Friday Game): win

Week 13 vs Atlanta Falcons: win

Week 14 vs Houston Texans: win

Week 15 at Miami Dolphins: loss

Week 16 vs Washington Commanders: win

Week 17 at Cleveland Browns (Thursday Night Football): loss

Week 18 at New England Patriots: win

Final record for Jets in 2023: 12-5

Ben Doody:

Week 1 vs Buffalo Bills (Monday Night Football): win

Week 2 at Dallas Cowboys: win

Week 3 vs New England Patriots: shellacking win

Week 4 vs Kansas City Chiefs (Sunday Night Football): loss

Week 5 at Denver Broncos: win

Week 6 vs Philadelphia Eagles: loss

Week 7 BYE WEEK

Week 8 at New York Giants: win

Week 9 vs Los Angeles Chargers (Monday Night Football): win

Week 10 at Las Vegas Raiders (Sunday Night Football): win

Week 11 at Buffalo Bills: blowout loss

Week 12 vs Miami Dolphins (Black Friday Game): win

Week 13 vs Atlanta Falcons: win

Week 14 vs Houston Texans: win

Week 15 at Miami Dolphins: loss

Week 16 vs Washington Commanders: win

Week 17 at Cleveland Browns (Thursday Night Football): loss

Week 18 at New England Patriots: win

Final record for Jets in 2023: 12-5

Jersey Giveaway, Jets Prize Pack Schedule Prediction Contest

Now you’ve read and heard what we think is going to transpire this season for the Jets in 2023, but what do you think?

Dive into our comment section below on this article and share your game-by-game predictions for the Jets’ schedule. We’re doing an epic contest to see who really has a crystal ball.

If you end up predicting the correct record that the Jets end up with this season you’ll be entered into a raffle to win a massive Heavy on Jets prize package with some amazing gifts including a Gang Green jersey of your choice.

However, if you end up with the correct record and correct path (picking exactly which games the Jets end up winning and losing) you will win the whole thing on the spot and no raffle will be necessary.

For your entry to count the full game by game Jets 2023 prediction must happen in our comment section below. Good luck!

The New York Jets’ fears were realized this week.

Adam Schefter of ESPN shared on Twitter that “further testing confirmed” that veteran safety Chuck Clark suffered a “season-ending torn ACL during practice earlier this month.”

Gang Green initially feared that was the injury, but Clark and the team sought additional medical opinions to confirm.

Jets Will Have to Move on With Its Safety Room in 2023

Gang Green acquired Clark in a trade with the Baltimore Ravens on March 15. The Jets sent a 2024 seventh-round pick in exchange for the veteran defensive back.

He was projected to start alongside fellow veteran Jordan Whitehead at the two safety spots. However, this injury news will prevent that from transpiring in 2023.

Prior to this announcement from Schefter on Thursday, June 22, Zack Rosenblatt of The Athletic provided a spark of hope.

On “The Can’t-Wait Podcast” on June 14, Rosenblatt said if the Jets made a playoff run there is the potential that Clark could possibly return to the field for the Jets. It’s unclear if that remains the case after this injury news.

“According to a 2019 study published in the National Library of Medicine, the average time between ACL tear and return to play among NFL players was almost 50 weeks.”

However, there have been cases where players have been able to return to the gridiron sooner than that projected timeline.

For instance, former Clemson Tigers wide receiver Amari Rodgers tore his ACL on March 25, 2019, and was able to return in “less than six months”, according to Bill Huber of Packer Central.

The more than likely story is Clark is out for the 2023 season and he will be a full-go for 2024 if everything goes right.

The former Virginia Tech product is entering the last year of his $15.3 million contract in 2023. He is set to be an unrestricted free agent in 2024.

Adrian Amos Has a Lot to Live up to for Jets

Clark never got a chance to play a down for the Jets in 2023 due to his offseason injury. Despite that, expectations were high for the veteran coming in.

The former Ravens’ safety was on a 1,248 consecutive snap streak spanning across two-plus NFL seasons. In his six-year career, Clark appeared in 94 out of 96 possible games. He was expected to bring that experience and reliability to the Jets.

Now that task falls at the feet of Adrian Amos who was signed to a one-year deal with a maximum value of $4 million.

The initial belief was Amos would join a talented safety room that featured Whitehead and Clark to provide invaluable depth. However, the thought process completely changed when the Clark injury news was revealed just a few hours later.

Amos was now set to replace Clark, not join him in the secondary.

Amos is coming off a down year with the Green Bay Packers. There were significant drop-offs in nearly every major category according to Pro Football Focus from 2021 to 2022.

2022 PFF Grades

• 53.4 overall
• 69.7 run defense
• 60.7 pass rush
• 45.6 coverage

2021 PFF Grades

• 74.7 overall
• 77.2 run defense
• 60.9 pass rush
• 74.1 coverage

Is that a player at 30 years of age who is falling off of a cliff? Or is that a player who just had an off-year? The Jets are certainly hoping and betting that it’s the latter.

The New York Jets might not be done adding star talent to its roster ahead of 2023.

Gary Davenport of Bleacher Report evaluated the top potential trade packages for Minnesota Vikings pass rusher, Danielle Hunter. One of the teams that cracked the list was the green and white.

New York Jets receive: defensive lineman Danielle Hunter

Minneosta Vikings receive: a 2024 third-round pick, a 2024 fourth-round pick, and a 2025 fifth-round pick

Jets Willing to Be Aggressive to Win a Super Bowl in 2023

Davenport described the Jets as an “aggressive” team this offseason.

“The acquisition of Aaron Rodgers indicates that they are tired of being a tomato can. This is a team that wants to compete in the AFC in 2023,” he said in an article posted on Tuesday, June 13.

Dianna Russini of ESPN told “Get Up” host Mike Greenberg on Wednesday, June 21 that the Jets will “explore everything, that’s the point they’re at, they’re all in.”

Due to the acquisition of Rodgers this offseason by the Jets, they don’t have their top draft picks to utilize in 2024.

New York sent a conditional 2024 second-rounder that could become a first-rounder to the Green Bay Packers if A-Rod plays 65 percent of the offensive snaps. That means both of those picks are considered frozen assets and can’t be used in any other trades.

This means if the Jets want to pull off any big-time trades this offseason they’ll have to get creative like they did in this proposed deal with the Vikings.

Hunter Could Provide the Jets With a Higher Ceiling Pass Rusher

Zack Rosenblatt of The Athletic confirmed on Tuesday, June 20 that the Jets have received trade calls regarding defensive lineman Bryce Huff.

He was a healthy scratch for the first three games of the 2022 season in part because of his physical limitations. Huff stands at 6-foot-3 and weighs 255 pounds. He has struggled against the run and registered a 64.9 run defense grade last year.

On the other side of the coin, Hunter is taller at 6-foot-5 and slightly heavier at 263 pounds. The former LSU product also fared better against the run per PFF (73.7 grade).

Although the true reason the Jets would be bringing Hunter in is to go hunt opposing quarterbacks.

In his seven seasons in the pros, Hunter has recorded 71 sacks, seven forced fumbles, and over 112 quarterback hits.

The moment he arrives at the Jets’ facilities he would instantly become the most decorated pass rusher on the roster and the best one they’ve had in quite some time.

He is entering the final year of his $72 million contract and is set to be an unrestricted free agent in 2024. If the Jets decided to make a deal they’d have to make a decision.

They could let Hunter play out the final year of his deal in 2023 and decide next offseason. Gang Green would hold the franchise tag in its back pocket as a potential last resort tool to prevent the big man from hitting the open market.

Or they could simply extend him as part of the language of a trade. However, that could potentially ruffle some feathers with homegrown talent Quinnen Williams who is seeking his own long-term deal this offseason.

