There had been plenty of talk of the Cowboys' interest in working something out with their 2011 first-round pick, but the Jets ultimately presented as a more appealing landing spot. New York had a significant need at offensive line heading into the offseason after allowing 64 sacks last season, and Smith will now be charged with the all-important task of protecting future Hall of Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers' from the left tackle spot in 2024.

Rodgers will be a full year removed from the injury by the time the Jets kick off their 2024 season with a Week 1 Monday Night Football game in San Francisco on September 9. He joined his teammates for OTAs during the spring before missing mandatory minicamp for a personal trip, but Rodgers intends to be in attendance and playing without limitations come training camp.

The Jets acquired Reddick from the Eagles this offseason, though he skipped the team's entire offseason due to a dispute over his current contract. Looking for an alternative way to placate him, New York will presumably propose the addition of incentives to his existing deal. It's unclear if that will be enough to have Reddick report to camp, or if he'll remain insistent on getting an extension.

Hall is certainly talented enough to win the award, but Edholm concedes there are naturally plenty of other viable candidates such as Aaron Rodgers, Garrett Wilson and Sauce Gardner. However, Edholm cites Hall's stellar finish to the 2023 regular season -- which saw him rush for 357 yards, catch 23 passes and score four total touchdowns in the last three games -- and the fact the third-year back will be another year removed from his ACL injury as the reasons that catapult him over his other teammates.

Reed has been one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL in the two seasons since he signed a three-year contract with the Jets, but with arguably the league's best cornerback already under contract in Sauce Gardner and young nickel cornerback Michael Carter set to hit free agency at the same time as Reed after the 2024 season, Reed could be the odd man out in New York's secondary. Signing Reed as a free agent would help the Vikings address a need in the secondary, but Reed's likely to have a robust market in free agency if his 2024 campaign is as strong as his previous two seasons.

Williams had a breakout 2022 season from a pass-rushing perspective, as he tallied a career-best 12 sacks. However, he failed to surpass seven sacks in any of his other four seasons as a pro. Williams' 20 quarterback hits in 2023 are a strong indication he could get even better results in 2024.

Hall was off to a hot start in his rookie season in 2022, registering 681 yards from scrimmage and five touchdowns before tearing his ACL in Week 7. It took him a few weeks to round into shape in his sophomore campaign, but he finished 2023 strong with 507 total yards and four touchdowns over the last three regular-season games. Entering his third season in the league, Hall noted that he is aiming to match the production of Christian McCaffrey, who won the 2023 Offensive Player of the Year award after leading the NFL in yards from scrimmage and touchdowns.

Oliver signed a one-year, $2.5 million contract with the Jets in the offseason and proceeded to switch positions from cornerback to safety. Despite being released by the 49ers in February, Oliver has an established track record with 79 NFL appearances under his belt, which should help him stick with his new team after the position change.

Watts signed with the Jets as an undrafted free agent out of UConn in May, and the 6-foot-6 defensive end impressed during OTAs and minicamp. The Jets are deep along the defensive line, but Watts has impressed the coaching staff thus far and is well positioned to make the team with a strong showing in training camp and preseason.

After a ho-hum rookie season, Johnson came into his own in his second NFL campaign, racking up 7.5 sacks and seven passes defensed, including an interception which he returned for a touchdown. The Jets are deep on the edge with 2023 first-round draft pick Will McDonald and offseason pickup Haason Reddick, so the versatile Johnson could shift to the inside more often in passing situations to generate additional pressure.

The Jets viewed Hall's absence as precautionary, suggesting he should be ready to go for training camp in July. Rookies Braelon Allen and Isaiah Davis got additional reps out of the backfield while Hall sat out OTAs and minicamp, but neither of them is likely to challenge Hall for the top spot on the depth chart. Hall is coming off a 2023 season in which he ranked second among running backs with 1,585 yards from scrimmage.

The veteran cornerback is heading into the final season of the three-year deal he signed in 2022, and while an extension would lower his salary cap hit, the team has yet to begin talks with Reed. "I signed a three-year deal, so I expect to play three years and go into free agency," he said last week. Reed has recorded at least 76 tackles and nine passes defended in three straight seasons and has been a strong complement to Sauce Gardner in the Jets secondary.

Gipson finished the 2023 season as the Jets' top option in the slot, and he has excelled in offseason practices ahead of his second regular season. Meanwhile, Corley is still adjusting to NFL speed and learning the offense after being a third-round selection in the 2024 NFL Draft. Corley's biggest strength at Western Kentucky was his ability to break tackles, so perhaps he will separate himself in training camp when padded practices with tackling begin, but Gipson appears to have a slight leg up in the slot receiver competition coming out of minicamp.

