“We need a backup quarterback,” Johnson said after his team went 7-10 following Aaron Rodgers’ Achilles injury in Week 1. “We didn’t have one last year.”

Johnson is not wrong in his assessment. A year ago, the Jets were on the verge of acquiring Rodgers in a trade with the Packers. However, Jets general manager Joe Douglas and coach Robert Saleh continued to back Zach Wilson despite the fact that he was being demoted from starter to second-string.

Following a disappointing 2,271-yard, eight touchdown and seven interception season in which he was forced back into the starting role after Rodgers’ injury, the Jets are ready to move on from Wilson. Douglas told reporters at the end of last month the team gave Wilson permission to seek a trade.

Now, the Jets will look to improve their backup quarterback situation in a make-or-break season. Douglas and Saleh both received a mulligan following a disappointing season in large part because of Rodgers’ injury four plays into his debut last September. That likely will not be the case again in 2024 if the Jets do not make the playoffs for the first time since 2010.

The backup quarterback market is robust, with many teams in need this offseason. The Jets have an estimated $27 million of salary cap space. They can create more money by restructuring some of their current players’ deals.

“That’s part of the discussions that we had,” Douglas said at the NFL Scouting Combine last week about acquiring a backup QB. “It’s an area that we’re going to be addressing moving forward.

“We’re still really early in the offseason, especially when it comes to the veteran backup landscape and market. We’ve had good meetings and evaluation with the guys that are available I think we’re ready to take the next step and see where the market is exactly with these backup quarterbacks.”

With Rodgers, 40, returning from a significant injury, the Jets know they need a break-in-case-of-emergency veteran backup who can fill in.

Let’s take a look at a few backup quarterback options:

RYAN TANNEHILL

Tannehill is the likely favorite to become Gang Green’s backup quarterback in 2024. His former offensive coordinator with the Titans, Todd Downing, is the Jets passing game coordinator. Jets offensive line coach Keith Carter also knows Tannehill during their days in Tennessee (2019-22).

Tannehill has 151 career starts for the Dolphins and Titans. He was a Pro Bowl quarterback in 2019 and helped lead the Titans to the playoffs from 2019-21.

But Tannehill lost his starting job after rookie Will Levis replaced him following a high ankle sprain. He eventually became the starter again after Levis injured his foot late in the season.

Tannehill, 35, could have starting options elsewhere. But if those plans don’t come to fruition, he could land with the Jets.

JACOBY BRISSETT

The Jets saw firsthand what impact Brissett can make when relieving a starting quarterback. After coming in for Sam Howell during their Christmas Eve game against the Jets, Brissett rallied the Commanders from a 21-point deficit. Washington lost, 30-28, after Greg Zuerlein’s game-winning 54-yard field goal with 10 seconds left.

Brissett, 31, has been a career journeyman since he was drafted in the third round by the Patriots in 2016. He is 18-30 as a starter but has been a steady backup for New England, Indianapolis, Miami, Cleveland, and Washington.

Like Tannehill, Brissett might look for a starting opportunity because he could be a bridge while a team looks to develop a younger quarterback option. The Jets would need to pony up the money for Brissett after he made $8 million during his one season with the Commanders.

GARDNER MINSHEW

After filling in for the injured Anthony Richardson, Minshew came close to getting the Colts to the playoffs in 2023. He was 7-6 as a starter after passing for 3,305 yards, 15 touchdowns and nine interceptions.

The Jets are fans of Minshew and he could be on top of their backup wishlist. Minshew only made $3.5 million last year, but expect him to double that in free agency.

Like Tannehill and Brissett, Minshew will likely look for a potential starting role.

JIMMY GAROPPOLO

Garoppolo isn’t a free agent, but he is expected to be released around the start of the new league year, which begins March 14. He is facing a two-game suspension for violating the NFL’s performance-enhancing substance policy.

If Garoppolo is on the Raiders’ roster on the fifth day of the new league year (March 18), he would be owed a $11.25 million roster bonus.

Garoppolo signed a three-year, $72.75 million contract with the Raiders, including a guaranteed $33.75 million. But he was benched for rookie Aidan O’Connell hours after the Raiders fired coach Josh McDaniels.

Garoppolo, 32, is 43-20 as a starting quarterback. But lack of durability and diminishing skills are a concern. Garoppolo has a history with Saleh after the two spent time with the 49ers.

TYLER HUNTLEY

Huntley certainly doesn’t have the same experience other quarterbacks on this list do. But he has performed well in the games he has started the last two years.

Huntley, 26, is 3-6 as a starter, which includes a 2-2 record after filling in for Lamar Jackson for the Ravens in 2022. He also helped Baltimore reach the playoffs that year before losing to the Bengals in the AFC wild card round.