It will be complicated to figure out the contract situation, but the benefits outweigh the risks. Hunter’s presence would open up more things for Willaims and vice-versa. If the Jets are hellbent on making a Super Bowl run, the acquisition of Hunter could bring them one step closer.

Long-time NFL linebacker Alec Ogletree — who spent a portion of the 2020 season with the New York Jets — has decided to call it a career.

“And just like that it’s a wrap,” Ogletree began in an Instagram post. “Thank you @nfl @rams @nygiants @nyjets @chicagobears for allowing me to play 9 unforgettable years in the league!!!”

“Thank you to all my teammates that I got a chance to play with and know over the years!!” The former linebacker continued. “Thank you to my wife @alexogletree03.14 for being there to support, pick me up, help, correct, whatever the case may be…lol there are many things I could say about you and how blessed I am to have you in my life but I appreciate your love for me and our family!!! Thank you to my parents for pushing me to be all I can be and supporting me through it all!!!Most of all I want thank God Almighty, Jesus , & the Holy Spirit for being with me every step of the way.”

“If you know me then you know me and if you don’t know me I hope one day we get a chance to know each other a little bit better,” the announcement concluded. “I love y’all and thank you again for supporting me over the years!!!”

Alec Ogletree Was Former First-Round Pick With Rams, Spent Time With Giants, Jets & Bears

The St. Louis Rams selected Ogletree with the 30th overall pick in 2013. He had his best moments with his first organization, splitting time between St. Louis and Los Angeles after the franchise changed locations.

Over those five seasons, Ogletree logged 503 total tackles (31 for a loss) with 5.5 sacks, 12 forced fumbles, six interceptions, 43 passes defended and two touchdowns. He was also voted a team captain with the Rams, starting 67 games.

From there, Ogletree went to the cross-town rival New York Giants for two years, racking up another 173 total tackles (10 for a loss) over 26 starts. He added two more sacks with Big Blue, as well as six more interceptions, 14 more passes defended and two more touchdowns.

As is the case with most linebackers, Ogletree’s body started to break down on him as his career went along. He latched on with the Jets in 2020 after an injury to starter Avery Williamson, but he didn’t appear to have much left in the tank, registering three tackles for a loss over two appearances.

After being released by the Jets, Ogletree ended his career with the Chicago Bears in 2021 and was able to finish on a high note, starting 16 games for the first time since 2016. He did not suit up in 2022, and now it appears he’s decided to close the door on an NFL return.

Jets Could Deploy 4-Man LB Unit in 2023

The Jets surprised some when they opened the season with four linebackers in 2022. Those players were C.J. Mosley, Quincy Williams, Kwon Alexander and Jamien Sherwood.

It could be a similar look in 2023 — except substitute Alexander for rookie sixth rounder Zaire Barnes.

Of course, Alexander could still re-sign late in free agency or the Jets could decide to keep an extra body with special teams ability, like one of their new UDFAs (Caleb Johnson, Claudin Cherelus, Maalik Hall) or former 2021 draft pick Hamsah Nasirildeen — who was initially cut a year ago, returning on the practice squad.

Having said that, it could very well just be the four LBs considering the Jets defense under head coach Robert Saleh and defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich plays some variation of nickel formation a majority of the time. Sherwood has already received a vote of confidence as the potential Alexander replacement at SAM (strongside linebacker), while also learning the MIKE (middle LB) responsibilities behind Mosley.

That leaves Barnes as the likely fourth man, a developmental prospect and special teamer that can also spell Williams at WILL (weakside LB).

“What they’ve gotten in Barnes (6-1, 227) is a jack of all trades and a master of many,” team reporter Randy Lange scouted in April. “For starters, he played safety in Illinois high school and when he started out his college carer at WMU before shifting to LB — a transition that Jets head coach Robert Saleh and defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich are known to favor.”

A brand new addition for the New York Jets has continued to put in work even on his break away from the team.

Allen Lazard decided to go back to college this week despite not having any remaining collegiate eligibility.

The former Iowa State product was featured in four photos working out at the gym. These still shots provided a look at the big man’s jacked physique heading into his first year with Gang Green.

Lazard signed a four-year deal for $44 million during free agency. The contract featured $22 million guaranteed at signing.

Lazard Is Making an Impression During Jets Practice

Zack Rosenblatt of The Athletic said Lazard isn’t a “freak athlete or particularly fast” based on what he has seen during media practice sessions.

While he isn’t standing out “like Garrett Wilson“, Rosenblatt believes he has brought a level of consistency to the wide-receiving group.

“He fairly consistently brings in deep passes when targeted,” Rosenblatt said.

Lazard isn’t coming to the Jets to fill a void as a No. 1 wide receiver. He is plugging in as a second or third option in the passing attack.

In five seasons with the Green Bay Packers, Lazard hasn’t wowed anyone with his statistical production but he has provided a nice floor. Lazard has caught 169 receptions for 2,236 receiving yards and has hauled in 20 touchdowns in his career.

Although the 6-foot-5, 227-pound wideout hasn’t had an individual season with more than 61 catches or 789 receiving yards.

Lazard Brings a Lot of Benefits to Jets Receiver Room on and off the Field

The former Iowa State product may be a very rich man now at 27 years of age, but it wasn’t always like that.

Lazard originally entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent back in 2018. Following that draft, he signed a deal with the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Four months later he was cut after not making the final 53-man roster. Lazard did receive a spot on the team’s practice squad. Not as glorious but better than being unemployed.

3.5 months later the Packers stole him off of the Jaguars practice squad and the rest is history.

There is a small percentage of players who make it in the NFL. There is an even smaller percentage of players who make it into the league as undrafted free agents. That is a compelling rags-to-riches story that Lazard can and has shared with the Jets wide receiver room.

Beyond inspirational pep speeches, Lazard was also brought in to help teach the Nathaniel Hackett offense to his teammates.

Hackett has been with Lazard for essentially his entire NFL career to date starting in Jacksonville to Green Bay to New York. The veteran’s experience in the system should help accelerate the learning process for some of his teammates in the room.

The last and final connective tissue worth mentioning is Lazard’s relationship with superstar quarterback Aaron Rodgers.

A-Rod called him a “f****** great dude” when describing him during an appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show” back on March 15.

Rodgers is attempting to build chemistry with a ton of his new teammates but there is no replicating the years of working together with Lazard. That should be an invaluable resource in situational football opportunities for the Jets in 2023.

The New York Jets could get two for the price of one.

Free agent running back Dalvin Cook revealed on “The Adam Schefter Podcast” that it would be “something epic for the NFL” if he and fellow free agent DeAndre Hopkins ended up “on the same roster.”

The Minnesota Vikings released Cook on June 9 and the Arizona Cardinals cut D-Hop on May 26. Both players are free to sign with any NFL team of their choosing at any time.

Cook’s Social Media Activity Causes Stir on Jets Twitter

On Monday, June 19 Cook had a very interesting like on his Twitter page.

Pat McAfee tweeted out a 3:54-minute video talking about all of the energy that is currently in the Jets building. Cook liked the video and social media was set ablaze. McAfee himself retweeted my screenshot of Cook’s social media activity to his 2.8 million followers on Twitter.

On Tuesday, June 20 Zack Rosenblatt of The Athletic confirmed that the Jets are “exploring the possibility of signing” the suddenly available running back to a contract.

When head coach Robert Saleh was asked about the team’s potential interest in Cook on June 9 he said, “Obviously we’ll turn the stones over on that one.”

Cook when discussing what he is looking for in his next team on “The Adam Schefter Podcast” said, “I just want to go contend for a Super Bowl right now.”

The Jets have the seventh-best odds at +1600 to win the Super Bowl, according to Bet MGM.

