Getty New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh embracing one of his friends after an NFL game.
The New York Jets appear ready to dive into the deep end of the pool this offseason.
NFL Insider Connor Hughes of SNY joined the Can’t-Wait Podcast on Tuesday, January 10, and dropped a prediction bombshell:
“I think this could be the year where we finally see Joe Douglas hit the big trade because he hasn’t yet. He has flirted with things like Tyreek Hill and Calvin Ridley but he hasn’t come away with the big fish yet and the big splash addition. I think the angry Woody Johnson plus the need for the playoffs I think this is the year that we see the Jets make a really really big splash.”
Woah mama: @Connor_J_Hughes believes this could be the year that #Jets GM Joe Douglas ‘hits the big trade’ 👀 + ‘this is gonna be the year that we see NYJ make a really really big splash’ 💦 : 🎥 Can’t Wait Pod #TakeFlight @ZackBlatt @TimMMcMaster @Marissa_Morris
Dreaming the Maybe Not so Impossible Lamar Jackson-Jets-Ravens-Trade
One of the moves Hughes strongly hinted that the Jets could make during his appearance on the podcast was executing a blockbuster trade with the Baltimore Ravens for Lamar Jackson.
“It could be quarterback, that wouldn’t surprise me at all. I’ve said this like not only do I think the Jets would be interested in Lamar Jackson, I think they have a really good shot of getting him. If the Ravens actually listen. If the Ravens are open to listening to conversations, I don’t know if they are, the Jets are one of those teams that can make the package of picks and excite their fan base, excite their owner, and all that stuff. Now we aren’t talking playoffs, you put Lamar Jackson on these Jets and you shore up the offensive line a little bit we’re talking about the Jets can make a run at the Super Bowl.”
The former Lousiville product is scheduled to be an unrestricted free agent once the new league year kicks off. Jackson is expected to receive the franchise tag which would prevent him from hitting the open market.
However, the possibility of a tag-and-trade is very much on the table if the Ravens and Jackson are unable to come to terms on a lucrative long-term deal.
That potential path would be costly for another team to make happen with all of the different variables involved: a new mega league changing contract and satisfying the Ravens with compensation.
Jets Could Make a Surprising Trade in 2023
The obvious answer to Hughes’ prediction is a sexy quarterback trade. That is certainly possible with Jackson rumors, some people have talked about Derek Carr, or maybe even Aaron Rodgers.
However, there is another path the Jets could take via trade that would have massive ripple effects around the league.
Jordan Schultz of The Score broke the news on Tuesday, January 10 that the Arizona Cardinals plan to “try and trade” wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins.
Sources: #AZCardinals plan to try and trade All-Pro WR DeAndre Hopkins this offseason. DHop has 2 yrs and $34.36M left on his contract and is likely to seek a new deal. Owner Michael Bidwill plans to express this to GM candidates.
My story, via @theScore: t.co/xX8NHkULYH
Zack Rosenblatt who covers the Jets for The Athletic said this trade possibility is “absolutely worth exploring” this offseason.
Once the rumor mill started churning, Jets fans already started dreaming of the possibilities. Hopkins would provide the Jets with an amazing complement to rookie sensation Garrett Wilson.
The #Jets NEW starting wide receiver duo in 2023: Garrett Wilson (@GarrettWilson_V) + DeAndre Hopkins (@DeAndreHopkins)
Let’s #TakeFlight baby! #Cardinals #BirdCityFootball
In theory, the Jets could move on from veteran wideout Corey Davis this offseason and replace him with one of the best wide receivers in football. If Gang Green had a chance to do that they’d be crazy not to consider it.