Huntley is a dual-threat quarterback, which is a plus considering the questions on the Jets’ offensive line. He has run for 509 yards and three touchdowns in four seasons.

Since entering the league in 2020, Huntley has passed for 1,957 yards, eight touchdowns, and seven interceptions. Huntley is an intriguing option, especially given Rodgers’ age.

According to a source, the Jets will release tight end C.J. Uzomah after two seasons with the team. The move will save the Jets $5.3 million.

The Jets will now have over $25 million of salary cap space. Last week, they released left guard Laken Tomlinson after two seasons, which saved them $8.1 million.

In 2022, the Jets signed Uzomah and Tyler Conklin to lucrative contracts. Uzomah signed a three-year, $24 million contract hoping he could help bolster the Jets’ offense. Conklin signed a three-year, $21 million deal after spending his first four seasons with the Vikings.

The Jets thought they were getting the same Uzomah who caught 49 receptions for 493 yards and five touchdowns with the Bengals in 2021. However, his production slipped last two seasons.

Uzomah registered 21 receptions for 232 yards and two touchdowns in 2022. Last offseason, the Jets converted $4.5 million of Uzomah’s salary for 2023 into a signing bonus, which cleared $3.6 million in cap space.

Uzomah’s numbers continued to decrease in 2023 after ending the year with just eight catches for 58 yards and a touchdown after second-year player Jeremy Ruckert surpassed him on the Jets depth chart. During the Dec. 3 game against the Falcons, Uzomah tore his MCL and meniscus, which ended his season.

Meanwhile, Conklin has emerged as the Jets top tight end after averaging 60 receptions for 587 yards the last two seasons.

The Jets could be in the market for another tight end this offseason and some have speculated that they could draft Georgia tight end Brock Bowers with the 10th overall selection in April’s NFL Draft.

After fielding one of the worst offenses in the NFL the last two seasons, a lot of pressure is on Jets head coach Robert Saleh and general manager Joe Douglas this offseason. Last April, the Jets acquired quarterback Aaron Rodgers in a trade with the Packers. However, Rodgers played only four snaps in 2023 after tearing his Achilles during the Sept. 11 season opener against the Bills.

Without Rodgers, the Jets ranked 31st in yards (268.6) and 29th in points per game (15.8). Despite being third in total defense (292.3), the Jets finished 7-10 for the second consecutive year.

This led to Jets owner Woody Johnson voicing his frustrations at the NFL Honors awards show last month.

Beginning Monday, March 11, at 12 ET, NFL teams are allowed to contact the agents of unrestricted free agents and enter contract negotiations. The start of the new league will begin two days later on March 13 at 4 p.m. ET. That will be when unrestricted players can officially sign their new contracts.

The Jets are expected to be very active in what is a make-or-break year for both Saleh and Douglas.

“I mirror the frustration that Woody has,” Douglas told reporters last week at the NFL Scouting Combine. “Woody and I talk every day, just about every day and so we’re certainly on the same page. Again, I like the position we’re in.

“There’s a lot of talent coming back to this team, we have to add more to it. We know exactly what we have to do moving forward. The pressure is always intrinsic in his job whenever you walk in every day, but I can tell you that we’re not stressed.

“We’re prepared to answer the bell here with the decisions that have to be made moving forward. A lot of that has to do with the meetings that we had after the last time I talked to you guys and I feel really good about all of us, the personnel staff, coaching staff, analytics and everybody being on the same page.”

According to his agent Derky Gilmore, the Buccaneers and wide receiver Mike Evans have agreed on a two-year, $52 million contract. The deal includes a $35 million signing bonus.

The Jets were one of the many teams who targeted Evans, 30, this offseason. However, many considered landing the five-time Pro Bowler a long shot because he wanted to remain with the Buccaneers, who selected him seventh overall in the 2014 NFL Draft out of Texas A&M.

Last week at the NFL Scouting Combine, Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht dismissed rumors that the team and Evans were far apart in contract talks.

“We’re working very hard on that,” Licht said. “On both sides, both ends are, and trust me, we all want Mike.”

It’s easy to see why the Buccaneers would want to keep Evans. He is the only receiver in NFL history to register 1,000 yards in each of his first 10 seasons. He is also the second receiver after Jerry Rice (14) to record 10 consecutive 1,000-yard seasons.

Last year, for the NFC South-winning Buccaneers, Evans caught 79 receptions for 1,255 yards and 13 touchdowns. In Tampa Bay’s two playoff games against the Eagles and Lions, Evans recorded 19 catches for 195 yards and a touchdown.

With Evans off the board, the Jets will now focus on other free-agent receivers. Gang Green is looking for another receiver to pair with top target Garrett Wilson.

The Jets have been reportedly trying to convince the Raiders to trade veteran receiver Davante Adams. But Las Vegas general manager Tom Telesco told reporters that the team is not interested in trading the six-time Pro Bowl receiver.

