FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — The New York Jets open the 2024 NFL regular season on Sept. 9 on the road against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium, entering a win-now-lose season with arguably their best roster in more than a decade.
The roster features two future Hall of Famers (quarterback Aaron Rodgers and tackle Tyron Smith), four All-Pro and Pro Bowl selections on defense and a host of young playmakers on offense.
Rodgers, 40, has a deadline, so general manager Joe Douglas won’t hesitate to make a move if he believes it will maximize his chances. Douglas and head coach Robert Saleh have a combined record of 18-33, but they’re under intense pressure to end the team’s 13-year playoff drought, so there’s no point in putting anything off.
The starting lineup is pretty much set, but there are competitions for backups at running back, wide receiver and offensive line. Douglas would prefer a trade, but doesn’t have any big bargaining chips. Wide receiver Allen Lazard would be a candidate, but his $10 million salary (guaranteed) makes him virtually impossible to trade. Storyline to watch: The Jets need receiver reinforcements, and if the Las Vegas Raiders pull out at the midseason trade deadline, the Davante Adams rumors would certainly intensify. Rodgers recently fueled speculation by saying “I love Davante. I can’t wait to play with him again” about his former Green Bay Packers teammate, before Adams’ agent released a statement saying the trade rumors were “baseless.”
The predicted composition of the 53-man team is as follows:
Quarterbacks (3): Aaron Rodgers, Tyrod Taylor, Jordan Travis