Cook is seeking a “significant contract” on the open market according to NFL Network Insider Tom Pelissero. That is something the Jets could afford however there might be a reality where Cook takes less money to have a better chance at a Lombardi.

NFL Media Personality Connects Hopkins to Jets

Longtime NFL media personality Charles Davis was recently going through some potential destinations for Hopkins in the latter stages of free agency.

At the end of the segment, he wanted to throw one more possible team in the mix to his co-host Paul Burmeister.

“The last one I’m going to throw at you Paul, this is one I’ve just been thinking about. I just wonder if Joe Douglas, the GM of the Jets, is done yet,” Davis wondered about on “The 33rd Team.”

Davis said he has heard the stories about Aaron Rodgers “not wanting to work with a ton of young receivers” and suggested Hopkins could be the solution.

“DeAndre Hopkins doesn’t qualify as young but he qualifies as Hall of Fame. I think Aaron would like that a lot because if you’re the Jets you still gotta get through Buffalo, Miami, [and] New England. The more weapons you have for that quarterback in this short amount of time the better,” Davis explained during the video segment.

“So I just wonder if Joe Douglas who has not been afraid of making a deal, might be one of those off-the-radar teams that we haven’t talked about yet.”

When Saleh was asked essentially the same question about the team’s potential interest in Hopkins he seemed to shoot it down saying “Nah” we love our current group.

However, it is important to note he also said he loved his running back room at the NFL’s owner meetings and now the team is investigating Cook in free agency.

The moral of the story is you can never trust what coaches say at press conferences.

So there might be a chance that the Jets walk away with both Cook and Hopkins this offseason. Gang Green has the fifth most cap space in the NFL with $23 million, per Over The Cap.

Yesterday on June 19, a photograph of New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers began making the rounds on social media.

It was originally shared by Proactive Sports Performance on Instagram, but it wasn’t long before it was trending on Twitter and other platforms. “When two MVPs walk into the gym…. #WhatAreYouCapableOf,” the post read, with Rodgers and four-time NBA scoring champ and former MVP Kevin Durant locking hands.

Although the pair of sports legends were pictured inside Durant’s arena, both appeared to be working out, or having just finished a training session. The original photo has over 3,700 likes in just about 24 hours.

The Pat McAfee Show Dissects the Aaron Rodgers, Kevin Durant Photo With the Help of an Insider

The following afternoon on June 20, the very popular Pat McAfee Show caught wind of Rodgers’ photo with “KD.” With the help of ex-Green Bay Packers teammate A.J. Hawk, they discussed the viral “hang” between the two superstar athletes.

“Have they always been buds?” McAfee questioned after bringing up the story. “Seems like a great relationship possibility with the limited we know about Kevin Durant.”

“Business savvy, dog, doesn’t mind the social media stuff, reads into things, smokes, does all that,” McAfee went on, adding: “Feels like him and Aaron would be f******, like, best friends potentially.”

That’s where McAfee brought in Hawk, his co-host and Rodgers aficionado.

“I don’t know if he had a previous relationship with KD,” Hawk responded, “I know this is where [Rodgers] always works out in the offseason up there, so has KD always been there? I’m not sure.”

McAfee agreed with the tail-end of Hawk’s point, noting that Rodgers has also been pictured at Proactive Sports Performance training facility with Packers left tackle David Bakhtiari in years past, as well as Jets WR Allen Lazard earlier this spring.

“That workout place seems to be fantastic,” McAfee concluded, adding that he’d “love to be a fly on the wall” of any conversation between Rodgers and Durant.

On their website, Proactive Sports Performance features several star athletes and celebrities, including Rodgers, Dallas Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons, Buffalo Bills pass rusher Von Miller, NBA stars Paul George and Karl-Anthony Towns, tennis champ Naomi Osaka, actor John David Washington, New York Knicks youngster Obi Toppin and more. The 18,000-square foot training facility is located in Westlake Village, California, and was founded by Ryan Capretta.

New Yorkers Will Hope Jets Landing Aaron Rodgers Turns Out Better Than Nets Pursuit of Kevin Durant

Of course, Rodgers and Durant have something else in common. The latter was one of the recent big-name superstars to come to New York in the hopes of bringing a championship to one of the more famous cities on the planet.

Unfortunately, KD failed to do so with the Brooklyn Nets and has since been traded to the Phoenix Suns. Now it’s Rodgers turn with the Jets.

Durant did help his team win a playoff series in Brooklyn but considering the expectations, that wasn’t enough of a return on investment.

Rodgers will have to satisfy the same high hopes of Jets fans. His acquisition isn’t about ending the playoff drought in 2023, or even winning the division for the first time since 2002, it’s about getting to the Super Bowl — and potentially — hoisting the Lombardi Trophy for just the second time in the franchise’s long and painful history.

If Rodgers can do that, he won’t just be a Jets legend, he’ll be an all-time New York athlete too.

The NFL operates on a short-term memory — an unfortunate reality for most players.

The perfect example of this harsh truth might occur for New York Jets second-year running back Zonovan “Bam” Knight in 2023. According to NYJ beat reporter Zack Rosenblatt of The Athletic on June 20, the popular 2022 UDFA breakout “was banged up in OTAs and didn’t really practice.”

Knight also finished his rookie campaign with a four-game slump after three standout performances from Week 12 through 14. In Week 15, the N.C. State product averaged just 1.77 yards per carry, followed by negative yardage in Week 16 and two more lackluster outings to end the year (high of 3.38 yards per carry over the final four weeks).

Now, part of this drop-off was likely due to an injury-ravaged offensive line, but undrafted athletes don’t always get the same benefit of the doubt that others do. Rosenblatt agreed, concluding that Knight “will still be fighting for a roster spot” in 2023.

2 Rookies Pose Threat to Zonovan ‘Bam’ Knight in Training Camp

First things first, Knight has to get himself onto the field if he’s going to make the 53-man roster in year two. It’s unclear what’s been ailing him this spring, but hopefully he’s good to go at the start of training camp.

The other issue is competition. The Jets drafted Pittsburgh RB Israel Abanikanda in the fifth round this April. They also signed USC ball-carrier Travis Dye as another UDFA.

“The fifth-round pick has the explosiveness and home-run ability to make an impact right away, and I think he will,” Rosenblatt voiced regarding Abanikanda. “There wasn’t much to evaluate in OTAs — the Jets didn’t run the ball much in team drills — so the real evaluation will come in training camp.”

On Dye, the media member simply noted “some quality reps” with Knight and Breece Hall sidelined during OTAs. “He can at least fight his way onto the practice squad,” Rosenblatt added.

There’s also a former fourth-round selection in Michael Carter, who’s looking for a bounce back in year three, and Hall — the unquestioned starter, once healthy. It does help that veteran core special teamer and reserve RB Ty Johnson was released with a non-football injury.

Knight has one other factor on his side too. Hall could miss time to start the 2023 regular season if the Jets choose to ease him back from a torn ACL last October. Should that occur, they’d have to be really confident in both Abanikanda and Dye in order to cut Knight — who has already proven he can handle the bright lights of an NFL game.

That gives him the clear leg up over Dye, assuming the Jets keep four half-backs this summer.

Pre-Draft Scouting on Jets UDFA RB Travis Dye

Dye has flown under the radar in this 2023 UDFA class. After suffering a season-ending leg injury with USC last November, the Pac-12 playmaker has battled his way back in time for offseason workouts with the Jets.

The Draft Network’s Kyle Crabbs called him “super productive” with the Trojans, but added that “he likely falls into the bucket of devalued runners upon a pro transition.”

