In 2024, the Washington Commanders went through the turnaround of the century, going from a measly three-win team the previous year to an NFC championship game contender.

Two years later, the New York Jets are hoping to employ a very similar game plan for the exact same results.

Just two days into the new league year, the organization is already putting that plan into action. Through strong trades and impressive free agent deals, New York is incrementally improving with each move in March — while Aaron Glenn simultaneously adds physical leaders.

Interestingly, this approach closely mirrors what Washington experienced just two years prior.

Jets’ free agency plan

Here’s the current list of offseason additions brought in by the New York Jets in just the first two days of free agency:

S, Minkah Fitzpatrick – trade, three-year, $40 million

LB, Demario Davis – signing, two-year, $22 million

EDGE, Joseph Ossai – signing, three-year, $34.5 million

EDGE, Kingsley Enagbare – one-year, $10 million

CB, Nahshon Wright – one-year, $5.5 million

QB, Geno Smith – one-year, 3.3 million

S, Dane Belton – one-year, $4 million

Here is a condensed list of free agents the Commanders signed in 2024:

RB, Austin Ekeler – signing, two-year, $11.43 million

LB, Bobby Wagner – signing, one-year, $8 million

QB, Marcus Mariota – signing, one-year, $10 million

TE, Zach Ertz – signing, one-year, $5 million

LB, Frankie Luvu – signing, three-year, $36 million

EDGE, Dante Fowler – signing, one-year, $3.25 million

C, Tyler Biadasz – signing, three-year, $30 million

S, Jeremy Chinn – signing, one-year, $5.2 million

EDGE, Dorance Armstrong – signing, three-year, $45 million

K, Brandon McManus – signing, one-year, $3.6 million

OG, Nick Allegretti – signing, three-year, $16 million

WR, Olamide Zaccheaus – signing, one-year, $1.5 million

There are obviously many similarities between the two teams. For instance, the Commanders were coming off a three-win season with ample cap space, which they used to acquire players fitting both offensive and defensive schemes.

More importantly, Washington avoided long-term commitments that could hamper them in future seasons by leaning on one-year deals.

The Jets have employed a similar plan this offseason. Addressing key needs for veterans without breaking the bank or setting a new market level for their positions allows the team to stay aggressive over the next few months while raising the talent floor in the room.

New York isn’t done, but its plan closely mirrors the Commanders’ turnaround in 2024.

The elephant in the room

As much as the Jets’ offseason plan should be celebrated, there’s a big reason the team isn’t expected to have a Commanders-like turnaround. While Washington’s second overall pick became a Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback in Jayden Daniels, there is no quarterback worthy of the second pick when New York makes their selection.

It’s just the Jets’ luck.

New York won’t be able to command a 12-win season until it gets the quarterback position right. While Geno Smith is certainly an upgrade over their previous starter, there are many reasons why the 35-year-old was moved by the worst team in football last season.

Smith has thrown 32 interceptions in the last two seasons combined. Daniels, meanwhile, has thrown just 12 in his first two years.

Despite the lack of a true franchise, though, the Jets have reason for optimism. If New York improves under Smith, it not only increases their win total but also means the team will be just a true quarterback away from competing.

Should Smith fail, the Jets will be able to draft a quarterback high in the 2027 NFL draft. Either scenario could make the team better in the long run.

New York’s offseason plan may mirror the Commanders’ turnaround in every area except quarterback, but the team believes it has done plenty to make its product on the field much better than 2025.