5 NY Jets who are fighting for their future jobs in Week 18

2. Israel Abanikanda, RB, NY Jets

Israel Abanikanda will be on the Jets' roster in 2024 — that much is pretty much certain. He's not necessarily fighting for a roster spot on Sunday, but that doesn't mean there isn't a lot at stake for the rookie running back.

The Jets have elevated Abanikanda to their primary RB2 role in recent weeks, giving the rookie fifth-round pick an opportunity to prove that he can handle that role next season. To this point, the results have been shaky.

Abanikanda has shown off his speed and big-play ability, but he's also had ball security issues and displayed plenty of inconsistencies as a runner. Right now, it's hard to imagine the Jets trusting him with their primary backup running back job in 2024.

Abanikanda has an opportunity to make one last case for the role this Sunday, however. An impressive, mistake-free performance could go a long way toward improving his stock entering the offseason.

1. Jordan Whitehead, S, NY Jets

The Jets' defense remains one of the best units in the NFL, with legitimate Pro Bowl-caliver players at defensive end, defensive tackle, linebacker, and cornerback. Their safety room, however, leaves a lot to be desired.

Jordan Whitehead exemplifies the inconsistencies shown by that unit this season. No safety in the NFL has missed more tackles than Whitehead (20) or given up more touchdowns than Whitehead (seven).

Many of the Jets' issues at safety have been masked by stellar play from their cornerbacks, but it's still a position the team might look to upgrade this offseason.

With Whitehead set to be a free agent, he'll be looking to make one last impression on the team before he hits the open market. Who knows, maybe a strong final game could convince the Jets to re-sign him despite his struggles this season.