Reasoning: “Dye’s high-cut build and lack of mass will make consistently pushing piles and falling forward on contact a challenge at the next level… I did not see consistent long-speed on film, either. He’s a slasher capable of chunk gains but as foot races extend past 20-30 yards, I thought he was challenged from behind by pursuit.”

Later, he went on, stating: “Dye has not shown NFL contact balance and as a result, he’s very likely going to depend on the wins of his line up front to ensure he’s gaining yards. This isn’t a back I foresee creating a lot of extra yardage on his own.”

Crabbs did admit there’s a “third-down skill set present here,” which the Jets coaching staff saw from Dye at OTAs, mixing him in with Aaron Rodgers and Zach Wilson during the passing camp. The draft expert labeled him a “natural pass-catcher” in that regard — with some early development in pass protection as well.

“I think he has the rushing instincts to be a rostered NFL running back,” Crabbs concluded ahead of the draft, “but his lack of physical skills poses a challenge for him pushing into a significant role. He’d most likely need injuries to push him into an elevated playing position at the NFL level.”

Just to provide a second opinion, NFL Network scouting expert Lance Zierlein pegged Dye as a priority free agent, which he was.

He wrote the following for Dye’s player overview: “Instinctive runner with modest size who finds ways to squeeze the most he can out of almost every run. Dye runs with the pace, vision and change-of-direction talent to dart through run lanes and he resets his travel plans according to the flow of the defense. He’s efficient but lacked functional speed and explosiveness in his pro-day testing. Dye’s third-down value helps his chances, but he might have to fight for a spot as an undrafted free agent.”

The New York Jets have considered hitting the eject button on one of its most promising players.

Zack Rosenblatt of The Athletic shared in a column that was posted on Tuesday, June 20 that Gang Green has had multiple trade conversations about defensive lineman Bryce Huff.

“I’ve heard that teams have called the Jets about trading for Huff this offseason, though nothing has materialized,” Rosenblatt stated.

Jets Insider Predicted Huff Trade Rumors Would Occur

Earlier this offseason the Jets restructured Carl Lawson’s contract for the 2023 season.

The talented defender took a pay cut but in doing so increased the guaranteed total he would be making in the final year of his contract. That move ensured that he would be on the Jets roster this season.

Lawson became the fourth of the Jets’ top six defensive ends to have guaranteed money on their deals. He joined John Franklin-Myers, Jermaine Johnson, and Will McDonald, per Cimini.

The only two players among the top six that don’t have guaranteed money are Huff and Micheal Clemons.

Cimini said on May 18 that he “wouldn’t” be surprised if Huff “draws trade interest.”

Huff was a restricted free agent this offseason. The Jets placed a second-round tender on him.

If another NFL team had signed him to an offer sheet and Gang Green decided not to match they would have received a second-round pick in the 2023 NFL draft.

However, that never transpired and Huff ended up signing his tender. It is a one-year deal for $4.3 million, per Spotrac.

The former Memphis product is scheduled to be an unrestricted free agent next offseason in 2024.

Huff Has Been Underutilized With Jets

The Jets considering trading away a 25-year-old “elite option as a sub-package pass rusher” as Rosenblatt describes seems crazy.

However, when you consider how the team has deployed him it isn’t as crazy as you think.

Last season the Jets made Huff a healthy scratch for the first three games of the season. Each week head coach Robert Saleh was asked why he chose to bench such a talented player and he provided unsatisfactory responses that didn’t seem to explain anything.

Even when Huff did play last year he only participated in 20 percent of the defensive snaps.

In three seasons with the Jets, Huff has recorded 7.5 sacks, 22 quarterback hits, and one forced fumble. Over that time span, he has appeared in 37 games but has only made seven starts.

This offseason the Jets traded for a future member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Aaron Rodgers. When you pull off a move of that magnitude you signal to your team and the rest of the league that you’re chasing a championship.

Teams that claim they’re contenders normally aren’t in the business of trading away 25-year-old talent. What could you possibly acquire that would be better than a young pass rusher with elite traits?

Huff received a 90.4 overall and 88.0 pass rush grade from Pro Football Focus for his contributions during the 2022 season.

If the Jets traded Huff for future draft compensation that would weaken the team in 2023. If this is an all-in season, you want to add more pieces to the championship puzzle, not take them away.

So far nothing has materialized from those trade conversations, but the fact that Joe Douglas fielded the calls and didn’t immediately hang up is interesting, to say the least.

The New York Jets could get creative to fill a future spot on the roster.

Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report wrote a column investigating some potential contract extensions each team in the NFL could explore ahead of 2023. He argued that it would be “wise” for Gang Green to extend veteran defensive back, Chuck Clark.

Clark suffered what is believed to be a serious knee injury during OTAs that could keep him sidelined for the 2023 season, per Zack Rosenblatt of The Athletic.

The 28-year-old is scheduled to be an unrestricted free agent in 2024 once the 2023 season comes to an end.

Jets GM Joe Douglas Could Extend Clark This Offseason

It may seem odd on the surface for the Jets to consider extending a player who is injured and set to be a free agent next offseason.

However, the plan is so crazy it might just work as Dana Carvey once said in “The Master of Disguise.”

Clark previously said that he was content playing out the final year of his $15.3 million contract in 2023. However, he could have had a change of heart since his injury.

Clark is still seeking a second medical opinion, but things look “grim” on that front according to Rich Cimini of ESPN.

If the Jets offered a potential contract extension, Clark could secure his financial future during uncertain times.

While on the Jets’ side of things, they could get a very talented player at a potential discount. Knox also argued that it could be “easier” for the Jets to try and lock him in now instead of competing in a hotly contested free agent market in 2024.

According to Spotrac, four Jets safeties are set to become unrestricted free agents next offseason. That includes both of its projected starters Jordan Whitehead and Adrian Amos.

Clark Labeled Jets’ ‘Most Important Contract Extension Ahead of 2023’

A potential Clark-Jets extension makes sense. However, the assertion by Knox that Clark is the “most important contract extension ahead of 2023” for the Jets seems off base.

Often times the simplest answer is the correct answer.

Quinnen Williams is the most important decision left on the Jets’ itinerary this offseason ahead of training camp.

While the former first-rounder is technically still under contract through the upcoming 2023 season, he is eligible for a big-time extension right now.

Williams has skipped the entire voluntary portion of the Jets’ offseason programs. We don’t know if he would’ve skipped the team’s mandatory minicamp scheduled from June 13-15 because head coach Robert Saleh canceled it.

Zack Rosenblatt of The Athletic told me on “The Boy Green Show” that he expects Williams to be in attendance for training camp regardless of his contract situation.

The 25-year-old originally entered the NFL as the No. 3 overall pick in the first round of the 2019 NFL draft.

Three of his peers from his own draft class have already received lucrative contract extensions this offseason:

• Ed Oliver, Buffalo Bills, $68 million
• Dexter Lawrence, New York Giants, $87.5 million
• Jeffery Simmons, Tennessee Titans, $94 million

Williams could be the next in line and Saleh displayed confidence when asked on June 6 if a deal will get done ahead of camp, “it’s going to get done.”

The first day of summer is almost here, although summer break has already begun for the New York Jets franchise.

That doesn’t mean there’s nothing to talk about in Jets land, however, and Heavy on Jets’ expert writers Paul ‘Boy Green’ Esden Jr. and Michael Obermuller are back to debate the hot topic questions around the NYJ community. On June 19, we’ll focus on Chuck Clark’s injury replacement, predictions for the 2023 free agency class, a recent trade rumor, and whether or not any draft picks will get cut this summer.

But first, a look back at our most recent mailbags:

• Week 95: Mekhi Becton drama, exploring Hopkins, position changes & best Jets surprise.
• Week 96: Life after Aaron Rodgers, Quinnen Williams contract predictions & positives/negatives from OTAs.
• Week 97: OTA overreactions, minicamp canceled & who goes if Dalvin Cook joins Jets?

