The Jets have always taken great pride in their defense. Over the course of the franchise’s nearly 70-year history, numerous amazing players have come and gone. Robert Saleh has helped to write another chapter in the history of the team with his recent streak of outstanding defensive play. The defense has continuously kept the Jets in every game, even though the offense hasn’t been able to cross the goal line. It’s critical to strengthen their advantages now that they are getting closer than ever to realizing their postseason goals. This defense’s main focus has been on the secondary. The safety situation is being assessed, with Sauce Gardner and DJ Reed drawing the most attention. Tony Adams and Jordan Whitehead both had excellent seasons, but the Jets have a ton of safeties to choose from this offseason.
Adding one of these game-changing safeties to a solid secondary can be a huge advantage for New York in 2024.
Strengthening the Jets’ defensive backs as a safety valve
By the time September arrives, the Jets’ secondary may have changed. Jordan Whitehead and the recently acquired Chuck Clark were anticipated to be the starting tandem going into 2023. Sadly, Clark’s ruptured ACL during OTAs in June prevented him from playing in the regular season. Tony Adams frequently accompanied Whitehead as the primary Safety pair in New York.
With three interceptions against Josh Allen in the season opener, Whitehead was on fire. Unfortunately, he didn’t match his outstanding start to his season-long play. Whitehead was one of four Jets players whose contracts were terminated on Friday, February 16. The experienced safety will therefore become free agent. Douglas will be able to address the safety position with veteran options.
Eddie Jackson
The Chicago Bears benched veteran safety Eddie Jackson last week. Jackson, an Alabama native, was chosen in the fourth round of the 2017 draft and had an instant impact. In 2018, defensive mastermind Vic Fangio elevated Jackson to first-team All-Pro safety. He developed into one of the Bears’ most promising defensive players since Charles Tillman.
Jackson has been tormented ever since by injuries and organizational mismanagement. Jackson would gain a great deal from playing in a secondary with Gardner and Reed under a defensive-minded coach like Saleh.
Rapp Taylor
Taylor Rapp would be a good option for New York if it wants to replace Whitehead at a reasonable price. Rapp, a 2019 second-round selection, played his first four seasons in Los Angeles. Next to Jalen Ramsey in pass coverage, Rapp developed into a dependable defender between Ejiro Evero and Raheem Morris. Despite suffering injuries during his most recent time in Buffalo this season, the veteran delivered in Week 18 by making a huge interception on Tua Tagovailoa to win the AFC East. Imagine Sauce Gardner learning from his experience playing with Ramsey.
Geno Stone
When it comes to safety measures for New York, there will be plenty of possibilities. Who better than the safeties’ leader in interceptions from the previous season? After stepping up in Baltimore last year, Geno Stone had a stellar year. Because of the additional injuries in 2022, he received playing time sooner than anticipated. The 24-year-old went on to have a tremendous season, culminating with seven interceptions. Given that Dennard Wilson and Mike Macdonald are both departing the Ravens, Stone may consider his alternatives. Maybe under the tutelage of a reputable defensive coordinator such as Jeff Ulbrich?