A year ago, the Jets signed Allen Lazard to a four-year, $44 million contract, hoping he would help improve their offense. However, he suffered through a disappointing 2023 season.

Lazard finished last season with 23 catches for 311 yards and one touchdown in 14 games. He was also a healthy scratch for three games.

Lazard’s 2024 salary ($10 million) is fully guaranteed. Because of that, the Jets and Lazard must find a way to make it work, at least through the 2024 season.

The Jets will hope the return of Aaron Rodgers from an Achilles tear, who was also his teammate in Green Bay for five seasons, can help Lazard regain his previous form. But the Jets cannot depend on Lazard emerging as their No. 2 receiver again this offseason.

That’s why the Jets receiver wish list could include Jaguars receiver Calvin Ridley, Cardinals receiver Marquise Brown, and Bills receiver Gabe Davis.

Following a 2022 suspension for betting on NFL games, Ridley was traded from the Falcons to the Jaguars. He finished the 2023 season with 76 catches for 1,016 yards and eight touchdowns.

With his exceptional speed, adding Brown would be a significant addition to the Jets receiver room. But his numbers with the Cardinals declined the last two seasons after finishing with 91 catches, 1,008 yards, and a six-touchdown campaign in 2021. He registered 51 receptions for 574 yards and four touchdowns last season.

Davis has recently hinted that his days with the Bills are over. Two weeks ago, he posted a video on social media that seemed like a farewell message to Buffalo fans. He averaged 40 catches for 683 yards and seven touchdowns each of the last four years.

The Jets could also look towards the draft to fill their receiving needs. They’re expected to select an offensive lineman in Round 1. But that will also depend on what the team does in free agency.

If Washington’s Rome Odunze or LSU’s Malik Nabers are still available when the Jets select No. 10 in April’s draft, the team would undoubtedly have to consider it. Gang Green could also consider adding Brock Bowers, a game-changing tight end at Georgia.

The Jets’ tight end room is loaded with Tyler Conklin, C.J. Uzomah, and Jeremy Ruckert, but they were one of 15 teams who met with Bowers at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis last week. During his three seasons at Georgia, Bowers caught 175 passes for 2,538 yards and 26 touchdowns en route to helping the Bulldogs win two national championships.

Bowers has a unique combination of acceleration, speed, and excellent hands. He is also an incredible route runner with the talent to beat linebackers and safeties in man and zone coverage.

Many draft experts, including ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr., have predicted Bowers landing with the Jets. During the combine, Bowers told reporters that catching passes from Rodgers would be a dream.

It would be pretty sweet,” Bowers said at the NFL Combine last week. “He’s one of the best of all-time to do it at quarterback and it would be cool to learn under him and play under him and hopefully learn some stuff.”

Gang Green shocked many when it drafted defensive end Will McDonald in the first round last year. However, an area on the defensive line is a concern for the Jets entering the offseason.

The defensive tackle spot next to Quinnen Williams is currently vacant. Solomon Thomas and Quinton Jefferson, who both made vital impacts on the Jets’ defense last season, are both free agents. Al Woods, who was signed to help Gang Green’s rushing defense is also a free agent coming off an Achilles injury he suffered last October.

This is where Texas defensive tackle T’Vondre Sweat comes in. He isn’t projected to be a first-round pick because many question whether he can be an every-down player due to his weight.

But the 2023 Outland Trophy Award winner (best college football interior lineman) is determined to impress scouts and general managers this week at the NFL Scouting Combine.

“I’m just a big guy,” Sweat told reporters on Wednesday. “A lot of people get scared of the numbers and all that, but when y’all see me move tomorrow, I feel a lot of people will be like, ‘What about his numbers?’

“It’s just God. And I’ve got to give a big shout-out to my nutritionist at the University of Texas; they helped me a lot. And my coaches.”

On the field for the Longhorns last season, Sweat was arguably the most dominant interior lineman in the nation. He finished with 45 tackles, eight tackles for loss and two sacks on a Texas defense that was 15th in the country in scoring defense (18.9).

Because of his outstanding season, Sweat was a first-team All-Big 12 selection. He was also named the 2023 Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year.

During the Big 12 Championship game, Sweat lined up at tight end and caught a two-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Quinn Ewers in the back of the end zone.

Sweat is listed at 6-4, 362 pounds, but many NFL evaluators believe he is closer to weighing around 380 pounds.

“This past season, I played at 365,” Sweat said. “That’s where I feel comfortable at.”

On Thursday, Sweat weighed in at 366 pounds, which makes him the biggest player at the combine. He participated in the 40-yard dash and registered an unofficial time of 5.27.

“You know, you know how man is,” Sweat said. “We’ve got to grow into our bodies.