Jets Predictions for the 2023 Free Agency Class

1. Now that the Jets have finalized most of their key 2023 signings, if not all of them, predict the most impactful free agent pickup this spring (i.e. DJ Reed in 2022).

Boy Green:

Give me Billy Turner for $500! He has been completely overlooked and there is a strong chance he ends up being the day one starting right tackle in Week 1 versus the Buffalo Bills.

There is comfortability as a former teammate of Aaron Rodgers, and he has the scheme connections to Nathaniel Hackett both with the Denver Broncos and the Green Bay Packers.

I don’t think he’s suddenly going to become the best right tackle in football, but I think he can provide a steadying presence to an offensive line who so desperately needs it.

Obermuller:

It’s hard to match the impact of a signing like Reed, but I believe wide receiver Allen Lazard could come close for a number of reasons.

One, there’s reason to believe that he helped the Jets land Rodgers — so that already boosts his value. In the same vein, Lazard has a built-in friendship and chemistry with the new NYJ signal-caller on the field. That should lead to early production at WR.

Thirdly, Lazard is a tremendous run-blocker that should be able to help this offense succeed in different ways. Even if he’s not catching the ball, he’ll likely be making an impact on the game.

And finally, he’s a leader and culture guy in the locker room. Lazard worked his way up from UDFA to big-money baller. That perseverance could be his greatest trait, and hopefully it rubs off on some of the Jets new undrafted prospects.

2. Building off the last question, which 2023 signing offers the best bang-for-your-buck contract?

BG:

How can the answer to this question not be Connor McGovern at one year, $1.915 million?

Whether he starts or is a break-the-glass emergency backup, McGovern is an essential piece in the trenches. He was Mr. Reliable for three seasons appearing in 48 out of 50 possible games and similar to Turner, he hasn’t ever been considered the best at his position despite being rock steady more often than not.

$1.9 million for either a starting offensive lineman or a top backup? That is highway robbery if I’ve ever seen it! What a freaking steal! This is some of Joe Douglas’ best work as the architect of the Jets roster.

MO:

There are several potential answers here. McGovern or Turner — who Boy Green touched on — could end up providing the best value if either ends up starting for a significant stretch of games. The same could be said about new Jets safety Adrian Amos at one year, $1.75 million.

I’ll go with defensive tackle Al Woods though. I’m not 100% positive that the three above will start, but Woods should play a role no matter what being that defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich utilizes a heavy rotation on the D-line.

The Jets have been torched on the ground at times under head coach Robert Saleh’s regime, and Woods is the ultimate run-clogger that fans have been calling for over the past couple of years. And to think, he only cost $1 million in guaranteed money ($2.25 million overall).

Tackling the Latest Jets Trade & Cut Rumors

3. Do you think all seven 2023 draft picks make the Week 1 roster, or is it possible the Jets try to sneak one onto the practice squad via waivers?

BG:

The draft pick I really keep going back and forth on is tight end Zack Kuntz.

I think the Jets might attempt to sneak him on the practice squad, but I also think it’s a Joe Namath guarantee that he gets picked up by someone in the NFL. He is too gosh darn athletic, has high potential, and is an intriguing piece of clay that some NFL team will want to take full advantage of.

Gang Green has three roster locks at tight end with CJ Uzomah, Tyler Conklin, and Jeremy Ruckert. Is there room for a fourth? Maybe. Maybe not.

MO:

Kuntz would definitely be the guy, if there is one. However, I recently projected the Jets 53-man roster on Twitter, and I had the Old Dominion seventh rounder making it over Kenny Yeboah and a sixth wide receiver as one of the team’s final decisions.

He’ll most likely be inactive every week, but I do think general manager Joe Douglas will find a way to keep Kuntz, and every other 2023 draft pick. In his history as Jets GM, Douglas has never cut a selection in year one.

Prospects have been waived or moved onto the practice squad in year two or three — Jason Pinnock, Jonathan Marshall, Hamsah Nasirildeen, James Morgan, Jabari Zuniga, etc. — but Douglas has always given his coaching staff at least one full year to develop every draft pick. If I had to guess, Kuntz will be awarded that same benefit of the doubt.

4. If reports are true, and Rodgers turned down a trade to the New England Patriots because he wanted to be a Jet, how great does that make you feel?

BG:

I said it on Twitter… but SUCK IT NEW ENGLAND!

The Jets have been getting beaten with a rusty pipe for the last 12 years by the Patriots. I can’t wait for the Jets to turn the tide in 2023.

I have the Week 3 home game versus New England circled in big, thick, permanent black marker! It’s a weird feeling that a player of Rodgers’ caliber said he wanted to specifically play for the New York Jets and no one else.

To hear that A-Rod felt so strong about his conviction to play for the Jets that he told New England to go kick rocks? It’s beautiful. Put it in the Louvre baby!

MO:

We can have some fun with a softball question from time to time, especially in June. I have no clue if this actually happened, but the fact that the rumor is even out there is tremendous.

You actually have Pats fans arguing online that Mac Jones is BETTER than Rodgers — yikes! Are those the same Bostonians that were calling for Bailey Zappe last season?

New England’s time is over. It’s done. And I for one think Bill Belichick could retire before they’re ever seriously considered a Super Bowl contender again.

Does New Jets FS Adrian Amos Adequately Replace Chuck Clark?

5. Chuck Clark was the first major injury of the 2023 season. How would you grade the Adrian Amos signing as a replacement? Is there any drop-off?

BG:

I freaking love Chuck Clark and I actually predicted that trade less than 24 hours before it happened.

Clark would have been a seamless fit here because of his experience and personality. However, Adrian Amos is actually a better fit when you consider his skill set and how he complements the other Jets starting safety, Jordan Whitehead.

Amos could be the missing piece to completing the best secondary in the National Football League. Amos is coming off of a rough year, but I don’t anticipate a drop-off. I’d actually argue that from a coverage standpoint, you got a big-time upgrade if you look at the historical numbers.

MO:

I said it on Twitter and I’ll say it here, a huge credit to Douglas for bringing in Amos so quickly amid the unfortunate news on Clark.

I definitely feel for him, given his track record as an iron man who never misses games. Of course, just when a starting opportunity on a playoff contender comes knocking, so does his first major injury — that’s the NFL for ya.

Having said that, I see virtually no drop-off from Clark to Amos from a Jets perspective. Both had question marks in my mind. For Clark, it was his coverage ability. For Amos, it’s his age and whether he still has anything left in the tank.

Neither will be the strength of this NYJ defense but so long as they’re not the weak link, either option is fine by me.

Notch another dub in the win column for Aaron Rodgers.

New York Jets wide receiver Randall Cobb revealed on “The Carton Show” that he was “considering retirement” this offseason and A-Rod coaxed him out of it.

“It was like a movie for me. I’m watching TV, I got my popcorn in my lap, and I was waiting to see how it all played out,” Cobb explained on the June 14 episode of the show.

“I had a feeling that it would be a good potential that [Rodgers] would have the opportunity to go to New York, but for myself I didn’t know how it was going to play out. I’m going into year No. 13 right now I didn’t know if I was actually going to play or not. I was actually considering retiring and then Aaron called me. [He was like] hey [New York] may be an opportunity here for you, we’ll see how it all plays out.”

Aaron Rodgers’ Jets Recruiting Pitch to Randall Cobb Revealed

Cobb sent a message to a group chat this offseason featuring a bunch of his former teammates and said, “I think I’m done.”

Longtime Green Bay Packers wide receiver James Jones revealed that Cobb said he was “50-50” on whether or not he would play football in 2023.

