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.<\/p>\n
Two years later, the New York Jets are hoping to employ a very similar game plan for the exact same results.<\/p>\n
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 \u2014 while Aaron Glenn simultaneously adds physical leaders<\/a>.<\/p>\n Interestingly, this approach closely mirrors what Washington experienced just two years prior.<\/p>\n Jets\u2019 free agency plan<\/p>\n Here\u2019s the current list of offseason additions brought in by the New York Jets in just the first two days of free agency:<\/p>\n S, Minkah Fitzpatrick \u2013 trade, three-year, $40 million<\/p>\n LB, Demario Davis \u2013 signing, two-year, $22 million<\/p>\n EDGE, Joseph Ossai \u2013 signing, three-year, $34.5 million<\/p>\n EDGE, Kingsley Enagbare \u2013 one-year, $10 million<\/p>\n CB, Nahshon Wright \u2013 one-year, $5.5 million<\/p>\n QB, Geno Smith \u2013 one-year, 3.3 million<\/p>\n S, Dane Belton \u2013 one-year, $4 million<\/p>\n Here is a condensed list of free agents the Commanders signed in 2024<\/a>:<\/p>\n RB, Austin Ekeler \u2013 signing, two-year, $11.43 million<\/p>\n LB, Bobby Wagner \u2013 signing, one-year, $8 million<\/p>\n QB, Marcus Mariota \u2013 signing, one-year, $10 million<\/p>\n TE, Zach Ertz \u2013 signing, one-year, $5 million<\/p>\n LB, Frankie Luvu \u2013 signing, three-year, $36 million<\/p>\n EDGE, Dante Fowler \u2013 signing, one-year, $3.25 million<\/p>\n C, Tyler Biadasz \u2013 signing, three-year, $30 million<\/p>\n S, Jeremy Chinn \u2013 signing, one-year, $5.2 million<\/p>\n EDGE, Dorance Armstrong \u2013 signing, three-year, $45 million<\/p>\n K, Brandon McManus \u2013 signing, one-year, $3.6 million<\/p>\n OG, Nick Allegretti \u2013 signing, three-year, $16 million<\/p>\n WR, Olamide Zaccheaus \u2013 signing, one-year, $1.5 million<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n More importantly, Washington avoided long-term commitments that could hamper them in future seasons by leaning on one-year deals.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n New York isn\u2019t done, but its plan closely mirrors the Commanders\u2019 turnaround in 2024.<\/p>\n The elephant in the room<\/p>\n As much as the Jets\u2019 offseason plan should be celebrated, there\u2019s a big reason the team isn\u2019t expected to have a Commanders-like turnaround. While Washington\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n It\u2019s just the Jets\u2019 luck.<\/p>\n New York won\u2019t 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,<\/a> there are many reasons why the 35-year-old was moved by the worst team in football last season.<\/p>\n Smith has thrown 32 interceptions in the last two seasons combined. Daniels, meanwhile, has thrown just 12 in his first two years.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n