Jets training camp 2024: 3 big things to watch

Veterans reported to New York Jets training camp Tuesday with practices ramping up the following morning. This season, the team will be searching for their first playoff berth since 2010, the longest drought in the NFL.

This will be Robert Saleh’s fourth year as the coach of the Jets, with minimal success thus far. Back-to-back 7-10 finishes have brought up questions about Saleh as a head coach, but with quarterback Aaron Rodgers getting brutally hurt early last year, the front office is giving Saleh another shot.

The roster has undergone some serious shifts as the team attempts to seriously contend in 2024. The return of Aaron Rodgers from his torn Achilles will undoubtedly be a crucial watch for the Jets – training camp can provide some insight into this.

3 things to watch for at Jets training camp

The quarterback room: 2011 Super Bowl MVP Aaron Rodgers has seemingly been hailed as a savior for the Jets since they acquired him in 2023. Unfortunately, he tore his Achilles only a few plays into the season last year. Even at training camp, it will be important to monitor how the 40-year-old moves after such a rough injury.

The Jets will hope that Rodgers can return to his MVP level in 2024. The team has reconstructed their offensive line and added weapons such as Mike Williams to bolster the team around him. Still, it may all be moot if Rogers is unable to provide elite play from the quarterback position.

The quarterback who has started the most games by far for the team over the past three seasons, Zach Wilson, has been traded to the Broncos. With the Jets finally giving up on the second overall pick of the 2021 draft, they signed veteran Tyrod Taylor to fill his role.

Taylor started five games for the crosstown Giants in 2023, throwing five touchdowns to three interceptions. The 34-year-old will try to stabilize the ever-important backup quarterback position for New York. Last season the team saw first-hand how detrimental having backup quarterback issues can be. The Jets will hope Taylor seldom sees the field.

The offensive line: The Jets offensive lineup was tied for fourth in most sacks given up in 2023 with 64. This poor line led to Rodgers getting hurt instantaneously and the team having a mediocre ground game throughout the season. The front office recognized this problem and made moves in the offseason.

Tyron Smith, Morgan Moses, and John Simpson were all brought in to better the offensive line. The veterans were solid options for their respective teams last year and will look to work in unison to better the Jets unit. Running back Breece Hall is going into his third season and has some big expectations that can be aided by a solid run-blocking line. Smith in particular has been a part of some robust Cowboy offensive lines. The 8X pro bowler will attempt to be a real leader for the Jets.

New York also brought back their best linemen from last season, Alijah Vera-Tucker. His fifth-year option was picked up so he will make about $15 million this year. With a largely immobile quarterback, New York will look for the 25-year-old to continue his strong development in protecting the pocket.

Who will be the second option behind Garrett Wilson?: Wilson, just 24 years old, had 1,042 yards and 95 catches last year despite poor quarterback play. He is entrenched as the best weapon on this offense, but there is real uncertainty about who will emerge as the number two.

Breece Hall had a nice 2023 out of the backfield with 994 rushing yards to go along with 591 receiving yards. He also found the endzone a team-high nine times. With a more adept passing game, it wouldn’t be shocking to see Hall have a huge third year. He will especially look to continue his development as a pass-catching back after leading the NFL with 76 receptions last season.

The Jets signed former Chargers receiver Mike Williams to a one-year, $10 million contract. The big-framed wideout has had chronic injury issues in the NFL, playing in just three games last year due to a torn ACL. However, when healthy he has been among the best jump-ball receivers in the entire league. In 2021, he played in 16 games and had 1,146 yards and nine touchdowns. If the 29-year-old can return to some form of his earlier self, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him become a favorite target of Rodgers, especially in the red zone.

Tight end Tyler Conklin had a quietly decent year in 2023, compiling 61 catches for 621 yards. With what should be a much improved passing game, Conklin could have a career-best season in store for him. Tight end Robert Tonyan had 11 touchdowns with Rodgers in Green Bay in 2020, so Rodgers certainly finds value in his tight ends. The Jets have had minimal production from their tight ends for a long time. It will be fascinating to see if that changes with potentially much-improved quarterback play.