“When he told me it was 50-50, I said well you not done then,” Jones explained on “The Carton Show.” “You shouldn’t even be thinking about it if you 50-50. When I retired I knew. I was 97 percent done, I was up out of there. So when he said 50-50, I said you not done yet.”

Cobb said a simple Rodgers message this offseason sold him on continuing his football career.

“He hit me up and told me that he needed me. That is all I needed to hear,” Cobb said. “That let me know that I know I still have value to add as a player. I know I have value to add as a guy in the locker room. The things that you [referencing his former Packers teammates] did for me as a rookie now I’m able to give back to some of the younger players.”

Cobb originally entered the league as the No. 64 overall pick in the second round of the 2011 NFL draft. Cobb has been a teammate of Rodgers for 10 of his 12 seasons to date, 2023 will mark their No. 11 season together on the football field.

Garrett Wilson Revealed Jets’ Robert Saleh Pep Speech to Cobb

After the Jets signed Cobb it didn’t take long for his new teammates to let him know what transpired in 2022.

In Week 6 of last season, the Jets beat the Packers 27-10.

Craig Carton asked Cobb who was the first guy that reminded you about that?

“They definitely let me know, G-Dub was probably the first one,” Cobb explained on “The Carton Show.” “He came up to me [and said head coach Robert] Saleh had a whole speech. We played in London the week before we played [the Jets] last year and normally teams take a bye after London. You get to pick the team that you’re playing after the London game and he was like they chose us, they chose us! He let me know that they had us.”

Instead of the Packers taking a bye week after its game against the New York Giants in London in 2022 they decided to immediately play another game. Saleh used that as motivation heading into the game telling the team that Green Bay chose to play the Jets.

The New York Jets’ 2022 draft class was exciting from the get-go, considering it included three first-round picks and Breece Hall — a first-round talent at a somewhat devalued position.

That cast a bit of a shadow on later selections like OT Max Mitchell and DL Micheal Clemons, who were both called upon to contribute as rookies. The latter registered a full season in year one — just about — missing one game in Week 14.

Not only was Clemons available, but he was also formidable with 2.5 sacks, six QB hits and four tackles for a loss as a rotational player according to Pro Football Reference. He graded out well on Pro Football Focus too, which was part of the reason PFF writer Jim Wyman named the 6-foot-5 defensive lineman to their “2023 All-Breakout Team.”

“As a rookie fourth-rounder in 2022, Clemons didn’t start a single game but was effective when he did appear on the field,” Wyman voiced. “While not a finished product as a pass-rusher, as his 58.6 pass-rush grade can attest to, Clemons was very stout as a run defender, putting up an 86.4 run-defense grade and an 81.5 tackling grade.”

He concluded that “if Clemons can add some more pass-rush moves to his repertoire, he could form a dangerous edge trio alongside Jermaine Johnson II and Carl Lawson.”

Micheal Clemons’ Added Weight Should Lead to More Opportunities With the Jets in 2023

Wyman mention Lawson and Johnson but this Jets D-line is much deeper than a trio. There’s also John Franklin-Myers, Bryce Huff and rookie first rounder Will McDonald IV to contend with on the edge, as well as Quinnen Williams, Al Woods, Quinton Jefferson and Solomon Thomas up the gut among others.

In 2022, Clemons lined up outside the offensive tackle on the majority of his defensive snaps according to PFF. 290 out of 311, to be exact, which comes out to 93.2%.

Nine of those 311 snaps were also lined up over an O-tackle. Only 12 came at defensive tackle.

That’s expected to even out a bit more in 2023 after Clemons bulked up 20-plus pounds over the offseason. Defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich revealed the details of the muscular transformation on May 31, noting that the second-year pro is operating in the 290s now — a new weight class for NFL D-linemen.

With Clemons joining Franklin-Myers as a true tweener on the DL, that opens up a world of opportunity for both Clemons and the Jets.

For the latter, the Jets could choose to keep just three D-tackles in 2023 — considering they have two versatile cogs that can shift inside. That would free up a roster spot, which could be utilized elsewhere.

For Clemons, added weight means a higher snap share, aka more playing time. Due to his dual-position potential, the former fourth-round pick might even get on the field more than first rounders Johnson and McDonald.

Jets D-Line Has Less Competition at 2023 Training Camp

Although the Jets D-line is deeper than ever in terms of talent, the training camp battle shouldn’t be as cutthroat in 2023.

Last year, the Jets practically held an open competition on the edge with 10-plus D-ends at summer camp at one point in time. This year, head coach Robert Saleh has narrowed his group of pass rushers down to eight — but there’s really a strong core of six DEs on the roster.

Behind Lawson, JFM, Johnson, Clemons, Huff and McDonald are Bradlee Anae and undrafted rookie Deslin Alexandre. Realistically, Alexandre is vying for a practice squad role in 2023.

Anae might have had a shot of making the 53-man roster, theoretically, but he’s currently injured. The Jets placed him on the injured reserve, officially, on May 25. The team did not choose to disclose what’s keeping the 2022 training camp darling off the field, or when he may return.

The other six are expected to make the Week 1 roster, barring a trade or injury.

The New York Jets arrived just in the nick of time.

Zack Rosenblatt of The Athletic said on “The Can’t-Wait Podcast” that veteran safety Adrian Amos was set to be a “Raven or a Packer and then the Jets came in with their offer.”

“He visited with the Ravens twice [and] I think they were only going to make him a third safety and the money wasn’t as good,” Rosenblatt explained on the June 14 episode of the show. “He was also considering going back to the Packers.”

Jets Swooped in Last Second to Sign Adrian Amos in Free Agency

“I don’t know exactly what day [the Jets] came in with the offer, but it was recent,” Rosenblatt stated on “The Can’t-Wait Podcast.”

Field Yates of ESPN revealed the pertinent details of the contract on Twitter. The Jets signed Amos to a one-year deal with a maximum value of $4 million. The base value of the deal is $1.75 million and that includes both the base salary and signing bonus.

In addition, $2.25 million was built into the deal. $900,000 of that money is considered LTBE [likely to be earned incentives]. The cap charge for Gang Green will be $2.65 million, per Yates.

Rosenblatt indicated that the Jets were very comfortable with rolling into training camp with their safety room as constructed. However, the signing of Amos was a “clear reaction” to the serious injury suffered by Chuck Clark.

Jets Free Agent Recruiting Pitch to Amos Revealed

Amos became the seventh former teammate of Aaron Rodgers to join the Jets roster:

• Malik Taylor, wide receiver
• Adam Pankey, offensive lineman
• Tim Boyle, quarterback
• Allen Lazard, wide receiver
• Randall Cobb, wideout
• Billy Turner, offensive lineman

Although according to Rosenblatt that wasn’t a primary reason the veteran safety chose to come to New York.

“I don’t think the Aaron Rodgers factor had necessarily anything to do with this. Maybe they went to Aaron and be like, hey what do you think of Adrian?”

The Jets came in offering money and an opportunity to start. With Clark being seriously hurt a spot surprisingly opened up on the depth chart for the Jets in the safety room ahead of training camp.

The cherry on top of course was the chance to compete for a Super Bowl.

“I’d say the Jets probably have a better chance at the Super Bowl than the Packers certainly and I’d argue the Ravens but you could debate about that if you want,” Rosenblatt stated on “The Can’t-Wait Podcast.”

The Jets haven’t been to the playoffs since the 2010 season. Gang Green hasn’t been to the Super Bowl since the 1968 campaign.

Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated called it “mind-blowing” that players are viewing the Jets as a sudden championship contender considering its tortured history. However, he also said that no one was running to Tampa Bay in 2019 before Tom Brady arrived.

That mentality on 1 Jets Drive provides New York with a new way to “build depth and experience into their roster,” Breer said in a column posted on June 14.

