The Jets got better this offseason.
It might not seem like it since general manager Joe Douglas did not bring in any big-name free agents or did not make a sexy first-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, but New York quietly took strides towards competing for a playoff spot with the moves it made over the last couple of months.
It doesn’t always take a splash in free agency or the draft to upgrade a roster. Douglas addressed numerous holes and bolstered units in need of additional depth. He didn’t steal the headlines while doing so, but he accomplished his goal nonetheless.
So, which positions did the Jets improve at the most this offseason? Let’s take a look.
Quarterback
All it took was one signing and a draft pick for Douglas to make New York’s quarterback room a bit more inspiring entering 2020.
Following a season in which the Jets suffered from a lack of depth at the position when Sam Darnold was forced out of action, Douglas selected James Morgan in the fourth-round of the 2020 NFL Draft before signing veteran Joe Flacco less than a month ago.
Morgan was more of a developmental pick, but has the makings of New York’s backup of the future. Flacco, meanwhile, gives the Jets a reliable No. 2 signal caller and a potential mentor for Darnold.
Considering Gang Green’s personnel at the position last season, there is no doubt this unit got a lot better this offseason.
Running Back
Much like he did with the quarterback position, Joe Douglas spent the offseason adding a veteran backup and a player with a good amount of potential to solidify the running back depth chart behind Le’Veon Bell.
In is Frank Gore as the No. 2 rusher on the depth chart, giving the Jets a reliable tailback Adam Gase has no issue turning to. Fourth-round pick La’Mical Perine is the other newcomer to New York’s running back room and is positioned well for success considering he has a future Hall of Famer and former All-Pro to learn from.
These two moves aren’t going to change the landscape of the AFC East, but they are going to position the Jets to be more competitive throughout the season. That is all anyone could ask for at this point.
Offensive Line
Joe Douglas entered the offseason on a mission to find Sam Darnold some protection. Based on the moves he made, it’s safe to say his mission was accomplished.
Douglas signed George Fant, Connor McGovern and Greg Van Roten, giving the Jets three new potential starting offensive linemen. He also re-signed Alex Lewis and added Josh Andrews as depth before making his biggest offensive line move of the offseason in the draft, selecting Louisville’s Mekhi Becton with the No. 11 pick.
New York’s offensive line is primed to feature four fresh faces once Week 1 rolls around. The unit is definitely in a better place now than it was when 2019 wrapped up.
Cornerback
New York’s secondary was one of the worst in football last season due in large part to underwhelming play from its cornerbacks. That should not be the case in 2020 following an offseason spent upgrading the position.
Brian Poole, the lone bright spot at the position in 2019, is back for another year lining up in the slot. Pierre Desir joined the Jets and is positioned to take over as the team’s No. 1 corner — a role he seems suited for in Gregg Williams’ defense. A draft-day trade also netted New York Quincy Wilson, who has the potential to get back on track playing in a defense that plays to his strengths.
Again, Douglas did not make any major moves to upgrade at cornerback, but he accomplished the feat. More importantly, he did not overpay for Byron Jones or James Bradberry, which could be his biggest win of the offseason.