“This is me, as y’all can see. I’m a big guy, a big frame. That’s just how it is. I just grew into my body, man.”

What stands out about Sweat, outside of him being a mammoth of a man, is his athleticism and incredible strength. He has an excellent burst off the line of scrimmage, which helps him against slower offensive linemen. Sweat also uses his quick hands and swim techniques to win one-on-one matchups against guards and tackles. That was often demonstrated at the Senior Bowl, where he folded a lineman like a lawn chair.

There's only so much you can do to slow down 360+ pounds.

T'Vondre Sweat is inevitable when he wants to be. pic.twitter.com/oWTi3pvjUj

— Dane Brugler (@dpbrugler) January 31, 2024

Because of his playing style and size, Sweat has often been compared to former Georgia and current Eagles defensive tackle Jordan Davis.

T’Vondre Sweat oh my…

This dude is game-wrecker. pic.twitter.com/0z0jZZLrLV

— Sam Phalen (@Sam_Phalen) January 31, 2024

“I really don’t follow too many people,” Sweat said. “I’m really self-motivated. I’m really a guy that sticks to myself.

“I worry about what I’ve got to worry about. Because if I don’t worry about what I’ve got to worry about, I can’t just sit up there and worry about the next person. Know what I mean? I’ve got to focus on myself before I focus on the next person.”

Run defense was an issue last season for the Jets. They ended the year 25th in rushing yards allowed per game (124).

After Woods suffered a season-ending Achilles, the Jets defense gave up several explosive runs. That’s why a player like Sweat certainly should be on their radar.

Currently, Sweat is projected to be a second or a third-round pick in April’s draft. The problem is that the Jets currently don’t have a second-round pick due to the Aaron Rodgers trade last offseason. But there are several ways the Jets could get into the second round and potentially draft Sweat.

There’s speculation on whether the Jets could trade down from 10th overall and land somewhere in the 20s and still get the offensive lineman of their choice and later address a need at defensive tackle. If the Jets are able to do that, Sweat would be a perfect fit next to Williams on Robert Saleh’s defense in 2024.

Douglas addressed several topics, including the release of left guard Laken Tomlinson, Chiefs wide receiver Mecole Hardman and how the Jets will address their offensive line situation.

Here’s a summary of what Douglas addressed:

WHAT WAS BEHIND TOMLINSON’S RELEASE?

On Monday night, the Jets released left guard Laken Tomlinson after two seasons with the team. Considering the Jets already need two starters on the offensive line entering the offseason, some people were surprised Tomlinson, who has started all 34 games the last two seasons, was released.

The Jets saved $8.1 million by releasing Tomlinson.

“Had a good conversion with Laken on Monday,” Douglas said. “We just felt like it was the right move for us moving forward.

“I have so much respect for Laken as a person and as a player. Ultimately, we did what we thought was in the best interest of our team.”

JETS WON’T MOVE AVT AROUND IN 2024

In the last two seasons, the Jets have used Alijah Vera-Tucker‘s versatility to their advantage. He has played every position on the line other than center during his three years with the Jets.

Moving Vera-Tucker around has come with criticism. He has suffered two season-ending injuries (torn tricep and Achilles) during the last two years.

But moving forward, the Jets will keep Vera-Tucker at one position. What that position is, they’re not saying.

“I think we are in a really good situation because of the flexibility of AVT provides us. We don’t have any decision on exactly where he is going to line up.

“He has the ability to play four different spots and play four different spots well. It gives us a lot of flexibility moving forward on roster building and line building.

“The one thing we are going to do this year, we are not going to move AVT around. We are going to have a spot for him and leave him there for the season.”

JETS WON’T TAG HUFF

Bryce Huff had a breakout campaign last season for the Jets. He led the team in sacks with 10 in 2023.

The Jets are expected to meet with Huff’s representatives during the combine this week. However, they won’t place the franchise tag on the 25-year-old.

“There’s going to be productive conversions,” Douglas said.

Huff could be looking in the neighborhood of the four-year, $98 million contract with $72.9 million guaranteed defensive end Montez Sweat received from the Bears last November. That would ultimately take the Jets out of the Huff sweepstakes.

Gang Green has too many holes to fill with its offensive line, backup quarterback, wide receiver, defensive tackle and safety this offseason.

THOUGHTS ON HARDMAN’S COMMENTS

During an appearance on “The Pivot” podcast, Hardman spoke about his brief time with the Jets.

“There’s no standard there,” Hardman said.

“You just got a new [offensive] coaching staff that came in and there’s no standard there. Everybody does what they want to do.

“Granted, the defense has more of a stabilized standard with the coaching staff on that side, so the defense has a standard. But the offense is just like, ‘We’ll just figure it out. It’s Aaron’s show. Let Aaron [Rodgers] do what Aaron does.’ Then, when Aaron goes down, it’s like we don’t know what to do.”

