The New York Jets have very high expectations for the 2024 NFL season. Of course, they had high expectations for last season as well, but they saw their postseason and Super Bowl hopes dashed when four-time NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers tore his Achilles four snaps into their Week One game. Rodgers’ absence, though, highlighted holes on the roster that the Jets may not have realized they had, or did not think would be as bad as they were.
The most notable of these were their poor offensive line and lack of quality pass catchers. As a result of their poor 2023 season, New York invested heavily in these positions during the offseason. Eight-time Pro Bowl left tackle Tyron Smith was signed to protect Rodgers and, hopefully, prevent the kind of pressure that ended his season.
Former Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Mike Williams was brought in to provide some depth at a wide receiver group that features Garrett Wilson and Allen Lazard.
General manager Joe Douglas also used his first two pick in the 2024 NFL Draft to address the offensive line and wide receiver positions. However, some NFL analysts do not think it will be enough.
NFL Analysts Encourage the New York Jets to Sign Wide Receiver Robert Woods
In a report in which they listed the biggest weaknesses of each NFL team, Bleacher Report‘s scouting department listed wide receiver as the Jets’ biggest flaw going into the 2024 season. In order to remedy this, they suggest that New York should sign former Super Bowl champion Robert Woods:
“The Jets already have a lot invested in the 2024 season, and pursuing a trade that could fortify an important position would make sense given their goals.
“On paper, the starting trio of Garrett Wilson, Mike Williams and Malachi Corley could do a lot of damage. The reality is that Williams has dealt with multiple injuries and Corley is a rookie who might need more polish before he’s up to Rodgers’ exacting standards at the position.
“Finding a cheap veteran could give the Jets’ passing options the small boost they need. Robert Woods is a good fit because he has a ton of experience in a lot of offenses and the versatility to play inside or out. He could slide in for either Williams or Corley at any point, and the Texans have a surplus at wide receiver.”
Woods had the worst statistical season of his career last year, catching 40 passes for 426 yards and a touchdown. That being said, he still would be an upgrade over Lazard, who caught 23 passes for 311 yards and a touchdown.
Still, Lazard has a history and connection with Rodgers that could help him bounce back in 2024.
Should the New York Jets Really Sign Robert Woods to Help Aaron Rodgers?
The Bleacher Report article mentions Malachi Corely as one of New York’s top three wide receivers. On paper, he very well might be. However, it is worth noting that Rodgers has a history of ignoring his rookie wide receivers and instead favoring veterans in the passing game.
Back in 2022, Green Bay Packers wide receiver had 41 receptions for 611 yards and seven touchdowns. Those were the most receptions, yards, and touchdown catches by a Packers rookie wide receiver in the Rodgers Era in Green Bay. He only had such high totals because the Packers had traded Davante Adams the previous season and replaced him with three rookies.
In other words, just because Rodgers says Corely was his favorite wide receiver of the class does not mean he will automatically trust him on game day. New York would do well to bring in another veteran that Rodgers will consider an actual option.
If they do not, they could be watching Rodgers forcing throws to his veterans on critical situations while Corely stands around wide open.
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