Kevin R. Wexler-NorthJersey.com / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
The New York Jets have turned the page to a new chapter in franchise history this offseason. Not only did the team hire Aaron Glenn as head coach and Darren Mougey as general manager, New York also made a quarterback change.
That change saw the Jets part ways with Aaron Rodgers and sign Justin Fields in free agency. Fields, who inked a two-year, $40 million contract, will now look to show the Jets he can be the long-term answer the team is desperately seeking.
Another significant move was the re-signing of linebacker Jamien Sherwood, who re-upped in New York on a three-year, $45 million contract following a breakout campaign in 2024.
Unfortunately, there have also been subtractions. Along with Rodgers, the Jets cut wide receiver Davante Adams and linebacker C.J. Mosley loose, and cornerback D.J. Reed (Detroit Lions) and tackle Morgan Moses (New England Patriots) departed in free agency.
As the Jets look to replace their departed players and bolster the roster for 2025, the expectation based on the NFL power rankings of experts is that it’s going to be a tough year for Gang Green.
NFL power rankings for Jets
Vinnie Iyer, The Sporting News: 29 (-2)
Iyer: “The Jets are installing new offensive and defensive schemes adjacent to what has worked for the Lions’ big turnaround with Aaron Glenn and Tanner Engstrand, but they are also overhauling personnel at the same time with Justin Fields being the experimental focal point.”
Mason Cameron, Pro Football Focus: 25
Cameron: “After trading for Aaron Rodgers in 2023 and his favorite target, Davante Adams, in 2024, the Jets decided to release both and take the franchise in a new direction. Justin Fields was brought in as the next quarterback, creating a low-cost opportunity to reunite him with his former Ohio State teammate, Garrett Wilson. Under new head coach Aaron Glenn, the Jets are looking to reestablish their identity as a defensive-minded team. That led to the signings of Brandon Stephens and Andre Cisco in the secondary. However, losing D.J. Reed will make it challenging to build defensive cohesion right away.”
Matt Johnson, Sportsnaut: 29 (-3)
Johnson: “The New York Jets took a low-risk gamble with the Justin Fields contract. They are also thrusting him into a fairly good situation with a No. 1 receiver (Garrett Wilson) and a strong run game to support him. However, the Jets defense took some hits in NFL free agency and Fields’ volatility as a passer will limit the efficiency of this offense. Ultimately, the 2025 NFL season is more about Aaron Glenn creating a new culture and we do believe he’ll be successful in that regard. However, the Jets will be one of the worst NFL teams in 2025.”
Kyle Soppe, Pro Football Network: 21
Soppe: “The New York Jets made headlines by trading for Justin Fields and releasing Aaron Rodgers — but will it actually improve the team? New York also bolstered its defense, which will be key to their success after that unit fell from third in 2023 to 15th in 2024. If the defense bounces back, Fields will be in a much better position to manage games effectively, similar to his role in Pittsburgh before Russell Wilson reclaimed the starting job. This roster has talent, but until it all comes together, it’s best to temper expectations. The Jets are still searching for their first winning season in a decade.”
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