Aaron Rodgers’ debut season did not go quite as intended. After tearing his Achilles tendon on just the 4th snap of the season at MetLife Stadium, the New York Jets’ season went into free fall, finishing just 7-10 and missing the playoffs for the 13th consecutive year – the longest active streak in US professional sports.
New York Jets Once Again Fall Short Of Expectations
Zach Wilson, who Jets’ owner, Woody Johnson, recently commented is not even a backup quarterback, had another mostly bad year, save for some impressive play against Kansas City and the Philadelphia Eagles.
However, one main reason for this, outside of an injury ravaged, below-par offensive line, was the lack of proper weapons available to the young QB. Outside of former Offensive Rookie of the Year, Garrett Wilson, the Jets had no one, after free agent acquisition, Allen Lazard, made virtually no impact on the team.
The team had to rely upon players like undrafted rookies, Xavier Gipson and Jason Brownlee, who finished as the 2nd and 3rd option on the team behind Wilson; one of the weakest receiving trios in all of football.
How Do The Jets Improve In 2024
So, with Rodgers back, and a strong, well-coached defensive unit, alongside an interior offensive line that, when healthy, is top of the range – the only things that the Jets really require is an upgrade at offensive tackle, and weapons for Aaron Rodgers.
This potential trade, posed by Connor Rogers of Badlands, posits that the Denver Broncos, who could be in the midst of an offensive overhaul, starting with previously benched quarterback, Russell Wilson, trade receiver Courtland Sutton to the New York Jets for a 4th round pick.
I really loved this idea by @ConnorJRogers to try & help fix the #Jets WR issues this offseason:
‘I like [#Broncos WR Courtland] Sutton better because if Sutton can be had for a 4th, he has 2 years left on his deal, under $18M per year’ + ‘Sutton for 2 more years fits [Aaron]… pic.twitter.com/PchFARw9Eu
— Paul Andrew Esden Jr (@BoyGreen25) February 8, 2024
How Does The Value Stack Up For Both Sides?
The New York Jets Receive: Courtland Sutton
The Denver Broncos Receive: 2024 4th Round Pick
Do these values align. Well considering Sutton’s hefty $35 million price tag across the next two seasons, especially considering he has not had a 1,000 yard season since his Pro Bowl, sophomore year, there will certainly be concerns about the justification for that price tag.
However, he has shown himself to be a reliable 2nd option the past 3 years, just missing 3 games over that period after a season ending ACL tear caused him to sit out the 2020 season.
Would the Jets pay a 4th rounder for his services to align with Wilson – quite possibly, although it may take a little more than a 4th rounder, say a 3rd and a 6th, to lure him out of Denver. But, realistically, this could well end up being a win-win trade for both sides.
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