Three offseason moves the Jets must make
Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Calais Campbell.
After filling a number of needs this offseason, the New York Jets should be firmly in the mix for a playoff spot in 2024, but there’s work to be done to get there.
With that in mind, here are three more moves New York should make this offseason to ensure its 13-season playoff drought ends.
Sign safety Justin Simmons or Quandre Diggs
New York’s safety room isn’t a complete mess, but it needs a boost, as Jordan Whitehead signed with the Buccaneers in free agency, leaving Ashtyn Davis and Chuck Clark as potential starters. There’s no telling how Clark will perform after missing last season with a torn ACL, and while Davis has shown flashes of being a ballhawk, he’s not a starting-caliber safety for a team with Super Bowl aspirations.
Bringing in a veteran would be ideal for the Jets, and the free-agent safety market has relatively strong options. Simmons (cut by the Broncos) and Diggs (cut by the Seahawks) were jettisoned due to salary-cap constraints and are the best safeties available. Either would significantly enhance the Jets’ imposing defense.
Last season, Simmons had 70 tackles (two for loss), one sack and three interceptions, earning him his fourth second-team All-Pro selection and second Pro Bowl nod of his career. Meanwhile, Diggs tallied 95 total tackles, one interception and five pass breakups for Seattle. Considering the contracts they’d likely demand, Diggs may be a more realistic target than Simmons, but the former Bronco would undoubtedly be the better pickup.
Trade running back Israel Abanikanda
New York surprised many with its decision to double dip at running back on Day 3 of the 2024 NFL Draft, selecting South Dakota State’s Isaiah Davis 39 picks after picking Wisconsin’s Braelon Allen. Despite the two having redundant skill sets, the Jets clearly prefer a bruiser to back up Breece Hall, and their arrivals leave the 5-foot-11, 215-pounder Abanikanda as the odd man out in the backfield.
Abanikanda, a 2023 fifth-round pick, didn’t get much of an opportunity to showcase his talent as a rookie, rushing for 70 yards on 22 carries. However, the 21-year-old could be a desirable trade candidate for RB-needy teams because he was one of the most productive players in college football during his final season at Pitt in 2022.
In 2022, Abanikanda ranked first in the FBS in rushing touchdowns (20) and 14th in rushing yards (1,431), setting the Pitt game rushing record (320 yards) in the process. Although the Jets would probably be deemed the “loser” of a potential Abanikanda trade in hindsight, there’s no need to hold onto him if another team is willing to offer a draft pick in return.
Sign defensive lineman Calais Campbell
There’s no denying the Jets have one of the top starting defensive lines in the NFL, but the unit’s depth is somewhat thin after the recent trade of John Franklin-Myers to Denver. The edge-rusher isn’t a star, but he was an impactful run defender and provided needed versatility to play on the interior defensive line.
At this point in the offseason, New York’s options for finding a Franklin-Myers replacement are limited, though Campbell stands out as a viable candidate. Entering his age-38 season, Campbell is still effective as a pass-rusher and run-stopper. In 2023, the six-time Pro Bowler racked up 56 tackles (10 for loss) and 6.5 sacks for the Falcons. Additionally, Campbell earned the eighth-highest Pro Football Focus run-defense grade among edge defenders (80.2).
Spotrac’s calculated market value projects Campbell to sign a one-year, $7.5M deal this offseason, which is well within New York’s budget. With the production and leadership he can offer, Campbell would be a welcome addition to the locker room.
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