The NY Jets spent the early stages of free agency attacking the offensive line early and often, trading for Morgan Moses while signing Tyron Smith on a very economical deal. The next order of business was wide receiver, and Joe Douglas filled that hole in a big way by adding Mike Williams.
Williams, who was released by the Los Angeles Chargers due to their perilous salary cap situation, signed a one-year contract with the Jets that could be worth up to $15 million. Williams will serve as a nice counterbalance to speedy Garrett Wilson as the Jets give Aaron Rodgers the support he needs.
The Jets' offense was as bad as any in the league last year, but the additions Douglas made in several key areas helped give this group a major kick in the rear end. This offense went from mediocre to playoff-caliber in the span of just a few short days in free agency.
Updated NY Jets offensive depth chart after Mike Williams signing
Quarterback (3): Aaron Rodgers, Tyrod Taylor, Zach Wilson
Running back (4): Breece Hall, Israel Abanikanda, Xazavian Valladay, Jacques Patrick
Fullback (1): Nick Bawden
Wide receiver (8): Garrett Wilson, Mike Williams, Allen Lazard, Xavier Gipson, Jason Brownlee, Malik Taylor, Irv Charles, Lance McCutcheon
Tight end (4): Tyler Conklin, Jeremy Ruckert, Kenny Yeboah, Zach Kuntz
Offensive tackle (6): Tyron Smith, Morgan Moses, Carter Warren, Max Mitchell, Austin Deculus, Obinna Eze
Offensive guard (5): Alijah Vera-Tucker, John Simpson, Jake Hanson, Xavier Newman, Vitaliy Gurman
Center (3): Joe Tippmann, Wes Schweitzer, Chris Glaser
Rodgers and new QB2 Tyrod Taylor will have plenty of weapons to choose from this year, as Breece Hall is fresh off establishing himself as one of the best running backs in the league while Wilson produced yet another 1,000-yard season despite no viable WR2 and some truly pathetic quarterback play.
The Jets' receiver room still needs more work, likely in the form of a Day 2 player who could come in and serve as WR3. As it stands right now, free-agent bust Allen Lazard will be back in the fold next year.
The Jets now have two viable high-end receivers and Rodgers slated to return, all with an offensive line that has five proven NFL starters. Contention was always the aim, but the Williams move makes it more realistic.