New York Jets Rumors & News - Pro Football Rumors

Lions Send Jets 2025 Third-Rounder For No. 126

April 27th, 2024 at 12:24pm CST by Sam Robinson

After the Dolphins sent a 2025 third-rounder to the Eagles, the Lions are making a similar move. To climb to No. 126, Detroit is dealing a 2025 third-rounder to the Jets.

The Lions are using the newly acquired choice to draft tackle Giovanni Manu, who played at the University of British Columbia (Canada).

The 6-foot-8, 350-pound lineman obviously impressed with his physical attributes during the pre-draft process, with Manu meeting with more than 10 teams. The lineman recorded a 5.03-second forty-yard time, 8.29-second three-cone time, and 4.81-second short shuttle time during his pro day (per John Hodge of 3DownNation).

It’s been a while since a ‘U Player’ has heard his name called in the NFL Draft. Manu represents the first pick since David Onyemata, who was a fourth-round pick by the Saints in 2016.

Packers Acquire No. 111, Select Oregon S Evan Williams

April 27th, 2024 at 11:43am CST by Ben Levine

The Packers and Jets have been frequent trade partners in recent years, and the teams have pulled off another deal. The Packers have jumped to No. 111, with New York acquiring picks No. 126 and No. 190.

The Packers will use their new pick on Oregon safety Evan Williams. There’s been a run on Ducks players today, with Williams representing the fourth Oregon player to be selected in the fourth round.

After leading the Fresno State defense for four seasons, Williams transferred to Oregon for the 2023 campaign. He proceeded to earn second team All-Pac-12 honors after compiling 82 tackles, 4.5 sacks, and one forced fumble. While the defensive back didn’t posses the same upside as other prospects at the position, his defensive savvy should keep him on NFL rosters.

The Packers have been one of the more active teams through the first two days of the draft, selecting five rookies. The team added Georgia’s Javon Bullard in the second round, and the two rookies will join a new-look safeties room that also features new addition Xavier McKinney.

Jets Acquire No. 65 From Panthers

April 26th, 2024 at 8:34pm CST by Adam La Rose

The Jets have jumped up the board to begin the third round. New York has sent Nos. 72 and 157 to the Panthers in exchange for the 64th selection.

New York has opted to choose Western Kentucky receiver Malachi Corley. He will add a unique skillset to the team’s receiving room, having frequently drawn comparisons to Deebo Samuel in the pre-draft process. Corley’s abilities as a receiver, rusher and returner make him one of the more intriguing members of a deep WR class.

The Jets addressed the receiver spot earlier this offseason by signing Mike Williams to a one-year deal. The ex-Chargers Pro Bowler will provide a vertical threat on his new team, whereas Corley will likely operate in a different capacity. The latter thrived on turning short passes into notable run-after-catch gains during his time in college.

Corley flashed considerable potential in 2021 when he amassed 691 yards and seven touchdowns. He followed that up with a stellar campaign, leading Conference USA in catches (101) and yards (1,295), adding 11 scores. That led to high expectations this past season, and Corley delivered again with a 79-984-11 statline.

New York already has Garrett Wilson atop the depth chart in terms of pass-catching options, and the team is open to bringing back Corey Davis. Regardless of if the latter winds up in the fold for the 2024 campaign, Corley should be able to carve out a role in the team’s offense for the short- and long-term future.

Rams Had Interest In Brock Bowers; Jets Did Not Consider Drafting TE

April 26th, 2024 at 6:31pm CST by Adam La Rose

In the hours leading up to last night’s first round, the Rams were touted as a team looking to move up the order. An offensive weapon was believed to be a target, and more clarity has since emerged on that front.

Los Angeles contacted Atlanta about a trade-up to the No. 8 slot, Dianna Russini of The Athletic reports. Had an agreement for that selection been worked out, she adds the Rams would have drafted tight end Brock Bowers. Likewise, NFL Network’s Peter Schrager notes the team’s draft plans were simplified once Bowers came off the board (video link).

The Georgia product fell out of the top 10 – something which came as something of a surprise – while quarterbacks and offensive linemen dominated the top of the order. In the end, Bowers went 13th overall to the Raiders. The Rams stayed in place at the No. 19 slot. That allowed them to select edge rusher Jared Verse, one of the few defenders who heard their names called on Day 1.