The Jets signed Hardman to a one-year contract worth up to $6.5 million. But just months after the deal, Hardman became frustrated with his role after Xavier Gipson passed him on the team’s depth chart during training camp.

Hardman played only 28 snaps offensively and two on special teams during his six games with the Jets. That led to him saying he “was so checked out.”

The Jets traded Hardman back to the Chiefs on Oct. 18, where he spent the first four seasons of his career.

“Not to get into any specifics on what Mecole said,” Douglas said. “We were excited to sign Mecole. But Xavier Gipson really came on for us this year. He did an outstanding job for us.

“Ultimately, we made the decision to move on from Mecole. Our process on adding Mecole, he was excited to be here. It just didn’t work out.”

WILL THE JETS HAVE CHIEFS INVESTIGATED

That wasn’t the only thing Hardman said that created headlines. He also told The Pivot podcast that before the trade to Kansas City, he had already talked to Chiefs general manager Brett Veach and quarterback Patrick Mahomes and told the two to “Come get me.”

Douglas was asked if he would ask the NFL to investigate the Chiefs for a possible tampering violation.

“Those are comments that definitely resonate with us,” he said.

IS THIS YEAR DIFFERENT KNOWING EVERYTHING IS ON THE LINE?

It is no secret that this is a make-or-break season for Douglas and head coach Robert Saleh. At NFL Honors earlier this month, Jets owner Woody Johnson told reporters he was frustrated following a second consecutive 7-10 season.

“They’ve seen me about as mad as I could be with what was going on with the offense particularly,” Johnson said. “We’ve got all this talent and we’ve got to deploy talent properly.

“I think they all got the message. We’ve got to produce this year. This is not a playoff mandate, but we have to do a lot better than seven wins.”

Douglas says he talks to Johnson frequently and shares his sentiments about how the last two seasons have gone for the Jets.

“I mirror the frustrations that Woody has,” Douglas said. “He and I talk every day. We are certainly on the same page.

“I like the direction that we are headed. There’s a lot of talent coming back to this team. We know exactly what we have to do moving forward. The pressure is always intrinsic in this job whenever you walk in every day.

“I can tell you, we are not stressed. We are prepared, we are prepared to answer the bell here with the decisions that have to be made moving forward. A lot of that has to do with the meetings that we had after the last time we talked to you guys. I feel really good about all of us, the personnel staff, the coaching staff, analytics, everybody being on the same page.”

During his press conference at the NFL Scouting Combine on Wednesday, Jets general manager Joe Douglas told reporters that the team has given Wilson’s agent permission to seek a trade.

“I’ve had good conversions with his agent Brian Ayrault,” Douglas said. “Where we are exactly, we have given them permission to talk to other teams about a trade. I’m going to circle back with Brian at some point this week or next week just to see how those conversations are going. Other than that, there’s nothing else to report.”

The Jets selected Wilson No. 2 overall in the 2021 NFL Draft, believing he would be their future franchise quarterback. But he has floundered since entering the league.

In his three seasons, Wilson has thrown for 6,293 yards, 23 touchdowns, and 25 interceptions. He also has a completion percentage of 57% during that span. With Wilson under center, the Jets have a 12-21 record in his 33 starts.

After drafting him, the Jets gave Wilson the starting job with zero competition from a veteran quarterback. But in 2022, the Jets finally benched Wilson after he threw 1,688 yards, six touchdowns, and seven interceptions.

Last season was supposed to be a redshirt season for Wilson. The Jets acquired four-time MVP Aaron Rodgers in a trade with the Packers last April. But following Rodgers’ Achilles tear four plays into his debut with the Jets, Wilson became the Jets starter once again.

In 12 games, Wilson passed for 2,271 yards, eight touchdowns and seven interceptions. He also completed 60.1% of his passes.

In Week 11, during the third quarter of the Bills’ 32-6 shellacking against the Jets, Wilson was benched for backup Tim Boyle after completing 7-of-15 passes for 81 yards with one touchdown and one interception. Wilson became the Jets starter again after the team released Boyle before their Week 14 contest against the Texans. But not without controversy.

According to an article released by The Athletic, Wilson was reluctant to start again because of the possibility of injury. But Wilson and Jets head coach Robert Saleh both denied the reports. Wilson also stated he was “frustrated” by the report.

That frustration led to the best game Wilson had in a Jets uniform. In a 30-6 victory against the Texans, Wilson completed 27-of-36 passes for 301 yards, two touchdowns, and zero interceptions.

However, that performance would be short-lived because Wilson struggled during the 30-0 loss to the Dolphins the following week. He completed just 4-of-11 passes for 26 yards before leaving the game with a concussion.

Wilson did not play again this season after he remained on concussion protocol during the Jets final three games.

