The Titanic. The Hindenburg. The 2023 New York Jets. It’s fair to ask which of these events were the biggest disaster, but make no mistake, they all qualify for that designation. Amid massive hype, which included a turn on HBO’s Hard Knocks and a schedule loaded with primetime games, the Jets saw their season go up in flames after just four snaps when quarterback Aaron Rodgers tore his Achilles tendon.
Sans Rodgers, the Jets trotted out the lackluster trio of QBs Zach Wilson, Tim Boyle, and Trevor Siemian. None return. Wilson, the former No. 2 overall pick, was traded to the Denver Broncos before the draft. Boyle was waived last year and is currently on the Houston Texans. Siemian remains unsigned. Veteran Tyrod Taylor now sits behind Rodgers on the depth chart.
While the quarterback situation makes it tough to read much into last year’s numbers, the struggles of wide receivers Allen Lazard and Randall Cobb convinced the team more was needed at the position. To that end, the club signed Mike Williams (Los Angeles Chargers) and drafted Malachi Corley. With Rodgers back under center, let’s look at what we can expect from the Jets receivers in 2024.
Garrett Wilson
There’s one sure thing here, and that’s Wilson. Despite being saddled with often-miserable QB play, the former Ohio State Buckeye has delivered back-to-back 1,000-yard campaigns to open his career. He has great hands, the speed to get over the top, and the toughness to work underneath. While his numbers don’t jump off the page — 89 receptions, 1,073 yards, 3.5 TDs per year — that circles back to what he’s had to work with under center.
Clearly, Rodgers is levels above every other Jets QB, and he’s proven he will focus on specific players he trusts. So, although the talent level has risen in New York, the fact that Wilson worked with Rodgers all last offseason should help him stay firmly atop the pecking order.
Mike Williams
At 6-foot-4, 218 pounds, Williams is a bona fide deep threat courtesy of his speed and ability to win contested-ball situations — among active players with at least 200 career receptions, only Philadelphia Eagles WR A.J. Brown (15.7) has a higher yards per catch than Williams (15.6). For all his physical talent, however, the former seventh overall pick has just two 1,000-yard seasons in seven years in the NFL. Injuries have been a factor, which includes a torn ACL that ended his 2023 campaign after just three games, but consistency has also been an issue. He’s on track for Week 1 action.
Allen Lazard
New York handed Lazard a four-year, $44 million deal in 2023 free agency due primarily to his history with Rodgers on the Green Bay Packers. With Rodgers hurt, Lazard was a disaster. He finished with 23 receptions for 311 yards and one TD, and he was a healthy scratch by season’s end. Lazard will get another chance in 2024, but it’s unclear what role the lumbering wideout will fill.
Xavier Gipson and Malachi Corley
There weren’t many bright spots for last year’s Jets. The development of Gipson, who made the team as an undrafted free agent, was one. His numbers don’t impress (21-229-0 as a receiver, 8-68-1 as a runner), but he was active for all 17 games and saw his role grow as the season wore on. He could be the lead slot receiver with Cobb gone.
New York traded up to select Corley with the first pick of the third round, and word is they were enamored with his talent. From 2021-23, Corley led FBS in yards after catch, and he brings some explosive potential with the ball in his hands that the team needs. While Rodgers reportedly signed off on the pick, it’s worth remembering how notoriously detail-oriented the veteran is, which has made integration for young players an issue.
Fantasy football outlook
As you’d suspect, it’s Wilson and then everyone else when it comes to fantasy value. The third-year wideout has proven he can produce at least WR3 value regardless of who is slinging the pigskin. That’s his floor. Wilson’s ceiling is much higher. We saw the kind of singular production current Las Vegas Raiders WR Davante Adams had with Rodgers in Green Bay. If Wilson is indeed the go-to guy, we’re talking top-10 appeal.
Beyond that, the only other name to consider on draft day is Williams. He has the size, experience, and talent to serve as a quality secondary option for Rodgers. He’d be an intriguing fourth or fifth fantasy receiver with potential for more.
Corley is a watch-list candidate and possibly a viable flier in deep best-ball settings.
