The New York Jets’ Playoff Aspirations Fade

The New York Jets’ aspirations for a playoff berth likely met their demise in the unforgiving Sonoran Desert. Owner Woody Johnson’s ambitious maneuvers—ranging from dismissing head coach Robert Saleh to appointing Jeff Ulbrich as his successor, and trading for star wide receiver Davante Adams—have not yielded the desired results. Instead, the Jets find themselves languishing at 3-7 following yet another disheartening defeat.

As the 2024 Presidential election approaches, there are whispers around the Jets’ facilities suggesting that Johnson may once again consider a role in government service. Should Donald Trump secure victory, Johnson could potentially depart to join his administration, mirroring their previous partnership in 2016 when he was appointed ambassador to the United Kingdom. Throughout the ongoing campaign, Johnson has made several appearances on Fox News in support of Trump and recently hosted him in his luxury box during a Pittsburgh Steelers game, just a day after a Trump rally in Latrobe, Pennsylvania. If Johnson opts to return to the White House, the announcement could come swiftly in the following weeks. His previous appointment was confirmed on January 19, 2017, and he began his role in June. While he would not need to undergo the confirmation process again for the ambassador position, any other appointment would require Senate approval.

During Johnson’s absence from the team, his brother, Christopher Johnson, took the reins and oversaw operations from 2017 until Woody’s return in 2021. Although Christopher was less involved in 2022 and 2023, he has reemerged in the Jets’ organization in 2024, possibly preparing to step back in should Woody depart once more. Should such a transition occur, it would undoubtedly have significant implications for the Jets’ immediate future and beyond.

Potential Changes on the Horizon

There is a strong possibility that the Jets will be in the market for a new head coach and general manager this offseason. Ulbrich, who previously served as the team’s defensive coordinator, has struggled to demonstrate the skills necessary to secure the position full-time since taking over as interim head coach. Under his leadership, the defense has regressed dramatically, ranking last in the NFL in defensive Expected Points Added (EPA) since he stepped in. Additionally, the Jets find themselves 25th in rushing defense, 26th in red-zone defense, and 25th in scoring defense. The team’s performance in their Week 10 loss to the Cardinals, where they missed a staggering 20 tackles, only added to the growing discontent.

General manager Joe Douglas, on the other hand, has been perceived as a man on borrowed time since Johnson began to assert his influence without consulting Douglas. The decision to fire Saleh was made without Douglas’s input, and the owner’s push for the Adams trade and to bring in Haason Reddick with a restructured contract after a prolonged holdout has left Douglas feeling sidelined. “Woody and I talk every day,” Douglas expressed recently, his voice tinged with resignation. “I serve at the pleasure of the owner.”

Douglas is currently in the final year of a six-year contract, and his best season—7-9 in 2019—came with a roster he did not assemble. Since then, he has yet to lead the Jets to the playoffs and holds a lower career winning percentage than his predecessors, John Idzik and Mike Maccagnan.

The Search for Stability

The league has been watching closely as Johnson took decisive actions, including firing Saleh in Week 5 and curtailing Douglas’s authority. The subsequent results on the field have not been encouraging, and should the head coach and GM positions become available, interest is expected. However, the Jets may not appear as an attractive destination for potential candidates, leading to a dilemma for Johnson regarding how to proceed with the hiring process.

If both Ulbrich and Douglas are let go, it is very likely that Woody Johnson will play a significant role in the search for their replacements, along with Christopher, before potentially transitioning back to a governmental role.

Uncertain Future for Aaron Rodgers

Additionally, questions loom over the future of quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who was brought in as the franchise’s savior but now appears to be struggling. In the loss to the Cardinals, he managed only 151 passing yards on 35 attempts, marking one of the lowest outputs of his illustrious career. Some within the organization are speculating that if the season continues on this downward trajectory and Rodgers’ performance does not improve, he may contemplate retirement as he approaches his 41st birthday in December.

Moreover, any coach considering taking the helm of a Rodgers-led team would need to weigh the implications of his declining skills, alongside the complexities that come with managing a player of his stature, both on and off the field. Presently, Rodgers carries a $23.5 million cap hit for the upcoming year, but should he retire or be released, the Jets would face a staggering $49 million dead-cap charge. However, by designating him as a post-June 1 cut or retirement, they could distribute this financial hit over two seasons, alleviating some immediate pressure.

The potential for Rodgers to return in 2025 is still feasible, contingent upon the dynamics between the Johnson brothers. Rodgers shares a close rapport with Christopher Johnson, which may play a pivotal role in determining his future. During last year’s recruitment visit to Rodgers’ Malibu home, Christopher arrived early and spent quality time with the quarterback, which some believe strengthened their bond. Rodgers reportedly has a better connection with Christopher than with Woody, which could influence his decision to remain with the team.

If Woody Johnson continues to assert control, however, it wouldn’t be surprising if he opts to sever ties with Rodgers, especially given the team’s ongoing struggles and unmet expectations. Following the dismissal of Saleh, Johnson described the current roster as the most talented he has overseen in his 25 years as owner, highlighting the urgency for change.

Roster Overhaul on the Horizon

Regardless of whether Rodgers stays, the Jets’ roster is poised for significant changes in 2025. A number of key players are set to hit free agency, including cornerback D.J. Reed, tight end Tyler Conklin, tackles Tyron Smith and Morgan Moses, defensive end Haason Reddick, linebacker Jamien Sherwood, safety Tony Adams, defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw, and safety Isaiah Oliver. Critical decisions also loom over wide receivers Davante Adams and Allen Lazard, while star players from the 2022 draft class—Sauce Gardner, Garrett Wilson, and Breece Hall—will be eligible for contract extensions for the first time.

During Christopher Johnson’s previous tenure running the team, he made some questionable decisions, most notably hiring Adam Gase in 2019 and waiting until after free agency and the draft to fire Maccagnan that same year. However, many within the organization believe that Christopher has gained valuable experience and is more likely to allow the incoming general manager to operate with autonomy and minimal interference. This trend would likely shift if Woody Johnson continues to be an active presence in the decision-making process.

(Photo: Thearon W. Henderson / Getty Images)