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The New York Jets will be aiming to bounce back after a disappointing 7-10 season marred by injuries. The Jets’ mission of making noise in the AFC East could depend on the health of the team’s most notable offseason addition.
Jets’ New Receiver Could Have a Big Impact
This offseason, former Los Angeles Chargers WR Mike Williams inked a 1-year deal worth $10 million with Gang Green. Williams spent the first seven seasons of his career with the Chargers, scoring 31 touchdowns in 88 games. The wide receiver also surpassed the 1,000 receiving yards mark twice in 2019 and 2021. Williams also led the league in yards per reception in 2019 (20.4).
Williams was brought in to give a jolt to a Jets offense that ranked 30th in both total passing yards and passing yards per game last season. With quarterback Aaron Rodgers returning from an Achilles injury suffered in Week 1 last season, the Jets could see a resurgent offense with the trio of Rodgers, Williams, and RB Breece Hall.
New York’s porous passing numbers last season do require context. The Jets started four different quarterbacks last season: Rodgers, who played one game all season, Zach Wilson, who started 11 games last season before being benched, Tim Boyle, who started two games before being released, and Trevor Siemian, who started the team’s final three games and threw two touchdowns, and four interceptions.
A healthy Aaron Rodgers is not only significantly better than any of his three replacements last season, but also provides the Jets with stability at the quarterback position, which is something they have struggled with for the last few seasons.
Williams Looking to Bounce Back
Rodgers isn’t the only Jet returning from a season-ending injury next season. Williams himself suffered a torn ACL last season in Week 3 against the Minnesota Vikings. Williams finished his short 2023 campaign with 19 receptions for 249 yards, scoring one touchdown, which also occurred in Week 3.
The contract Williams signed with the Jets almost serves as a “prove it” deal. If he can manage to stay healthy, he and Rodgers can supply the Jets with newfound offensive life and give them a chance to compete for the AFC East crown next season.