Bowers – who earned first-team All-American acclaim and twice won the John Mackey award as the nation’s top tight end – was long connected to a selection near the bottom of the top 10. Specifically, the Jets were reported to be a suitor, and general manager Joe Douglas‘ pre-draft remarks suggested New York would be interested. However, Connor Hughes of SNY reports the team never gave thought to selecting Bowers with the No. 11 pick.

After trading down one spot, the Jets ultimately selected offensive tackle Olu Fashanu. That move likely addressed a more pressing need, given the state of New York’s offensive line prior to Thursday night. Still, the team’s aversion to Bowers after being linked to him so closely illustrates the power of smokescreens this time of year. In the end, Bowers’ career will be defined in large part by his time with the Raiders, but his connections to the Rams are noteworthy as well.

Jets Draft T Olu Fashanu At No. 11

April 25th, 2024 at 8:27pm CST by Ben Levine

The Jets have made a long-term investment along the offensive line. After moving down one spot, New York has selected Penn State tackle Olu Fashanu 11th overall.

After starting the night with the 10th-overall pick, the Jets managed to move back a spot and pick up some extra selections along the way. Despite the trade back, the organization still managed to snag one of their preferred prospects.

2022 marked the first full season as a starter for Fashanu, and he put himself firmly on the first-round radar by earning All-American honors. After electing to remain in college for one more season, the 6-6, 313-pounder was again an anchor for the Nittany Lions up front, allowing just one sack in pass protection.

Despite having been in school for four years, Fashanu will be just 21 through most of his rookie campaign in the NFL. Given that, he profiles has having high upside along with an encouraging blend of size, athleticism and footwork. While he was the third lineman off the board tonight, Fashanu is still considered an elite prospect at the position.

The Jets will feature two new offensive tackles in 2024 after having added Tyron Smith and Morgan Moses. Smith, of course, has a long history with injuries, and the veteran is also approaching the end of his career. While Fashanu will surely be penciled into future Jets depth charts, there’s a chance the rookie sees playing time in 2024 as an injury fill-in.

This move comes after rumors pointed to the Jets giving Aaron Rodgers more receiving help, and while Brock Bowers remained on the board, the Jets saw the Bears nab Rome Odunze at No. 9. The team picked up some extra draft capital and opted to use another first-round pick on the O-line. This move follows the Mekhi Becton and Alijah Vera-Tucker investments during Joe Douglas‘ GM tenure. Considering the injury trouble Vera-Tucker and other Jets blockers endured over the past two years, fortifying the front with Fashanu is probably a wise decision.

Vikings Acquire No. 10 Pick From Jets, Select QB J.J. McCarthy

April 25th, 2024 at 8:22pm CST by Adam La Rose

The first trade of Thursday’s opening round has taken place. The Jets have sent the 10th overall pick to the Vikings, also dealing No. 203. In exchange, New York will receive Nos. 129 and 157 from Minnesota in addition to the 11th choice.

With the No. 10 pick, the Vikings have selected Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy. The national champion represents the fifth quarterback to be selected so far, and his addition means each of the first 10 selections are players on the offensive side of the ball.

McCarthy was one of the surprise early risers in the pre-draft process. For much of his college career, including his final season with the Wolverines, McCarthy was not considered a first-round talent. Shortly after winning the College Football Playoff Championship with Michigan, McCarthy began to shoot up draft boards. He would eventually solidify his status as a likely Day 1 pick with his performances at the NFL scouting combine and his pro day.

In Minnesota, the Vikings will have the opportunity to sit McCarthy for at least a year to learn and develop behind the newly acquired Sam Darnold. There’s always a chance that McCarthy could surpass Darnold for a starting job as a rookie, but between McCarthy’s lack of production at the college level and Darnold’s experience in the NFL, it makes sense to let McCarthy marinate.

The Vikings could’ve sat back and addressed other positions of need on the offensive line and defense, instead they opted to part with two Day 3 picks in order to ensure no one moved ahead of them to take McCarthy. This could have been aimed at boxing out the Broncos, who were believed to have been interested in the ex-Jim Harbaugh starter. Sitting one spot ahead of Denver, Minnesota did not need to use the second first-round pick it acquired (via Houston) to nab its quarterback. Based on where mock drafts had the Vikings trading up to in order to nab McCarthy, moving from 11 to 10 represents good value. The Broncos ended up with Bo Nix two spots later, completing a staggering stretch that brought six QBs in the first 12 picks.