Wilson will count $11.2 million on the salary cap and is scheduled to make $5.5 million in guaranteed money in 2024. His next team, assuming he is traded, has the option of picking up his fifth-year option ($22.4 million cap hit) for 2025, but they would need to do that by May 2. However, there’s virtually no chance of that happening.

Tumultuous would sum up Wilson’s time with the Jets. Earlier this month during NFL Honors, Jets owner Woody Johnson was critical of Wilson.

“We need a backup quarterback,” Johnson said. “We didn’t have one last year.”

Where the 24-year-old will land next season remains to be seen. Gang Green is expected to sign a veteran quarterback this offseason to back up Rodgers, 40, in case of another injury.

“That’s part of the discussions that we’ve had,” Douglas said. “It is an area that we are going to be addressing moving forward.

“We are still really early in the offseason, especially when it comes to the veteran backups landscape and market. We’ve had good meetings and good evaluations of the guys that are available.

“I think we are ready to take the next step and see where the market is exactly with these backup quarterbacks.”

Washington wide receiver Rome Odunze goes to the Giants at No. 6 and Georgia tight end Brock Bowers lands with the Jets at No. 10 in the ESPN draft guru’s second 2024 mock, which came out Wednesday.

With three quarterbacks projected off the board, Kiper gives Daniel Jones a 6-3, 215-pound target in an effort to boost a sluggish Giants offense that averaged 15.6 points per game last season.

“Get Jones some help,” Kiper wrote. “They have too many Nos. 2 and 3 receivers. Odunze, who caught 92 passes for 1,640 yards and 13 touchdowns last season, could be their No. 1 guy.”

Kiper has long been a supporter of Jones, who appeared in only six games during an injury-plagued 2023 season that ended with an ACL tear.

The Giants haven’t had a true No. 1 wide receiver since sending Odell Beckham Jr. to the Cleveland Browns in March 2019, a few weeks before they drafted Jones. Darius Slayon led the Giants in receiving in four of the last five seasons, including in 2023, when his 770 yards marked a career high.

Kiper’s mock offers the Giants their pick of playmakers, with Marvin Harrison Jr. (whom he gave to the Arizona Cardinals at No. 4) the lone pass-catcher off the board. In Wednesday’s scenario, the Giants roll with Odunze over explosive LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers, whom Kiper mocked to Big Blue in his first draft exercise last month.

The 6-1, 188-pound Nabers hauled in 89 receptions for 1,569 yards and 14 touchdowns last season.

Kiper envisions the Jets, meanwhile, giving rehabbing quarterback Aaron Rodgers another premium target rather than bolstering their woeful offensive line.

The matchup-nightmare Bowers led Georgia in receiving in each of his three collegiate seasons, two of which ended with national championships. The 6-4, 240-pound tight end would theoretically help fortify a Jets passing attack that boasts little behind top receiver Garrett Wilson.

“Think about it: Aaron Rodgers is returning, they have a void at the position and they might jump at the opportunity to add a pass-catching tight end with rare run-after-the-catch ability,” Kiper wrote. “There’s a natural fit. And yes, New York has a bigger hole at offensive tackle, but what if it doesn’t totally love its options here? I always say — drafting strictly for need will get teams into trouble.”

Like the Giants, the Jets trotted out one of the NFL’s worst offenses in 2023, averaging 15.8 points per game during a lost season in which Rodgers played only four snaps before suffering a torn Achilles.

The Jets’ ineffective offensive line badly needs an overhaul, with guard Laken Tomlinson released this week; tackles Mekhi Becton and Duane Brown and center Connor McGovern primed for free agency; and the versatile Alijah Vera-Tucker working his way back from an Achilles tear.

Wednesday’s mock still has Penn State tackle Olu Fashanu on the board when the Jets pick, but Kiper believes Bowers is too good to pass up.

Kiper’s draft sends USC quarterback Caleb Williams to the Chicago Bears at No. 1, LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels to the Washington Commanders at No. 2 and UNC quarterback Drake Maye to the New England Patriots at No. 3.

After Harrison at No. 4, the mock gives Alabama tackle JC Latham to the Los Angeles Chargers to round out the top five.

Las Vegas shut down Gang Green’s request. Four months later, the Raiders are still not interested in trading the six-time Pro Bowl receiver.

“He’s a Raider,” Las Vegas general manager Tom Telesco told reporters at the NFL Scouting Combine on Tuesday.

Earlier this month, NFL Network reported that Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers had been actively recruiting Adams, his former teammate for eight seasons in Green Bay. But the Raiders, to this point, do not want to trade Adams.

In 2022, the Packers traded Adams to the Raiders in exchange for a first-round and second-round pick. Las Vegas then signed Adams to a five-year, $141.25 million contract. He has three seasons left on his deal, including a full guarantee of his $16.89 million base salary for 2024.

