5 NY Jets players who can step into a bigger role in 2024

2. Xavier Gipson, WR, NY Jets

The one and two wide receiver spots are certainly already spoken for, but the No. 2 spot may be on shaky ground, as it is occupied by a habitually injured veteran in Mike Williams. His fragility leads to the logical conclusion that he won’t play 17 games this season.

If this turns out to be the case, someone will need to step into that spot, and Xavier Gipson could be that guy. With Allen Lazard under-impressing last year, Gipson has all the opportunity in the world to surpass him on the depth chart.

The Jets' receiving corps is solid, but it isn't exactly murderer's row. The only other real competition on the horizon is rookie Malachi Corley. But once again, you never know exactly what you'll get from a rookie.

If Gipson doesn't have a breakout year, it will have to be the next guy on our list. 

3. Allen Lazard, WR, NY Jets

I’m not saying that last season was a fluke and that Allen Lazard will easily return to his successful ways in 2024, but similar to the logic with Xavier Gipson, one of these two will likely have to take on a bigger role.

A world does exist where these two do not have to bear any increased workload. Between Garrett Wilson, Breece Hall, Tyler Conklin, and (hopefully) Mike Williams, there may be no need for Aaron Rodgers to look their way all that much.

However, I find it hard to believe that will be the case. As I said previously, we are bound to see some games without Mike Williams. In that case, someone will have to slide in, and even if Williams does stay healthy, two strong receivers do not make up a full receiving corps. At least not a good one.

Unless rookie Malachi Corley is a revelation, or Jason Brownlee suddenly turns into Randy Moss overnight, the Jets will need Gipson or Lazard to improve from last year's campaign. We all know how much Rodgers likes Lazard, so he will definitely have his opportunities.