FLORHAM PARK, N.J. -- The New York Jets open the 2024 NFL regular season on the road against the San Francisco 49ers on Sept. 9 at Levi's Stadium, and they are set to begin this win-now-or-else season with arguably their best roster in more than a decade.
The roster includes two future Hall of Famers (quarterback Aaron Rodgers and tackle Tyron Smith), four All-Pros and Pro Bowlers on defense and young playmakers on offense.
There's a limited window with Rodgers, 40, so general manager Joe Douglas won't hesitate to make a move if he believes it will maximize their chances. Douglas and coach Robert Saleh -- who have a record of 18-33 together -- are under intense pressure to snap the franchise's 13-year playoff drought, so there's no point in putting off anything.
The starting lineup is pretty much set, but there are backup battles at running back, wide receiver and offensive line. Douglas loves to make trades, but he doesn't have any major bargaining chips. Wide receiver Allen Lazard would be a candidate, but his $10 million salary (guaranteed) makes him virtually untradeable. A storyline to watch: If the Jets need help at receiver, and the Las Vegas Raiders are out of it by the midseason trading deadline, the Davante Adams rumors surely will intensify.
Rodgers fueled speculation recently -- before Adams' agents released a statement calling trade rumors "baseless" -- of his former Green Bay Packers teammate by saying, "I love Davante. Can't wait to play with him -- again."
Here is the 53-man roster projection:
QUARTERBACKS (3): Aaron Rodgers, Tyrod Taylor, Jordan Travis