Will the New York Jets end their playoff drought in 2023-24?
The New York Jets haven't qualified for the playoffs since the 2010 season. That year, the team made it all the way to the AFC Championship game but fell to the Pittsburgh Steelers, 24-19. Will the Jets finally return to the postseason in 2023-24?
They now have the longest playoff drought in all of North American professional sports. The NBA's Sacramento Kings, who haven't reached the postseason since 2006, owned the longest drought. However, that ended when they clinched a playoff spot this season.
The Jets were really close to reaching the playoffs in 2015, when they finished with a 10-6 record and somehow managed to miss out. Their postseason drought could very well end in 2023-24, though, if they finally acquire Aaron Rodgers from the Green Bay Packers.
New York and Green Bay have been working on a Rodgers trade for a while now, but have yet to agree on compensation. The deal should be completed at some point this offseason, as the Jets will land a much-needed future first-ballot Hall of Fame quarterback.
2022-23 was an up-and-down season for the New York Jets. The team began the campaign with a 7-4 record, including a November 6th victory over Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills. It appeared they were headed to the playoffs, but then the bottom fell out. They lost their final six games of the season and finished with a 7-10 record (worst in the AFC East).
Will the New York Jets have what it takes to make the playoffs in the 2023-24 season?
New York started three quarterbacks last season: Zach Wilson, Mike White, and Joe Flacco.
Wilson started the most games (nine) and was benched and booed by fans. The former BYU star has looked like a bust since being drafted by the Jets second overall in 2021. He will be replaced (if the trade is completed) by Rodgers, who's a major upgrade, depspite being 39 years old.
The New York Jets should have a fantastic offense with Rodgers, wide receiver Garrett Wilson, and running back Breece Hall leading the way. The team also signed wideout Allen Lazard, who played five seasons with Rodgers in Green Bay, this offseason.
The New York Jets' defense is one of the league's best, anchored by Quinnen Williams, Sauce Gardner, and CJ Mosley.
With the Jets possessing talent on both sides of the ball, look for them to end their playoff drought next season.