How could the New York Jets’ offseason go downhill?
Before teams can attack the outside free agent market, they first have to make decisions on their own players with expiring contracts.
The New York Jets are no different. While they don’t have many players set to hit the open market, what they lack in quantity, they make up for in importance. Braxton Berrios and Morgan Moses are New York’s most prized internal free agents, and if either is not brought back, it could send a ripple effect through the rest of the offseason.
Berrios is by far the Jets’ biggest potential loss.
In 2021, Berrios proved his value on special teams by being named a first-team All-Pro kickoff returner. He also found natural chemistry with quarterback Zach Wilson, quickly becoming the rookie’s favorite target when he got a bigger opportunity near the end of the season.
If Berrios finds a new home in 2022, the Jets will need a new return man and a new security blanket for Wilson. There’s no guarantee another player in free agency can fill both roles as well as Berrios can, inflating his value. In order to avoid regression in their return game, and in their young quarterback, New York would be wise to bring Berrios back.
Like Berrios, Morgan Moses’s importance to the team can’t be understated.
Moses was brought in to compete with George Fant for the right tackle job and lost out, but ultimately ended up playing in all 17 games and starting 16 of them after Mekhi Becton‘s knee injury. Without Moses in the fold, the Jets would’ve been left with backups Connor McDermott or Chuma Edoga as their starter for practically the whole season.
Fant and Becton are currently battling for the left tackle position, with the loser likely starting on the right side. Regardless of who wins, the Jets need a quality backup tackle who can start in a pinch. If Moses leaves, the Jets have to fill his role with another veteran in free agency. Otherwise, they run the risk of being forced to draft a backup tackle with a high draft pick, instead of an impact starter.
The Oklahoma Drill Podcast is back to break down the worst-case scenarios for the Jets’ 2022 offseason, starting by losing Berrios and Moses in free agency.
Listen to the full episode to hear just how bad things could get for Gang Green, and if fans should be confident, cautiously optimistic, or completely terrified.