Williams is hoping to be ready for Week 1, but his recovery "has been a grind," and the veteran wide receiver is unlikely to be cleared for action when the Jets kick off their training camp in July. If placed on the PUP list, Williams wouldn't be allowed to practice until he is removed from the list. Should he remain on the PUP list at the start of the regular season, he would be required to sit out the first four games.

If Fashanu remains at left tackle, the rookie 11th overall pick would begin his NFL career on the bench behind eight-time Pro Bowler Tyron Smith, whom the Jets signed to a one-year contract in free agency prior to drafting Fashanu. Smith has missed at least three games in every season since 2016, so Fashanu would likely get a chance to play at some point in 2024 even if the rookie is limited to the left tackle position he played at Penn State. Should right tackle Morgan Moses struggle or get or remain hurt, the Jets would be faced with a decision between moving Fashanu to the right side or plugging in a potentially inferior replacement such as Carter Warren or Max Mitchell. It's telling that the team hasn't tried Fashanu on the right side in OTAs or minicamp while Moses recovers from a torn pectoral.

Gipson made the Jets as an undrafted free agent in 2023 primarily due to his contributions as a return man on special teams, but his role on offense grew as the season progressed, and he earned consistent playing time in the slot. Corley has been pegged as the favorite to win the slot receiver job due to his superior college production, but Gipson has excelled throughout the offseason program and appears to have taken a step forward with a year of NFL experience under his belt. Even with the team's increased depth around him, Gipson is well positioned to exceed his rookie totals of 21 catches for 229 yards on 38 targets.

Rodgers made headlines for missing mandatory minicamp practices due to a trip, but he was present for the preceding voluntary practices. During those practices, Garrett Wilson and Conklin were the favorite targets of the veteran quarterback. Conklin finished second on the team behind Wilson with 621 receiving yards in 2023, and the reliable tight end could be poised for an even more productive season in 2024 if his connection with Rodgers in practice carries over into games.

Saleh unsurprisingly downplayed Rodgers' absence, stating that there's no issue between him and the future Hall of Famer, or between Rodgers and his teammates for that matter. Rodgers was a consistent participant in the offseason program from April until early June, and he'd also let Saleh know he wouldn't be able to attend the just-completed minicamp because of a previous commitment.

The absence wasn't excused by the team, though Rodgers, who is coming back from a torn Achilles that cost him all but three snaps last season, warned coach Robert Saleh ahead of time that he would not be present due to a conflicting event. Saleh went on to try to downplay Rodgers' absence but did admit that he wants all of his players to be present at team practices. Tyrod Taylor ran the first-team offense, though there's no indication that Rodgers' absence will extend into training camp.

Reddick sat out voluntary offseason workouts after the Jets acquired him from the Eagles. That makes his absence from mandatory sessions relatively unsurprising, though Hughes further reported that Reddick told the team that he would attend minicamp and even OTAs. That he's reversed course has apparently surprised the team and could put their long-term relationship in jeopardy.

The Jets acquired Reddick this offseason in a trade with the Eagles, though they have since failed to reach a new deal with the dynamic pass rusher. Coach Robert Saleh spoke to the media Tuesday and said he has had no recent communication with Reddick but was aware of his activities this offseason. Reddick is entering the final year of a three-year, $45 million contract.

The veteran wideout signed a four-year, $44 million contract before last season to help ease Aaron Rodgers' adjustment to the Jets, but Lazard was a massive disappointment in 2023, catching just 23 passes for 311 yards and one touchdown while working with other quarterbacks due to Rodgers' Achilles tear. With the veteran QB back under center, Lazard could bounce back, but he's now buried on the depth chart after the Jets drafted Malachi Corley in the third round of the 2024 Draft and signed Mike Williams, who is still recovering from ACL surgery. Lazard may end up being little more than an expensive insurance policy for New York this coming season.

The 25-year-old is headed into the final year of his rookie contract after being selected in the fifth round of the 2021 Draft, and he's coming off a season in which he led all nickel cornerbacks in a number of statistical categories. The Jets have some tough decisions to make in their secondary, though, as starting boundary corners Sauce Gardner and D.J. Reed will both potentially be looking for new deals after the 2024 season. That may not leave much cap room to also extend Carter, despite his strong play last year.

Filice points out that Conklin is the second-leading receiver for the Jets over the past two seasons behind 2022 Offensive Rookie of the Year Garrett Wilson. Conklin is entering the final season of his three-year contract, and with Aaron Rodgers under center, the 28-year-old tight end has the stage set for a big 2024 season. Conklin played in all 17 regular-season games in 2023, accumulating 61 catches on 87 targets for a career-high 621 yards.

Along with Davis, Xavier Gipson, Tarik Cohen, Hamze El-Zayat and Brandon Codrington also took back kicks. Davis appears to be behind fellow rookie running back Braelon Allen in the pecking order after starter Breece Hall, so special teams contributions could be the key to the fifth-round draft pick out of South Dakota State cementing a spot on the 53-man roster ahead of Cohen, Israel Abanikanda and Xazavian Valladay.