This is also the first time in franchise history, the Vikings have selected a quarterback in the top 10, though Daunte Culpepper and Christian Ponder were chosen just outside that point. McCarthy, 21, will be the player tabbed at succeeding Kirk Cousins in the long term. The Vikings were not believed to have come especially close to where the Falcons went for Cousins, who received $100MM in practical guarantees in March.

Both Cousins’ new team and old team chose QBs in the top 10, and the Vikings still have the No. 23 overall pick to bolster their roster around their Cousins heir apparent. Cousins’ former weaponry cadre — consisting of Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison and T.J. Hockenson, with Aaron Jones now in the mix — will begin to work with a QB nearly 15 years younger (along with Darnold, for the time being) soon.

Ely Allen contributed to this post.

2025 NFL Fifth-Year Option Tracker

April 24th, 2024 at 10:57pm CST by Sam Robinson

NFL teams have until May 2 to officially pick up fifth-year options on 2021 first-rounders. The 2020 CBA revamped the option structure and made them fully guaranteed, rather than guaranteed for injury only. Meanwhile, fifth-year option salaries are now determined by a blend of the player’s position, initial draft placement and performance- and usage-based benchmarks:

Two-time Pro Bowlers (excluding alternates) will earn the same as their position’s franchise tag
One-time Pro Bowlers will earn the equivalent of the transition tag
Players who achieve any of the following will receive the average of the third-20th-highest salaries at their position:
- At least a 75% snap rate in two of their first three seasons
- A 75% snap average across all three seasons
- At least 50% in each of first three seasons
Players who do not hit any of those benchmarks will receive the average of the third-25th top salaries at their position

With the deadline looming, we will use the space below to track all the option decisions from around the league:

QB Trevor Lawrence, Jaguars ($25.66MM): Exercised
QB Zach Wilson, Broncos* ($22.41MM): Declined
QB Trey Lance, Cowboys** ($22.41MM): Declined
TE Kyle Pitts, Falcons ($10.88MM): Exercised
WR Ja’Marr Chase, Bengals ($21.82MM): Exercised
WR Jaylen Waddle, Dolphins ($15.59MM): Exercised
T Penei Sewell, Lions ($19MM): Extended through 2029
CB Jaycee Horn, Panthers ($12.47MM): Exercised
CB Patrick Surtain, Broncos ($19.82MM): Exercised
WR DeVonta Smith, Eagles ($15.59MM): Extended through 2028
QB Justin Fields, Steelers*** ($25.66MM): Declined
DE Micah Parsons, Cowboys ($21.32MM): Exercised
T Rashawn Slater, Chargers ($19MM): Exercised
OL Alijah Vera-Tucker, Jets ($13.31MM): Exercised
QB Mac Jones, Jaguars**** ($25.66MM): Declined
LB Zaven Collins, Cardinals ($13.25MM): Declined
T Alex Leatherwood, Raiders: N/A
LB Jaelan Phillips, Dolphins ($13.3MM): Exercised
LB Jamin Davis, Commanders ($14.48MM): Declined
WR Kadarius Toney, Chiefs***** ($14.35MM): Declined
DE Kwity Paye, Colts ($13.4MM): Exercised
CB Caleb Farley, Titans ($12.47MM): Declined
T Christian Darrisaw, Vikings ($16MM): Exercised
RB Najee Harris, Steelers ($6.79MM): Declined
RB Travis Etienne, Jaguars ($6.14MM): Exercised
CB Greg Newsome, Browns ($13.38MM): To be exercised
WR Rashod Bateman, Ravens ($14.35MM): N/A; extended through 2026
DE Payton Turner, Saints ($13.39MM): Declined
CB Eric Stokes, Packers ($12.47MM): Declined
DE Greg Rousseau, Bills ($13.39MM): Exercised
LB Odafe Oweh, Ravens ($13.25MM): Exercised
LB Joe Tryon-Shoyinka, Buccaneers ($13.25MM): Declined

