The New York Jets are coming off their bye week with a .500 record. Given the obstacles they have faced thus far this season, there are a lot of people excited about where the team stands heading into a Week 8 matchup with the New York Giants in the MetLife Bowl.
Without Aaron Rodgers, the team has managed to stay afloat with Zach Wilson leading the offense. If they want to continue making a push for the postseason and have a chance to advance, they need to shore up a few areas of the team.
For the most part, the areas of the team that need help the most are on the offensive side of the ball. The front office needs to ensure they put Wilson, or if by a miracle Rodgers is back in the lineup, in the best position to succeed.
During his tenure as Jets general manager, Joe Douglas has sold more often than not. That could change this year. Here are trade targets the team must consider pursuing before the deadline.
3. OLB Justin Houston, Carolina Panthers
The Jets have one of the best defenses in the NFL this season. They have some things to clean up, such as big play prevention, but this is a solid unit, albeit not Chicago Bears 1985-level good as they predicted coming into the season.
A big reason they haven’t reached that level is an inconsistent pass rush. New York is tied for the fifth-fewest sacks in the NFL this season with 13. Adding an established edge rusher could really elevate this group including recent first-round picks Jermaine Johnson II and Will McDonald IV along with Bryce Huff.
Justin Houston would be the ideal target as the Panthers are going to be selling ahead of the deadline. At 0-6, a move centered around Houston makes sense for both sides. With rumors swirling about Carl Lawson being on the way out, Houston would be a perfect replacement for him on the roster.
2. WR Hunter Renfrow, Las Vegas Raiders
The Jets have done about as good of a job in recent weeks as possible given what they are working with offensively. Wilson isn’t going to be making a Pro Bowl, but he has shown some improvement in his performance on the field, especially when it comes to ball security.
But, outside of Garrett Wilson, this is a wide receiver group that has left a lot to be desired. Allen Lazard is the only other wide receiver with more than three catches this season, as the passing attack needs some juice.
Quite literally anyone would be an upgrade over Randall Cobb at this point. Hunter Renfrow would be a nice addition as he is more than a rental. Under contract next season as well, he could be a longer-term addition to this offense.
Only one season removed from a Pro Bowl campaign with triple-digit receptions and over 1,000 yards, Renfrow would be a massive upgrade. The Raiders have been trying to move him but his contract is a detriment, meaning he won’t cost much to acquire.
1. OL Halapoulivaati Vaitai, Detroit Lions
If the Jets are going to make a run, they need to protect their quarterback. The offensive line has been a weakness for this team for years and finding upgrades in the middle of the season is very difficult.
Teams aren’t giving away useful offensive linemen, but that doesn’t mean the Jets can’t at least try to acquire one. Vaitai would be an ideal target as he is currently a backup for the Lions and he is someone that Douglas knows from his days with the Philadelphia Eagles.
With Elijah Vera-Tucker and Joe Tippmann suffering injuries in recent weeks, the interior of the Jets’ offensive line is messy. Mekhi Becton has managed to stay healthy to this point, but adding some more insurance would be smart. Vaitai has experience playing guard and tackle, making him an ideal target.