5 moves the NY Jets should make after signing Mike Williams

The NY Jets continued their near-picture-perfect offseason on Tuesday, signing former Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Mike Williams to a one-year contract.

Williams helps complete a new-look offense for the Jets that will feature a revamped offensive line, the likes of Garrett Wilson and Breece Hall, and a returning Aaron Rodgers. The sky is the limit for the Jets in 2024 with their current core.

The work isn't over yet. though. While the Jets no longer have any glaring roster holes, there are still quite a few moves the team can make in the coming days/weeks to further establish themselves as Super Bowl contenders.

Here are five moves the Jets should consider making after the Mike Williams signing.

5. The NY Jets should create more cap space

The exact details of Williams' contract have not been released just yet, but the expectation is that it's going to significantly cut into the team's remaining cap space. That means the Jets will have to make a few moves to free up some money.

The good news is that the Jets have plenty of financial flexibility to make that happen. There are no more obvious roster cuts to make, but the Jets can restructure the contracts of both Quinnen Williams and John Franklin-Myers to free up just shy of $20 million in cap space.

The Jets could also explore a restructure or even an extension for someone like D.J. Reed, who is entering the final year of his contract. Extending Reed would save $7.5 million in 2024 cap space and secure one of their best defensive players for a few more years.

The Jets have maintained excellent financial flexibility to ensure they're in a healthy cap situation despite their numerous offseason moves. Expect the Jets to create a little more cap space in the coming days.

4. The NY Jets should re-sign Justin Hardee (and others)

The Jets have retained a number of key players this offseason, including specialists Greg Zuerlein and Thomas Morstead, defensive lineman Solomon Thomas, and starting safety Chuck Clark. There are still a few notable internal free agents that could be brought back, however.

Fellow special-teams standout Justin Hardee remains a free agent, and the veteran's cryptic posts on social media have led some to believe there could be a gap between the two sides in contract negotiations.

Hardee is one of the most important parts of the Jets' special-teams core and should be re-signed along with Zuerlein and Morstead.

The Jets could also explore bringing back players like Ashtyn Davis and Connor McGovern, although the former is reportedly seeking a starting opportunity. Both Davis and McGovern would provide important depth as the Jets approach next month's draft.

3. The NY Jets should sign David Bakhtiari

Speaking of depth, the Jets could use a little extra insurance behind their new starting offensive line. That's especially true for the offensive tackle positions. One player who still makes sense as a target is David Bakhtiari.

Bakhtiari is reportedly determined to play in 2024 following a host of injury-riddled seasons. If he's healthy and willing to take a backup role, the Jets should be very interested.

Tyron Smith's injury history is well documented, and it would make sense for the Jets to solidify their depth behind him. Bakhtiari has his own injury concerns, but his ties to Aaron Rodgers make him a logical target. The Jets can absolutely live with him as an insurance policy.

This might be an option the Jets explore after the 2024 NFL Draft if the team still isn't satisfied with their offensive tackle situation. Nonetheless, it's something to keep in mind moving forward.

2. The NY Jets should trade (or release) Zach Wilson

This one isn't so much what the Jets should do as opposed to what they will do. Zach Wilson will not be on the Jets' roster in 2024. His days as a member of the organization are numbered, and it would make sense to part ways sooner rather than later.

Wilson's relationship with the Jets has deteriorated to the point of no return, and even if the team is unable to find a trade partner, there is no path to redemption. Wilson will be released if he's not traded.

The ideal scenario would see some team step up as a trade partner. Trading Wilson would save the Jets from eating over $11 million in dead cap, freeing up around $5.45 million in cap space. It doesn't matter what they'd even get in return — that's a best-case scenario at this point.

Unfortunately, this situation seems to be trending toward a release, which would allow Wilson an opportunity to find a new home on a cheaper contract. Either way, the Jets will move on from their former No. 2 overall pick in the near future.

1. The NY Jets should sign Jadeveon Clowney

After landing one big fish in free agency on Tuesday, the Jets are set to host three-time Pro Bowler Jadeveon Clowney on an official visit on Wednesday. Will the Jets go two-for-two? That remains to be seen.

The departure of Bryce Huff has left a sizable hole in the Jets' front seven, and while the team expects 2023 first-round pick Will McDonald to take on a larger role, they're also likely to add more edge-rush depth.

Clowney would be a high-end addition to the Jets' pass-rush corps. The former No. 1 overall pick recorded a career-high 9.5 sacks and 71 pressures last season, putting together arguably his best campaign in years.

The Jets don't necessarily need Clowney, but if they're truly going all-in on the 2024 season, why not continue adding to this talented roster with a player who would immediately become arguably their best (or second-best) edge defender?