During his two seasons with the Raiders, the team has a 14-20 record. Adams voiced his displeasure with his usage when Josh McDaniels was the coach of the Raiders.

However, he advocated for the Raiders to make Antonio Pierce the team’s full-time coach after they fired McDaniels in October. In Pierce’s nine games as interim coach, the Raiders were 5-4.

“It’s obviously who I wanted, and he’s my vote,” Adams said last month about Pierce. “I’ve been vocal about that, and that’s basically how the whole locker room feels, and with good reason. He’s come in and done a great job.

“He’s continued to win us over. It’s not just the comfortable thing, I think having AP here would be good for this organization. He embodies what it means to be a Raider. That mentality, that swag, all the things that he endorses are the things that I believe in. Definitely rooting for him.”

Adams, 31, finished last season with 103 receptions for 1,144 yards and eight touchdowns. It was the fifth time during the previous six seasons he’s registered at least 100 catches and 1,000 yards. However, it was his lowest receiving yards total since 2019.

It appears Adams is happy in Las Vegas, and Telesco, who was named the general manager last month, isn’t about to trade the Raiders’ top receiver.

The Jets will now have to pivot to other receiver options this offseason. On Monday, the Bengals placed the franchise tag on Tee Higgins.

Other free agent options for the Jets could include Buccaneers’ Mike Evans, Colts’ Michael Pittman Jr., Jaguars’ Calvin Ridley, and Cardinals’ Marquise Brown.

Since then, assistant general manager Rex Hogan and the Jets parted ways. Also, director of player personnel Chad Alexander left the Jets to become the new assistant general manager of the Los Angeles Chargers.

Then there was an article by The Athletic detailing the Jets organization’s dysfunction last season. And I haven’t even gotten to the needs the Jets have to address this offseason, especially on the offensive side of the ball.

Following a second consecutive 7-10 season, the pressure is on for Douglas and coach Robert Saleh to lead the Jets to the playoffs for the first time since 2010. Before that, Douglas will speak to NFL prospects before they participate in this week’s scouting combine.

Douglas will speak to the media on Wednesday and here are some of the questions he must address.

WHAT’S THE JETS’ PLAN TO IMPROVE OL?

On Monday night, the Jets released veteran left guard Laken Tomlinson after two seasons with the team. Although Tomlinson’s tenure with the Jets was underwhelming, his departure creates another void on their offensive line.

Now Gang Green will need to find three starters on the line this offseason. Duane Brown and Mekhi Becton, who were the opening-day starters at left and right tackle, will both be free agents at the start of the new league year on March 13.

The only two starters remaining from last year’s team are center Joe Tippmann and guard Alijah Vera-Tucker, who is coming off a season-ending Achilles injury he suffered last October. Vera-Tucker has played every position but center for the Jets and could be an option at right tackle.

Gang Green could put Carter Warren at right tackle, but he played just eight games and 401 snaps during his rookie season. Carter allowed five sacks over that span.

In terms of the free agent tackles, it is slim pickings. Cowboys tackle Tyron Smith, Patriots tackle Trent Brown, and Chiefs tackle Donovan Smith are probably the best of the group, but they come with age and injury concerns.

WHAT DID DOUGLAS THINK OF WOODY JOHNSON’S COMMENTS?

During this month’s NFL Honors, Jets owner Woody Johnson put Douglas and Saleh both on blast after saying he was disappointed following a second consecutive 7-10 campaign.

“They’ve seen me about as mad as I could be with what was going on with the offense particularly,” Johnson said. “We’ve got all this talent and we’ve got to deploy talent properly.

“I think they all got the message. We’ve got to produce this year. This is not a playoff mandate, but we have to do a lot better than seven wins.”

The pressure is on for Douglas and Saleh to lead the Jets to the playoffs for the first time since 2010. The team hasn’t finished with a winning record since 2015 (10-6). Douglas was hired in 2019 and during that time, the Jets have compiled a 27-56-0 record during his five seasons as general manager.

Following Aaron Rodgers Achilles’ injury, both Douglas and Saleh received a mulligan after the team went all in to acquire the four-time NFL MVP. But Douglas and Saleh would unlikely be afforded the same luxury if another losing season occurs.

HOW IS RODGERS PROGRESSING?

The Jets added Rodgers to the 53-man roster despite the fact he was still less than 100% following his Achilles tear in the season opener against the Bills. However, that allowed him to practice with the rest of the team.

With them already eliminated from playoff contention, putting Rodgers on the field didn’t make much sense. But expect Douglas to be asked how Rodgers is progressing more than five months after his surgery.

The Jets 2024 season largely depends on how Rodgers performs. We’ve seen the Jets’ offense without Rodgers, and it wasn’t pretty. Gang Green was 31st in yards (268.6) and 29th in points per game (15.8).

