The New York Jets are going through some major changes. Again.
They’ll enter this season with a new head coach, new general manager, new quarterback and a new shot at pulling themselves out of the depths of despair, where they tend to reside.
It’s no secret which of the departures took most of the spotlight on his way out of team headquarters in Florham Park, N.J. – quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who is now with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Rodgers’ tenuous two-year tenure with the Jets was marred by a torn Achilles in 2023, a cold relationship with then-coach Robert Saleh and an unceremonious dumping by Saleh’s replacement.
New head coach Aaron Glenn let Rodgers know the Jets were moving on from him just two weeks into Glenn’s start on the job. The way Rodgers told it on “The Pat McAfee Show,” the crux of the conversation took about a minute.
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Glenn, the former Jets cornerback, comes in from a four-year term as the Lions’ defensive coordinator. If he is to operate with a no-nonsense approach, he’ll need the buy-in from his new quarterback – Justin Fields, who is now with his third team. Fields, 26, signed a two-year, $40 million deal with the Jets.
As Fields gets ready to lead his team, he knows the transition will take some time.
“Our offense and defense are new, so guys are really tuned in and locked in and trying to get everything down,” Fields told Jets media during OTAs. “But I think once we do, I think the sky’s the limit. I mean, we have all the guys we need, we have all the talent, so, it’s really just going to come down to discipline and execution.”
Jets Football
First-year New York Jets coach Aaron Glenn reaches to shake hands with new quarterback Justin Fields during minicamp on June 10 in Florham Park, N.J. Associated Press
Offseason buzz
Look at any outlet covering the Jets, and you’ll see plenty of recent stories still about Rodgers and his next chapter. His high-drama exit begets coverage, but it also allows his former team to work with less of a spotlight.
The Jets are likely happy that so much of the buzz of the NFL is moving away from them. Rodgers provided a massive distraction, and now he’ll bring his circus to Pittsburgh. While there’s plenty to discuss about the new Jets – and how their reconfiguration will translate to the field – the team probably prefers being under the radar, or as under the radar as any team in the New York area can be.
Who’s new?
Glenn and Fields join general manager Darren Mougey as making up the Jets’ new regime. Mougey and Glenn got their first hack at the draft and free agency together, using the roster-building opportunities to reshape their team.
From the draft: Offensive tackle Armand Membou, tight end Mason Taylor, cornerback Azareye’h Thomas, wide receiver Arian Smith, safety Malachi Moore, linebacker Francisco Mauigoa and defensive end Tyler Baron.
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Also new: Wide receiver Tyler Johnson, wide receiver Josh Reynolds, cornerback Kris Boyd, tight end Stone Smartt, defensive tackle Byron Cowart, defensive tackle Jay Tufele, defensive tackle Derrick Nnadi, center Josh Myers, offensive tackle Chukwuma Okorafor, cornerback Brandon Stephens, safety Andre Cisco, defensive end Rashad Weaver, and punter Austin McNamara.
Who’s gone?
In addition to Rodgers, the Jets cleaned house with their coaching staff and front office. Saleh and general manager Joe Douglas are gone, as are their respective interims, Jeff Ulbrich and Phil Savage.
As far as players, Davante Adams was released in March, and he is now with the Rams. On special teams, kicker Greg Zuerlein and punter Thomas Morstead were released. Around the rest of the roster, tackle Tyron Smith (retired), tackle Morgan Moses (Patriots), linebacker C.J. Mosley (retired), defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw (Commanders), cornerback D.J. Reed (Lions) and edge rusher Haason Reddick (Buccaneers) have all moved on.
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Key number
2010. That’s the last time that the Jets made the playoffs, a glaring streak. The team will look to buck their recent history and see if they can finally – finally – secure a postseason berth again.
What’s next?
Perhaps some normalcy? That may be too much to ask of the Woody Johnson-owned franchise, but the pieces are in place for the team to have a much quieter summer and training camp. Plus, there’s more than enough work to do in Florham Park.
At OTAs, Fields was optimistic but realistic.
“I think the sky’s the limit for this team, for this offense. But we do have a long way to go,” he said.
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