There is no guarantee how long it’ll last but the Jets would be smart to continue to try and take advantage of it.

The New York Jets could make another run at a former Pro Bowler.

Zack Rosenblatt of The Athletic joined me on “The Boy Green Podcast” to explain why the team would be interested in free agent running back Kareem Hunt.

“Absolutely [a signing could make sense], yeah I think that goes to the point that I was making earlier about how Joe Douglas is really good at waiting things out and getting guys at below-market value because they don’t have a market,” Rosenblatt explained on my podcast posted on June 13.

“Kareem Hunt definitely would be a guy that would get the fans pretty excited. He would be one of those offseason signings that especially when there is nothing going on I think Jets fans would get overly excited about.”

Jets-Browns Had Prior Trade Talks About Kareem Hunt

Last season the Jets and Cleveland Browns had trade conversations centered around Hunt, according to Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated.

After Breece Hall went down in Week 7 with a torn ACL, Douglas canvased the league evaluating potential replacement options.

The price for Hunt was expected to be “around a fourth-rounder” at the NFL trade deadline, per Breer.

Gang Green decided to go with a cheaper alternative and traded for James Robinson. The Jets sent a conditional sixth-round pick in 2023 to the Jacksonville Jaguars in exchange for the running back.

If the hurdle for the Jets last year was the apparent trade price, then what is holding them up now?

The 27-year-old who will turn 28 before the start of the 2023 season is currently an unrestricted free agent. He is free to sign with any NFL team of his choosing at any moment.

According to Spotrac’s market value projections, Hunt could land a deal that pays him $7 million annually which would be the No. 10 best market in the NFL among running backs, per Over The Cap.

However, that figure seems like an unrealistic goal to reach in June.

28 running backs signed free agent deals this offseason, per Spotrac. Only three of those players earned a contract that paid them at least $4 million per season.

None of those players reached a $7 million per year evaluation and the top two running backs both signed deals at the beginning of free agency when NFL teams had all of their cap space available.

• Miles Sanders, Carolina Panthers, $6.25 million per year
• David Montgomery, Detroit Lions, $6 million per year

Kareem Hunt Could Provide Excellent Insurance for Jets RB Breece Hall

The Jets were originally interested in Hunt as a potential fill-in option in place of Hall after he went down with an injury.

That same idea could make sense this offseason. All indications point in the direction of Hall being ready for the Week 1 matchup versus the Buffalo Bills on Monday Night Football.

What if there is a complication? Or God forbid he reinjured himself early in the 2023 season? Would the Jets be confident with the remaining pieces to hold down the fort for Aaron Rodgers?

Hunt has proven to be a more than capable running back at the NFL level. He led the league in rushing in 2017 and Hunt has also been comfortable in a tandem role during his time with the Browns.

So whether the Jets need him as the lead man or a piece of the puzzle to take some of the load off of Hall, he’d be ready for it.

In his six seasons in the pros, Hunt has rushed for 4,025 yards, scored 48 total touchdowns, and averaged 4.5 rushing yards per clip.

The former Toledo product has also proven to be an adept receiver out of the backfield. He has 211 receptions, for 1,806 receiving yards, and has averaged 8.6 receiving yards per reception in his career.

In addition to his tangible contributions statistically, Hunt is a really talented pass-blocker out of the backfield.

The New York Jets have been a poor drafting franchise for a long time — which has obviously contributed to their lack of success over the past decade-plus.

Although it feels like general manager Joe Douglas and head coach Robert Saleh are finally correcting that deficiency together after 2022 and 2023, their first draft as a pair certainly had its ups and downs — and that was evident during a recent NFL redraft via The Athletic.

Writer Nick Baumgardner redrafted the first round of the 2021 class on June 15 using the original draft order to “re-do” the initial 32 selections. This is the year the Jets took Zach Wilson at No. 2 overall, while also trading up from No. 23 to No. 14 to land Alijah Vera-Tucker.

Neither of those two were drafted in round one this time around, however, but one underrated Jets selection did surge way up the board in surprising fashion: DB Michael Carter II. Gang Green also doubled down on defense in Baumgardner’s revision — which we’ll break down below.

Jets’ Zach Wilson & Alijah Vera-Tucker Drop in 2021 Redraft as NYJ Steals Cowboys’ Micah Parsons, Loses Michael Carter II

It may not surprise Jets fans hearing that Wilson slipped out of round one, but Vera-Tucker’s fall is a bit harsh — considering he appeared to be turning into one of the NFL’s top guards before his injury in 2022.

“Vera-Tucker, on the other hand, is a tough one for me,” Baumgardner wrote after sending Kansas City Chiefs center Creed Humphrey to Minnesota (no trades) at No. 14 overall. “His value lives in his versatility, and though I love his future as a run blocker, I’m still not sure if he was worth the Jets trading up to nab him at this slot.”

Surely, AVT would factor in somewhere late first round based on that assessment? He did not, as Baumgardner selected former top-10 cornerback Jaycee Horn to the Jets at No. 23. Injuries have derailed Horn’s NFL career thus far.

Saleh’s defense also ended up with Dallas Cowboys superstar playmaker Micah Parsons — a true jack-of-all-trades on the defensive side of the ball.

“Even after considering what [Trevor] Lawrence has shown through two years, you still could make the case for Parsons at No. 1,” Baumgardner reasoned. “The Jets happily would switch their pick at No. 2.”

He added that “some people overcomplicated things with Parsons during the evaluation period, trying to label him as this or that. Quite simply, Parsons is a front-seven chaos machine — the most unique in football right now. Many teams already have started — and will spend the next several draft cycles — looking for their own dynamic, position-less version of Parsons.”

Baumgardner hardly mentioned Wilson, except to say he “wouldn’t” be the pick for the San Francisco 49ers at No. 3 overall either — choosing Justin Fields instead. Trey Lance and Mac Jones were both still selected in this redraft despite their struggles (to Denver and New England again), an obvious slight on Wilson.

As for Carter, the quietly reliable nickelback went from a fifth-round pick to an astounding 22nd overall (Tennessee Titans).

“Carter is one of the biggest movers in my 2021 redraft,” Baumgardner detailed. “A fifth-round pick (No. 107) who many saw as being way too small to ever be effective as a full-time slot corner, Carter has proven his doubters incorrect. His 4.32 speed and football IQ have served him — and the Jets — well through two years. He can still get better, but Carter’s already a dependable slot corner in the NFL, and there aren’t many who can make that claim.”

Ex-Jets WR Elijah Moore Doesn’t Make the Cut

Ex-Jets second-round wide receiver Elijah Moore was also in contention for Baumgardner’s article, considering he was picked toward the start of round two in the No. 34 slot. It’s unclear where he would have gone in this redraft, but it was somewhere outside of the top 32.

For players like Wilson and Moore, the potential was so great during that 2021 spring and summer — as the former connected with the latter for “wow moments” and deep completions throughout the offseason program.

There were growing pains, as you’d expect, but the talent was also apparent at the time. Having said that, those practices never quite translated to games and in Moore’s case, off-the-field drama contributed to his early exit from New York.

Amon-Ra St. Brown was the only wideout that jumped Moore in this redraft, although first rounders Kadarius Toney and Rashod Bateman were snubbed by Baumgardner as well.

New York Jets safety Chuck Clark got seriously injured during practice last week.

Zack Rosenblatt of The Athletic said it would be “kind of surprising” if he ends up playing for the Jets during the 2023 season.

“I just know that it’s believed to be serious and that it would be kind of surprising if he winds up playing this year unfortunately,” Rosenblatt explained on “The Can’t-Wait Podcast.”

Although Rosenblatt did provide a glimmer of hope on the podcast episode posted on June 14, “the positive would be that he will recover quicker and in theory should be good to go for next season or you know if it goes really well if they make the playoffs or whatever.”

