Beyond pursuing Aaron Rodgers, what else is on Jets’ offseason to-do list?

Who will play quarterback?

I’d say that’s the question the New York Jets have been asking for months. But that would be wrong. It is the question that has been asked for a decade. At times over the last 10 years, the Jets thought they were set at quarterback. But they haven’t been.

So that’s what the Jets need to focus on this offseason. They need someone who can help them at least make a playoff run in 2023 while Zach Wilson develops. And at best, the Jets need someone to help the organization and fan base forget about the Zach Wilson debacle. But a quarterback addition is just one of many moves the Jets will likely make this offseason.

And that’s where Aaron Rodgers would come in. The Jets are optimistic they can get him. According to a report, New York and the Green Bay Packers have an agreement. But Rodgers just has to approve the transaction.

So while we wait for that, let’s dive into what will be most important to the team when March 13th rolls around and the free agency dealing window opens.

How good is the Jets salary cap situation?

The Jets are currently $500,000 over the cap, via Spoctrac. That’s actually a pretty healthy number, considering they have $87.5 million in cap space in 2024. Because they have so much money to work with in the next few years, they can do absolutely whatever they want in that period of time. upcoming free agency. It’s just going to be a matter of how much they want to borrow starting next year by restructuring contracts (and salary cap dollars) through 2024. And it’s good they have some wiggle room, because they have no shortage of starters leaving.

Who are New York’s top pending free agents?

Center Connor McGovern: He is a very good player. He holds the offensive line together in tangible and intangible ways. He’s the type of player New York will want to keep as a priority. After adding a quarterback, the Jets will be thinking how the hell they’re going to sign McGovern to a long-term deal.

Defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins: He was a strong inside defender for the Jets alongside Quinnen Williams. Rankins is one of the Jets’ few defensive tackles to hit in free agency, but instead of Solomon Thomas (or the others), New York should prioritize Rankins. The 28-year-old should be a godsend for the defense for several more years.

Kicker Greg Zuerlein: He hasn’t lived up to his “Legatron” nickname earned during his wild 2017 season. But he did score 118 points for the Jets on a solid 81.1 field goal percentage, which included a 60-yarder. I suspect that even with a good quarterback, the Jets will likely play in close games in a competitive AFC East. They will need a good kicker.

What trade targets might the Jets consider?

Packers QB Aaron Rodgers: Wow! They were tied to him before they hired offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett, who has a strong relationship with the QB. With Hackett, it was abundantly clear that the Jets were betting on Rodgers. With the Packers forcing Rodgers out of the gate and the Jets looking like the only suitor, the quarterback really only has two options: retire or New York.

Ravens QB Lamar Jackson: If the deal with Rodgers falls apart, Jackson would be quite the consolation prize. Baltimore placed the non-exclusive franchise tag on him, which means other teams can bid for his services. He would be an exciting option for New York. I’m listing it in the “trade” area because acquiring Jackson would cost the Jets two first-round picks, per the NFL’s non-exclusive franchise tag rules.

Who should the Jets target in free agency?

49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo: If Rodgers and Jackson don’t work out, the Jets need to go all-in for Garoppolo. His other options will include the Raiders and Panthers, among others. The Jets should hope Raiders coach Josh McDaniels, who worked with Garoppolo in New England, isn’t a deciding factor.

Chargers linebacker Drue Tranquill: With Jets linebackers Kwon Alexander and Quincy Williams set to hit free agency, Tranquill is a compelling option. He’s an all-around defender who proved to be more versatile than Williams in 2023. Would Tranquill make the perfect transition to New York?

Bengals safety Vonn Bell: With a player like this in the Jets’ secondary, New York would seem completely shut down. Bell would be a great piece to round out the set with Sauce Gardner, DJ Reed and Jordan Whitehead.

Prior to joining FOX Sports as an AFC East reporter, Henry McKenna spent seven years covering the Patriots for USA TODAY Sports Media Group and Boston Globe Media. Follow him on Twitter at @McKennAnalysis.

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