5 former NY Jets players who shined with their new team in 2023

2. Sheldon Rankins, DT, NY Jets

Another Jets player who left to join the Texans last offseason is Sheldon Rankins. The former Saints first-round pick signed a one-year, $10.5 million contract with the Texans in 2023 after two years spent in New York.

Rankins was excellent in his first season with the Texans, racking up six sacks — his most in a season since 2018. He also recorded 42 pressures and 28 run stops, both of which were also his highest totals since 2018.

The Jets found success with the likes of Quinton Jefferson and Solomon Thomas alongside Quinnen Williams, but Rankins proved to be worth Houston's hefty investment last season.

Rankins could be looking for a similar deal again as a free agent this offseason. Unless he's willing to take a discount, we can probably rule out a Jets return.

1. Joe Flacco, QB, NY Jets

The comeback tour on one saw coming. After spending the better part of the last three years with the Jets, Joe Flacco hit free agency last offseason, and at 39 years old, there wasn't much of a market for the former Super Bowl MVP.

Flacco reached out to the Jets after Aaron Rodgers' injury about a potential return to Florham Park, but the team was content with Zach Wilson moving forward. That proved to be a mistake.

Flacco latched on with the Cleveland Browns and proceeded to lead his team on a miracle run to the postseason, winning four of his five regular-season starts en route to winning Comeback Player of the Year.

Now, would Flacco have found the same success on the Jets? That much remains up for debate. But there's no denying that Flacco found considerable success with his new team in 2023.