* = Jets traded Wilson on April 22, 2024
** = 49ers traded Lance on August 25, 2023
*** = Bears traded Fields on March 16, 2024
**** = Patriots traded Jones on March 10, 2024
***** = Giants traded Toney on October 27, 2022

AFC Draft Rumors: Dolphins, Worthy, Jets, OL, Bills, Legette, Chiefs

April 24th, 2024 at 3:00pm CST by Sam Robinson

In on multiple wide receivers and discussing terms with Odell Beckham Jr, the Dolphins are operating like a team that does not employ one of this NFL period’s better receiving tandems. Despite the Tyreek Hill–Jaylen Waddle duo, Miami is still being tied to a WR move in the draft. Teams view the Dolphins as being interested in Texas’ Xavier Worthy, SI.com’s Albert Breer notes. This would verge on overkill, as Hill is one of the fastest players in NFL history and Waddle can hold his own with most active NFLers. Worthy just set the Combine 40-yard dash record (4.21 seconds), and ESPN.com’s Jeremy Fowler indicates he is coming up most frequently as this draft’s WR4 — behind the Marvin Harrison Jr.–Malik Nabers–Rome Odunze trio expected to go off the board at No. 10 or soon after. A number of teams — including the Cardinals, Bears, Colts and Bills — met with Worthy. The Dolphins, who also employ De’Von Achane (he of a 10.1-second college 100-meter dash), hold the No. 21 overall pick.

Here is the latest on the draft from around the AFC:

Some teams are viewing BYU’s Kingsley Suamatia as a late first-round option at tackle, Yahoo.com’s Charles Robinson notes. In one of the best tackle classes in many years, Suamatia could be an option for a contending team in need. The Chiefs would qualify, and NFL.com’s Tom Pelissero confirms the BYU product visited Kansas City during the pre-draft process. The Chiefs have not re-signed left tackle Donovan Smith, whom they signed after last year’s draft. Barring another post-draft pickup, the Chiefs could use help here.
On the subject of tackles, the New York Post’s Brian Costello does not view an O-line investment as one of the most likely scenarios for the Jets at No. 10. Viewing Brock Bowers, Odunze or trading down as more likely options for the Jets, Costello does not see the team addressing a need for a long-term tackle — as free agency pickups Tyron Smith and Morgan Moses are each going into age-33 seasons — stopping a regime under tremendous pressure to win now from adding another skill-position piece. The Jets are being viewed as Bowers’ floor. A trade-down move has come up, but with the heat cranked up on Joe Douglas and Robert Saleh, it is understandable they would want to leave the No. 10 slot with a potential 2024 difference-maker.
The Bills brought in South Carolina’s Xavier Legette for a workout, Pelissero adds. Legette blazed to a 4.39-second 40, at 221 pounds, and notched a 40-inch vertical jump. Legette only delivered one remotely productive season in five years with the Gamecocks — a 1,255-yard 2023 that came after four sub-200-yard campaigns — but is being viewed as a possible late first-rounder, the New York Post’s Ryan Dunleavy adds. Teams are also high on Legette’s run-blocking ability. The Panthers are believed to be interested, though the Bills will be expected to add a wideout early, having lost Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis this offseason.

Jets To Trade QB Zach Wilson To Broncos

April 22nd, 2024 at 10:58pm CST by Adam La Rose

Zach Wilson‘s time in New York is set to come to an end. The Jets have found a trade partner for the former No. 2 pick in the form of the Broncos.

Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports the Jets will send Wilson to Denver as part of a Day 3 pick swap. The teams will exchange sixth- and seventh-round picks, with New York acquiring No. 203 and the Broncos adding Wilson and No. 256. Both clubs will evenly split Wilson’s $5.45MM in 2024 compensation, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

Dianna Russini of The Athletic notes this agreement has been in the works “for weeks.” The Broncos have long been linked to a quarterback addition this offseason, with Russell Wilson unsurprisingly being released. That move left a vacancy under center, but in the lead-in to the draft Jarrett Stidham was in place atop the depth chart. That will remain the case for the time being, but Wilson represents a young depth option for Denver. One year remains on the latter’s rookie contract.