So you’re telling me there’s a chance?

Jets DB Chuck Clark Seeking a 2nd Medical Opinion

Rosenblatt said that Clark is seeking a second medical opinion holding out hope that the injury isn’t as serious as originally indicated but he isn’t “positive” when that’ll be taking place.

The current fear is that Clark suffered an “ACL injury” but he’s undergoing more tests to confirm, per NFL Insider Jordan Schultz of The Score.

The NFL playoffs are set to begin on January 13, 2024. Clark’s injury to when the playoffs are set to begin is separated by about seven months.

Gang Green hasn’t been to the playoffs in 12 years which is the NFL’s longest active drought.

Although according to ESPN’s Football Power Index, the Jets have a 51.5 percent chance to make the playoffs this season. Those are the No. 12 best odds of all NFL teams in the league and the No. 6 best odds of the AFC teams, per those same metrics.

So there is an outside possibility that Clark could be healthy enough to help the Jets make a late push in the playoffs. Worst case the 28-year-old should be fully ready for the 2024 season because he got injured in June.

Clark is scheduled to be an unrestricted free agent next offseason. He is entering the final year of his $15.3 million contract.

Insider Believes the Jets Can Survive Chuck Clark Injury

In six years Clark appeared in 94 out of 96 possible games. He was on an active ironman streak of 1,248 consecutive snaps in a row dating back to the 2021 season.

As soon as Clark became a member of the Jets this offseason he instantly gets hurt. Go figure.

“I wouldn’t say it’s a devastating loss. It’s devastating for Chuck but I don’t think the Jets’ Super Bowl hopes are really changing after this injury,” Rosenblatt said on the show.

Clark was a penciled-in starter at the safety position next to Jordan Whitehead. With his injury, he will now be replaced by veteran safety Adrian Amos who the Jets signed on June 13.

The veteran defensive back was acquired by the Jets via trade on March 15 in a deal with the Baltimore Ravens. Gang Green sent a 2024 seventh-round pick in exchange for Clark.

Clark would have been a seamless fit on this defense, but Rosenblatt is correct. Is the difference between a team winning a championship or losing one decided by the safety position? Probably not.

A New York Jets veteran just got put on blast.

Alex Kay of Bleacher Report was recently tasked with ranking the top 10 “worst contracts” in the NFL ahead of the 2023 season. Gang Green linebacker CJ Mosley placed No. 7 on the list.

The former Alabama product is in the middle of a five-year deal for $85 million. He still has two years left on the contract for about $34 million.

Kay called it a “bad contract” and bluntly stated that Mosley is “an average talent at this late stage of his career.”

Revealing the Key Criticisms of Jets LB CJ Mosley

When the Jets originally signed Mosley to the record-breaking $85 million contract a lot of people immediately raised eyebrows at the deal.

Gang Green completely reset the inside linebacker market in free agency by a wide margin. For a brief period, Kwon Alexander wore the crown as the highest-paid linebacker in football during the 2019 offseason.

The San Francisco 49ers handed him a four-year deal for $54 million which included a $13.5 million average per season.

However, a short time later the Jets came in guns blazing with a new contract that paid Mosley $17 million per season. That annihilated Alexander’s former No. 1 total by more than $3.5 million per year.

Apparently, that contract hasn’t aged well over the years according to Kay.

“Mosley has been hindered with injuries for much of his tenure with the organization, including missing 30 of a possible 32 games in the two years that followed the signing,” Kay explained in an article posted on June 13. “When he finally returned to action in 2021. Mosley looked like a shell of his former self.”

A major point of Kay’s argument was the less-than-stellar Pro Football Focus grades.

In 2021 he finished with an “atrocious” 42.0 PFF grade, per Kay. The 69.8 PFF grade in 2022 proved in Kay’s eyes that Mosley is an “average talent” and someone who isn’t worth the $17 million base salary in 2023.

Several Holes in the Argument Against Jets LB CJ Mosley

Kay mentioned that the veteran linebacker has been “hindered with injuries for much of his [Jets] tenure” and that seems a bit overdramatic.

In four seasons with the Jets Mosley has only missed 15 games due to injury and 14 of those came in his very first season. Over the last two seasons, Mosley has played in 33 out of 34 possible games.

Mosley chose to opt out of the 2020 season due to the COVID pandemic. That wasn’t injury related, it was a decision he admitted that he made for the safety of his family.

Kay pointed at PFF grades over the last two seasons to prove that Mosley is a “shell of his former self” and an “average talent.”

However, his 168 tackles in 2021 was a new career high for the five-time Pro Bowler. In 2022 he was voted a second-team All-Pro by NFL coaches and his peers.

The Jets did overspend at a position (off-ball linebacker) that NFL teams typically don’t spend at.

However, Mosley has provided plenty of bang for the Jets’ buck.

You’d think that the veteran would have quelled a lot of the outside noise with his All-Pro campaign last season, but here we are.

New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh announced at the end of OTAs that the team was canceling its’ scheduled three-day mandatory minicamp from June 13-15.

Former NFL general manager Mike Tannenbaum shared his displeasure with that decision during an appearance on ESPN’s “First Take.”

“They started off with an A+ for the offseason and now they get an F,” Tannenbaum exclaimed on the June 15 episode of “First Take.” “Why would you cancel minicamp? That is the most competitive part of the offseason. Every day together is a good day. You’re competing against what we’ve talked about: Joe Burrow, Lamar Jackson, Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen. All of these teams that have been together for years and years and years.”

Ex-Jets Coach Herm Edwards Pushes Back on Minicamp Drama

“First Take” host Molly Qerim asked Tannenbaum if Aaron Rodgers needs a full minicamp in his first season with the Jets and he emphatically stated, “Yes!”

“I would take as much time as possible to have Aaron Rodgers in the building with his new teammates,” Tannenbaum explained.

However longtime former NFL coach Herm Edwards pushed back on some of Tannenbaum’s criticisms about the Jets canceling minicamp.

“Three more days, I don’t know if it will make a difference if they make the playoffs or not,” Edwards argued on “First Take.” “Aaron Rodgers has been in the building all this offseason. He has actually been in the Jets building more than he’s been in the Green Bay Packers building for the last five years [during] the offseason. They are going in the right direction.”

Rodgers confirmed to the media that he has had perfect attendance through the voluntary portion of OTAs this offseason with the Jets.

A-Rod originally planned to miss some of the Jets’ offseason programs to fly back to California to meet with his personal team. However, the minor calf injury at the beginning of OTAs changed his mind and he decided to stick around for the full duration.

Jets’ Robert Saleh Explains Science of His Cancellation Decision

Saleh said one reason he decided to cancel minicamp was because of the extra preseason game on August 3.

The Jets will report to training camp a week early in preparation for that contest versus the Cleveland Browns.

“The Hall of Fame game they aren’t going to play their starters anyway,” Tannenbaum said on “First Take.”

As Herm Edwards noted on “First Take” Saleh canceled minicamp to give his players “a little crumb.”

It was a form of reward for how hard the players have worked this offseason. In addition to that Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated explained that there is some “sports science” that went into the decision as well.

“That window, there’s a science behind the whole thing where you give guys a week off. So they’re gonna take this week off, where if you work another week and then take a week off, that’s not enough time to get back in shape for training camp. So if you do it properly and give them the week off, there’s actually science behind the whole thing. It’s not just, hey, let them go have this week off,” Saleh told Breer in an article posted on June 14.

“It’s so they can pick back up and use these next 40 days to get in shape so we can have a healthy training [camp]. So there’s a theory behind it, and right now, for us, what was more important, the extra reps or the health in training camp? We chose health in training camp.”