After months of speculation, Aaron Rodgers all but guaranteed that he will play for the New York Jets on the Pat McAfee show Wednesday afternoon. It’s now just a matter of sorting out the compensation. The Jets took a major step forward as an organization in 2021, nailing their draft picks with stud rookies in Garrett Wilson, Sauce Gardner, and Breece Hall.
The Jets’ defense made major strides, oftentimes carrying their lackluster offense which was held back by below-average quarterback play. With all the new faces in New York, now could be the time for the league’s longest playoff drought to come to an end. What could all these moves mean for these players’ value in the Jets’ offense?
Aaron Rodgers – QB
Vincent Carchietta/USA Today Sports, via Reuters
Rodgers was mightily disappointing for fantasy football last year in the aftermath of the Davante Adams trade. Following back-to-back MVP seasons, the gunslinger appeared to decline a bit in his 18th NFL season. Rodgers will be turning 40 in the middle of his inaugural season with the Jets, but after watching Tom Brady play elite-level football well into his forties, Jets fans have to be hopeful that Rodgers can maintain elite production.
Following a staggering eleven consecutive seasons with single-digit interceptions, Rodgers threw 12 last year. It also ended a streak of four consecutive seasons with at least 4,000 passing yards. The Jets’ offensive line has left much to be desired in recent years, with injuries contributing to inconsistencies. Mekhi Becton has lost weight, and has insisted that he is motivated to recover from his latest knee injury to meet his full potential.
In the final year of his rookie contract, this is a make-or-break season for him, so expect him to be locked in. If he meets his full potential this season he could help make this offensive line elite. Alijah Vera-Tucker was incredibly valuable for the Jets last year, lining up on both sides of the offensive line and providing plenty of value throughout the year.
If he can stay healthy, it will raise the overall ceiling of this offensive line. Protection will be key for Rodgers, who has declined in mobility but could return to QB1 status with solid offensive line play and a stash of solid weapons in New York.
Re-Draft Value Grade: A-
Ceiling: Top 5 QB
Floor: Low-End QB1
Breece Hall – RB
Breece Hall looked like a shoo-in to win the Offensive Rookie of the Year award until he tore his ACL in week seven. Hall had a four-week run with touchdowns in every game and recorded five total touchdowns in that time. Hall also showed upside as a receiver, recording multiple games with 9+ targets, including his first career game.
Rodgers has shown a preference for dual-threat backs, and Breece Hall has all the talent to slot into the Aaron Jones role in a Rodgers-led offense. The injury recovery does create questions about how effective Hall will be, but there is no doubt that he can be a superstar in the NFL.
Re-draft Value Grade: A-
Ceiling: Elite RB1
Floor: Solid RB2
Garrett Wilson – WR
It was a stellar rookie season for Garrett Wilson, and gaining Aaron Rodgers will only help his value to skyrocket. His ADP will be swift but justified, and Wilson should be a target for anyone looking for elite value outside of the first two rounds. With Allen Lazard and more potentially joining the fold, some fans might be worried about Wilson’s target share.
However, Beckham is on the wrong side of 30, coming off his second ACL tear. Lazard could steal red zone looks, but the boost Wilson will see between the 20s as the Jets’ main possession receiver will make up for it, even if he does not score many touchdowns. Regardless, his touchdown totals will likely rise in his sophomore campaign, after a 1,000 yard rookie season.
Re-draft Value Grade: A+
Ceiling: High-End WR1
Floor: Solid WR2
Allen Lazard – WR
The Jets signed Allen Lazard to a massive four year deal on Tuesday, an early indication that Rodgers to New York was an inevitability. Rodgers has a history of lobbying for his guys, and Lazard has been one of his favorite red zone targets for a few years now.
Lazard has scored 14 touchdowns in the past two seasons, and recently recorded career highs in targets, receptions, and yards. However, with plenty of mouths to feed in the Jets’ offense, expectations should not be too high for the sixth-year receiver.
Re-draft Value Grade: B-
Ceiling: Solid WR3
Floor: Unworthy of Roster Spot