DOUGLAS’ THOUGHTS ABOUT THE ATHLETIC ARTICLE?

In an article released by The Athletic last month about the Jets, an anonymous coach called the organization “such a f—ing mess.”

Mess and Jets rhymes and those words have been synonymous with the organization for the last 14 years. The article also said the Jets and Douglas rely on Rodgers to make critical organizational decisions.

“Rodgers isn’t the assistant GM,’” one AFC general manager said. ‘Joe Douglas is the assistant GM.’”

It isn’t uncommon for teams to rely on star quarterbacks to help shape a roster. But ultimately, the decision-making should come down to Douglas with the help of Saleh.

If last year is any indication, Rodgers’ voice in the building regarding roster decisions should be taken with a grain of salt. Rodgers and Saleh both denied the reports of the quarterback giving the team a “wish list” of players he wanted the Jets to acquire.

But they did sign a few of Rodgers’ friends, including wide receivers Allen Lazard and Randall Cobb, quarterback Tim Boyle, and offensive lineman Billy Turner.

Lazard signed a four-year, $44 million contract last offseason. He finished the season with 23 receptions for 311 yards and a touchdown. He was also inactive (healthy scratch) for the Jets’ season-finale victory against the Patriots.

Cobb registered 25 catches for 375 yards and a touchdown. Turner was the Jets’ swing tackle but struggled in that role. And Boyle, who became the Jets backup quarterback and later starter, was released after throwing for 360 yards, one touchdown, and four interceptions in three games.

The Athletic story aired out the Jets organization. Now it’s make-or-break time for Douglas, Saleh, and even Rodgers.

WHAT CAN JETS GET FOR ZACH WILSON?

Zach Wilson‘s days with the Jets are numbered.

The Jets are expected to trade the former No. 2 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft this offseason. Last year was supposed to be a redshirt season for Wilson after struggling his first two seasons. But Wilson was once again thrust into the starting role following Rodgers’ injury.

He finished with a 4-7 record with eight touchdowns, seven interceptions, 2,271 yards and a completion percentage of 60.1% in 2023. The Jets could agree to trade Wilson now, but the deal wouldn’t be official until the new league year on March 13. He is scheduled to make $5.7 million in the final year of his contract.

Wilson’s fifth-year option could be exercised, but it is highly unlikely any team would do so after throwing 6.293 yards, 23 touchdowns and 25 interceptions in three seasons.

There will be several teams looking for a backup quarterback this offseason, like the Rams, Broncos, and Titans. Going somewhere off the grid would be wise for Wilson after spending three seasons in the New York area.

My guess is Wilson will be dealt for a six-round pick.

Gang Green has released veteran left guard Laken Tomlinson on Monday after two seasons with the club, a source confirmed to the Daily News.

The move will save the Jets around $8 million this year on the cap. Gang Green will now have $24.7 million to spend this offseason.

In 2022, the Jets signed Tomlinson to a three-year, $40 million contract with the hopes of him being the anchor on their offensive line after he spent five seasons with the 49ers. Although Tomlinson was the only Jets offensive lineman to start all 34 games the last two seasons, he struggled with consistency.

In 2022, Tomlinson only let up one sack and committed one penalty in 1110 snaps. However, his play slipped significantly last season. In 2023, Tomlinson committed three penalties and allowed seven sacks and 35 quarterback hits in 1099 snaps.

Now, with the release of Tomlinson, the Jets will need to find three starters on their offensive line. Both tackles Duane Brown and Mekhi Becton will be free agents once the new league year begins on March 14. Brown is likely to retire and Becton may not return to the Jets after he allowed 12 sacks and committed 18 penalties last year.

The offensive line has been a source of problems for the Jets since Robert Saleh arrived in 2021. In 2022, 11 different offensive linemen started games for the Jets. The offensive line situation was even worse in 2023 when the Jets used 14 different offensive line combinations in 17 games.

Following the release of Tomlinson, only two starters that remain on the Jets offensive line are second-year center Joe Tippmann and guard Alijah Vera-Tucker, who is coming off a season-ending Achilles injury.

The Jets have tried to address their offensive line, but the same issues have remained. With Aaron Rodgers, 40, returning from an Achilles injury that kept him out all but four snaps in 2023, Jets general manager Joe Douglas knows he has to figure out a way to improve the offensive line once and for all.

I think it’s just going back into revisiting all the discussions, all the reports, what worked, what didn’t work,” Douglas said last month about addressing the Jets offensive line. “I feel like our decision-making process as a whole, I don’t think there needs to be any foundational changes in terms of that because I feel like some of the same processes that have led to some of our mistakes have also led to some pretty big hits.

“It’s going back and tweaking the process. The meeting process or the decision process and determining exactly where we went wrong and determine what were the reasons that we made successful decisions.”