Having failed to secure a long-term answer under center with Sam Darnold, the Jets selected Wilson second overall in 2021. That made him one of five first-round QBs that year, but only one (Trevor Lawrence) is still with his original team. Wilson – who logged 33 starts in three seasons as a Jet – joins Trey Lance, Justin Fields and Mac Jones in having been dealt at a fraction of the cost relative to the draft capital used in their selection.

Following a rookie season in which Wilson struggled with accuracy and turnovers, he did not progress as hoped in Year 2. The 24-year-old was limited to nine contests in 2022 and saw Mike White take over as New York’s starter. That led to an aggressive pursuit of Aaron Rodgers last offseason, and while his Achilles tear prompted Wilson to once again see game action, things did not go as planned. Wilson in particular and the Jets’ offense as a whole struggled mightily.

As a result, it came as no surprise when the BYU alum was given permission to seek out a trade partner. Wilson’s cap charge ($11.1MM) and poor play hindered his value, and as expected the Jets have needed to attach draft capital to him to land a pick in return. Considering the gap between when New York began fielding offers and today’s agreement being reached, this marks a miniscule (but nevertheless expected) price from the Jets’ perspective.

New York has Rodgers and veteran backup Tyrod Taylor on the books, but the team could use the upcoming draft to add a developmental third option. Denver, meanwhile, will add Wilson to a depth chart featuring Stidham and Ben DiNucci. The lack of proven passers has led to considerable speculation tying the Broncos to an aggressive trade up the board for a first-round quarterback. Head coach Sean Payton himself is believed to be on board with such a move.

This deal has not tangibly taken away the draft capital which would be needed for Denver to move into the top five or top 10 in the first-round order. With Wilson in place, though, Payton has a depth signal-caller to work with for at least the 2024 campaign. Where Wilson slots on the Broncos’ depth chart following the draft – and as such the opportunities for playing time he receives in the Mile High City – will be interesting to watch.

Latest On Jets’ First-Round Draft Targets

April 21st, 2024 at 4:43pm CST by Adam La Rose

With at least four quarterbacks expected to be drafted early in the first round of this week’s draft, the Jets are among the teams well-positioned to land a valuable prospect at another position. Set to select 10th overall, New York appears to have a shortlist of options.

The Jets could stand to add a pass-catcher in the first round, and the team’s offensive tackle acquisitions (Tyron Smith, Morgan Moses) are likely short-term solutions. As a result, tight end Brock Bowers and some of the top offensive linemen slated to be available at No. 10 will be of interest to New York. Should one of the three highest-rated receivers fall to New York, however, a selection (or even small trade up the order) could be in play.

ESPN’s Rich Cimini reports the Jets could select one of Marvin Harrison Jr., Malik Nabers or Rome Odunze in the event one of them were to still be available when the team is on the clock. That would represent a surprise, especially if the Bears (set to select first overall but also ninth) eschewed the opportunity to add a receiver. To that point, Cimini adds New York could attempt to trade with Atlanta for the eighth selection and in doing so maneuver ahead of Chicago.

Aside from the receiver spot, though, Bowers could very well be a realistic Jets target. New York hosted the first-team All-American, and during a pre-draft press conference last week general manager Joe Douglas stated a willingness to spend Day 1 capital on a tight end. The Jets are currently considered Bowers’ floor as a result, but his selection earlier in the top 10 would lead the team in another direction.

Cimini notes Douglas and Co. are “interested” in the top offensive tackles available, which comes as no surprise. He names Notre Dame’s Joe Alt, Oregon State’s Taliese Fuaga and Washington’s Troy Fautanu as the top options on New York’s board. Alt – who for quite some time has been a very popular selection mocked to the Titans (No. 7) and is believed to be on the Chargers’ (No. 5) radar – is unlikely to be available when the Jets pick. As such, Fuaga and Fautanu will be names to watch closely as the team contemplates a potential selection between them and Bowers.

New York has frequently been linked to a tackle addition, and that position is seen as a strength of the 2024 class. A move down the board (which could help compensate for the team’s lack of a second-round pick) could also be in play, but having Bowers or a high-profile tackle on the board would likely make it difficult for Douglas to turn down the option of staying put. Regardless of which position the team lands on, the Jets’ offense is in position to receive a notable boost on Day 1.