Taylor is working as the backup to Aaron Rodgers, who has been practicing without limitations in his return from a torn Achilles' tendon. While the Jets are likely hoping Taylor won't need to see the field in 2024, he's a valuable insurance policy as the backup to a 40-year-old quarterback. Taylor was sharp while running the second-team offense Wednesday, throwing a 50-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Lance McCutcheon and adding another touchdown pass to tight end Zack Kuntz.

Rookie Braelon Allen has emerged as the early frontrunner for the second spot on the Jets' running back depth chart behind Breece Hall. Fellow rookie Isaiah Davis and 2023 practice-squad player Xazavian Valladay have also mixed in for more opportunities with the first-team offense than Abanikanda early on in OTAs, and the Jets signed veteran running back Tarik Cohen on Wednesday, adding further competition in the backfield. Abanikanda could still reverse the narrative with a strong training camp or preseason, but the second-year pro appears to be falling behind early leading up to the season.

Allen has stood out in OTAs so far as both a pass catcher and a pass protector, which could earn the 2024 fourth-round draft pick out of Wisconsin some third-down playing time. Allen's 6-foot-1, 235-pound frame should allow him to see the field as a bruising inside runner in short-yardage situations as well. He's competing for touches against fellow youngsters Israel Abanikanda and Isaiah Davis, as well as Xazavian Valladay and the recently signed Tarik Cohen. However, early indications are that Allen has emerged as the clear leader in that group for the second spot on the Jets' depth chart.

Starter Breece Hall didn't participate in practice, leaving more opportunities for the rest of the running back room, which consists of Cohen and a few unproven young players. Cohen hasn't played an NFL game since 2020 due to injuries, including a torn ACL and torn Achilles. Head coach Robert Saleh believes the 28-year-old running back can contribute as a change-of-pace option on offense and as a return man on special teams. Cohen will likely battle for a roster spot throughout training camp and the preseason.

Between seven-on-seven and 11-on-11 drills, Rodgers completed one of five passes when targeting Lazard and eight of 10 attempts when targeting other receivers. Lazard had just 311 yards in his first season with the Jets in 2023 after posting 788 yards with Rodgers throwing to him in Green Bay in 2022. Rosenblatt believes Lazard's hefty contract will keep him from being cut in 2024, but Lazard is still likely to be relegated to a backup role. A slow start to OTAs isn't helping the 28-year-old wide receiver's cause.

Rodgers called Corley his "favorite receiver in the draft," which he later clarified to mean the best fit with the team. Cimini suggested that the front office knew that Rodgers liked Corley, which may have influenced their decision to trade up to select the pass catcher early in the third round. Corley should have the chance to immediately start in the slot, and he could get off to a hot start if he remains a favorite target of Rodgers.

The future Hall of Fame signal-caller will naturally hope matters unfold much differently in this year's opener after tearing his Achilles four plays into the Week 1 2023 MNF matchup against the Bills. Rodgers, who was already back to practicing in limited fashion at the end of last season, is reportedly back to full health, but he'll certainly be subject to plenty of potential hits against the aggressive 49ers defense in Week 1.

Brownlee signed with the Jets as an undrafted free agent in 2023 and got a chance to play a significant role down the stretch after injuries decimated New York's offense. He played over 80 percent of snaps in four of New York's final seven games but posted only 56 yards and one touchdown as a rookie. The Jets signed Mike Williams in the offseason and drafted Malachi Corley with the first pick of the third round. Garrett Wilson remains the team's top receiver, and Allen Lazard will be back for the second year of his four-year, $44 million contract. Xavier Gipson and Irvin Charles are special teams standouts. That leaves Brownlee seventh on the depth chart and competing for a possible roster spot against a new crop of undrafted free agent signings.

Justin Hardee occupied the gunner role for the Jets in the past three seasons and was named to the Pro Bowl for his special teams contributions in 2022, but he signed with the Browns in the offseason. Charles filled in as the gunner when Hardee missed six games due to a hamstring injury in 2023, so Charles is likely to make the team again in 2024. Charles' contributions as a wide receiver will likely remain limited after he was targeted only once in 12 games as a rookie last season.

Harrell signed with the Jets as an undrafted free agent, and Rosenblatt notes that the wide receiver quickly made a strong impression with a diving catch in team drills at Friday's rookie minicamp. Harrell had 523 yards and six touchdowns at Louisville in 2021 but added only 63 receiving yards over his last two college seasons, split between Alabama and Miami. He turned heads in the lead-up to the 2024 NFL Draft with a 4.25-second 40-yard dash.

