5 positive takeaways from the NY Jets 2022 offseason

This past offseason was one of the most important in recent NY Jets history as the team had the chance, with plenty of cap space and draft capital, to make significant additions to this roster that would not only help in the present but moving forward as well.

Thankfully, while Joe Douglas didn't land a true superstar name, he made some fantastic signings that will help this team in the near and distant future. He also put together one of if not the best draft class in Jets history, with four hopeful long-term starters taken in the first 36 picks.

All this is great, and Jets fans should certainly be optimistic heading into the 2022 season, but unless the team can show it on the field, all of this from Joe Douglas and Robert Saleh will be for nothing. That makes this one of the most important seasons in franchise history.

This offseason was certainly a ride filled with plenty of positives, but also unfortunately the negatives of injuries. Today, however, we are going to take a look at the good side, and analyze five of the biggest positives from the Jets' offseason.

5. The NY Jets avoided any significant drama

Sure, Zach Wilson may have made headlines weeks ago for a reason that garnered plenty of attention, but it ended up endearing him to his team, the NFL, and even mainstream media. Beyond that though, this has been a drama-free offseason in the Big Apple.

Considering what some other teams have been through with players making foolish decisions off the field, this has to be a huge relief for Joe Douglas, Robert Saleh, and the Jets organization.

The injury to Mekhi Becton is a shame for No. 77 and this team, and that necessitated the signing of Duane Brown, but unfortunately, injuries are just a part of the game, and there's nothing that can be done about freak accidents like that.

Ultimately, the Jets came out of the offseason with little negative media attention from the wider NFL audience, and if the young players and offseason signings can step up and play their part, that may continue throughout the league season.

4. The NY Jets seemingly addressed every weakness

Although the 2021 offseason was a good one, the Jets had plenty of rebuilding still to do to make up for the mistakes of the Mike Maccaganan regime. Even if they're not genuine contenders right now, the team addressed every weakness they possibly could.

With needs at safety, cornerback, offensive line, wide receiver, linebacker, tight end, and kicker, the Jets added or re-signed at least two players at each spot, trying their best to have this team prepared for the incredibly tough schedule they face to begin the 2022 campaign.

Joe Douglas was smart as he didn't target overpriced names, but instead opted for better-than-average players who fit the Jets' culture and budget, and when the time comes to add those next-level star players, he will be ready.

Right now, however, all these additions will make the Jets a solid team that are tough to play on a weekly basis, and if the roster blends together as well as fans expect, we could see a team on the rise that racks up more wins than anyone outside of Jets fans can imagine.

3. The NY Jets confirmed they have a level headed GM

A struggling team like the Jets often looks to a big splashy trade or a free-agent signing to signal their intentions of a rebuild. While Joe Douglas had the opportunity, it's incredibly impressive to see him keep his patience over the past two offseasons.

Douglas has shown a willingness to make a big move, with him coming down to the final two teams interested in Tyreek Hill, but he didn't try and overpay. That once again proved that he has a price, and whether for good or bad (mostly good), he won't mortgage the future of the franchise by going over that price.

Over the next few years, we are going to see just how good Douglas is as he will have plenty of important decisions if the Jets can become contenders, but as of right now, Douglas is proving that he knows what he's doing.

2. Weapons, weapons, weapons

The Jets drafted Zach Wilson second overall in 2021, and after an up-and-down rookie campaign, it was clear that the franchise had to do everything in their power to help him succeed. "This organization will lift you up, not the other way around."

That was a quote from Robert Saleh, and after the 2022 offseason, the Jets have done what they can to make that statement true. This offense now has the ability to be one of the better in the league as the Jets added significant talent at every offensive position.

Breece Hall, Garrett Wilson, C.J. Uzomah, Tyler Conklin, and Laken Tomlinson are some of the names the Jets added to help in 2022, and after injuries derailed this group in 2021, they're now better equipped to handle any unfortunate injury situation.

The jury is still out on whether Zach Wilson is the franchise QB the Jets have been looking for, but if he falls short of expectations again in 2022, you can't blame Joe Douglas who's done everything in his power to help No. 2 succeed.

1. The NY Jets are seemingly in the midst of a culture shift

One of the things that the Jets struggled with under former coach Adam Gase was establishing a significant, winning culture. Since Douglas and Saleh have come to town, however, that has seemingly been changing, and this offseason was the biggest indicator of that being genuine.

Adding the likes of C.J. Uzomah, Laken Tomlinson, and Jordan Whitehead certainly helps, but it may be rookie Sauce Gardner that has the biggest impact on this.

This offseason, we've seen waves of social media posts of the team bonding outside of football. Whether it be going to Mets/Yankees games or the hangout we saw in Idaho, it seems that this team is really becoming close, and bonding the way successful sports teams often do.

We will have to wait and see how this plays out on the field, but as of right now, the Jets are doing a great job building a culture that could hypothetically convince big-name free agents to join Gang Green in the following years, especially if Zach Wilson steps up on the field this season.