5 bold 2024 offseason predictions for the NY Jets

2. NY Jets Jets tag and trade Bryce Huff

The Jets have to either extend Bryce Huff or franchise tag and trade him — they cannot afford to let him walk for nothing. With needs on the offensive side of the ball and last year's first-round pick Will McDonald waiting in the wings, I think a tag and trade is more likely than an extension.

There is a history of pass rushers being tagged and traded with the likes of Yannick Ngakoue, Jadeveon Clowney, Frank Clark, and Dee Ford.

If the Jets can get a second-round pick in return for Huff and the aforementioned fourth-round pick from the Zach Wilson trade, that gives them a lot more draft flexibility than they originally thought they'd have.

3. NY Jets trade up for Joe Alt or Olu Fashanu

With that added draft flexibility, the Jets could make a move for one of the top prospects at their biggest need.

If the Jets lost to the Washington Commanders, New England Patriots, or both, they would already be in a position to draft one of the top left tackles, Penn State’s Olu Fashanu or Notre Dame’s Joe Alt. But that’s not the case, and both will probably be gone before pick 10.

This is not unfamiliar territory for Joe Douglas. In 2020, the Jets were picking at 11 and wanted an offensive tackle. There were rumors they would have traded up for one if they needed to, but they stayed put and selected Mekhi Becton. And in 2021, the Jets traded up from 23 to 14 to select Alijah Vera-Tucker.

They have a history of being aggressive to secure offensive line prospects, and this is no time to get shy. The Tennessee Titans, who are short a third-round pick, are slated to pick seventh and could want some more draft capital for their new head coach.