Hughes believes Davis and fellow rookie Braelon Allen will both make the roster behind Breece Hall, while 2023 fifth-round draft pick Israel Abanikanda is on the roster bubble. Davis was a fifth-round selection just like Abanikanda, but Abanikanda's coming off a disappointing rookie season in which he failed to score a touchdown while Davis was extremely productive in his last two years at FCS South Dakota State, compiling 3,029 rushing yards and 33 touchdowns.

Allen is the favorite to open the season as Breece Hall's top backup after being drafted in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft by the Jets. While Allen's power running style makes him an obvious fit in short-yardage situations and on early downs, he could also earn snaps in passing situations thanks to his skills in pass protection, which is usually a weak point for rookie running backs.

Abanikanda posted just 22 carries for 70 yards and seven catches for 43 yards without a touchdown as a rookie after being selected in the fifth round of the 2023 NFL Draft. The Jets subsequently drafted Braelon Allen and Isaiah Davis in the fourth and fifth rounds, respectively, of the 2024 NFL Draft. With both rookies likely to make the team behind Breece Hall, Abanikanda could be the odd man out in the Jets backfield barring a strong camp or preseason.

The Jets added veteran wide receiver Mike Williams in free agency to form a dangerous one-two punch with Garrett Wilson. Corley is a physical wideout who primarily played in the slot in college, and he should get plenty of intermediate and underneath throws from quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who favored slot wideouts like Randall Cobb in Green Bay. Over his last three seasons at Western Kentucky, Corley accumulated 253 catches for 2,968 yards and 29 touchdowns.

Travis was taken in the fifth round by the Jets in April's draft, and head coach Robert Saleh confirmed the team's high expectations when speaking about the one-time Seminole signal-caller Friday. "He's a tremendously talented young man and extremely gifted, especially athletically," Saleh said. "He's got a lot of work to do for sure, especially with tying his lower half to his arm and all that good stuff, but he's a gifted athlete."

Head coach Robert Saleh confirmed as much Friday at the start of the team's two-day minicamp, noting Rodgers would be a full go when OTAs begin May 20. The Jets will have four weeks of OTAs beginning on that date, a span that will encompass 10 practices and noncontact, 11-on-11 work.

Hall handled 299 touches in 2023 as the Jets traded fellow running back Michael Carter to Arizona and got less than replacement-level production from free-agent signing Dalvin Cook. While Hall should once again handle a three-down role in 2024, he could cede some looks in close to the team's pair of rookie running backs. The 6-foot-1, 235-pound Allen in particular has the profile of a short-yardage and goal-line back. Even if Hall's asked to share short-yardage work in 2024, there could be more opportunities to go around for every member of the Jets backfield, as the entire offense is expected to take a step forward behind a revamped offensive line and with Aaron Rodgers back from an Achilles injury suffered in his Jets debut last season.

The embattled 2021 second overall pick was already granted permission to seek a trade in February, but nothing of significance has developed on that front. Jets general manager Joe Douglas acknowledged Wilson had every right to not be at workouts, due to both their voluntary classification and the fact the young signal-caller doesn't want to risk injury. Both Douglas and owner Woody Johnson have labeled Wilson an "asset," and they haven't ruled out keeping him on the roster if a trade doesn't materialize.

Rodgers described the rollercoaster of emotions that he went through following the injury and how it contrasted with what he called an "incredible offseason experience" with the Jets after his long-awaited trade from the Packers occurred. Rodgers attacked his post-surgery rehabilitation with such intensity that he was back to practicing on a limited basis over the last three weeks of the regular season, and head coach Robert Saleh recently confirmed that he expects the future Hall of Fame quarterback to participate in OTAs in May.

Saleh's citing of Hall's recovery is significant, as the running back made a big impact for the Jets early in the 2023 season despite not seeing 40 snaps in a game until Week 6. Williams spent the first seven years of his career with the Chargers but often had trouble staying healthy, and the 29-year-old wideout played only 16 games over the last two seasons. New York will likely employ similar caution with his workload early in the 2024 campaign that the team did with Hall last year, whether Williams makes it back for Week 1 or not.

Rodgers' Week 1 Achilles injury in 2023 at least spared him from the 64-sack barrage that the likes of Zach Wilson and Tim Boyle endured in his stead over the rest of the season, and the future Hall of Fame signal-caller should also have a good chance of avoiding that fate in 2024. Smith is the third offensive lineman New York has already added in free agency, although he is 33 years old and also has missed 37 games over the last four seasons due to injury.

There had been plenty of talk of the Cowboys' interest in working something out with their 2011 first-round pick, but the Jets ultimately presented as a more appealing landing spot. New York had a significant need at offensive line heading into the offseason after allowing 64 sacks last season, and Smith will now be charged with the all-important task of protecting future Hall of Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers' from the left tackle spot in 2024.