New York

Jets

Cobb is walking away from the field and entering the broadcasting game as a studio analyst for the SEC Network. The former Kentucky wide receiver was a second-round pick of the Packers in 2011 and established himself as one of the league’s top slot receivers during his second season when he went for 80-954-8 on 104 targets. Cobb’s production topped out at 91-1287-12 in 2014, but the veteran receiver strung together a long, productive career in which he totaled more than 7,600 receiving yards along with 54 receiving touchdowns. His final season, which came last year with the Jets, was an underwhelming one. After being brought in by long-time Packers teammate Aaron Rodgers, Cobb played a minimal role for the team in 2023, catching just five passes over the 11 games he appeared in.

As we now know, Smith didn’t take the role, instead landing the offensive coordinator job with the Steelers. ProFootballTalk’s Mike Florio later learned that part of the reason Smith didn’t take the job with the Jets was “because the role wasn’t clear.” On the one hand, it’s not surprising to learn that the Jets sought out an assistant for Hackett, whose struggles have been amplified since his one-and-done season as head coach of the Broncos in 2022. Hackett was brought in last season at the request of Aaron Rodgers, who has continuously stuck by the OC due to their previous relationship at Green Bay. Hackett, along with head coach Robert Saleh, both enter this season on the hot seat after any hopes of success in 2023 were dashed by Rodgers’ Achilles injury. Assuming Rodgers is healthy and playing well, Hackett should be fine. However, if things start to go awry, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Saleh turn over play-calling duties to someone else. The Jets’ first training camp practice is scheduled for July 24.

Corley was selected by the Jets in the third round after totaling 79 receptions for 984 yards and 11 touchdowns during his final year at Western Kentucky. In 2022, the versatile receiver ripped off a 101-1,295-11 line and had a well-renowned reputation for his physical style of play and ability to create after the catch. While second-year UDFA Xavier Gipson has been rumored as the early favorite to earn the role as the Jets’ primary slot receiver, Corley should eventually take hold of that role during the season, if not much sooner.

During an interview at the American Century Classic Celebrity Golf Championship Tournament, Rodgers said his Achilles felt good throughout the offseason and during OTAs, appearing unconcerned about the injury with camp just around the corner. After playing just four snaps last season, Rodgers and the Jets hope the veteran quarterback can make it through a full season. His availability could elevate a Jets team that finished 7-10 behind the combined efforts of Zach Wilson, Trevor Siemian, and Tim Boyle. The Jets’ defense ranked third in yards allowed last season, while their offense ranked 31st in yards and 29th in points per game. The Jets have the potential to contend for a berth in the postseason, even with Rodgers leading an offense that’s close to league average. Everything appears to be trending in the right direction for the Jets heading into training camp. We’ll see how things unfold once the pads are put on.

Multiple sources confirmed that the veteran quarterback’s absence from mandatory minicamp was due to a pre-planned trip to Egypt and that the Jets were made aware of the trip from the initial planning. Rodgers was present during every practice in phase one, missed one week of phase two, and attended all portions of organized team activities earlier in the Spring and Summer prior to his absence during minicamp. Even so, additional repetitions would do Rodgers well considering his reliance on intricate timing and trust to run the offense, both of which he has largely lacked while with the Jets after his 2023 season ended following just two offensive snaps. Head coach Robert Saleh joined Rodgers’ teammates in relaying a message that nothing was awry following Rodgers’ absence in late June.

As ESPN’s Rich Cimini points out, Hall “did miss some OTA practices and the minicamp with an undisclosed ‘lower half’ injury, but it was out of precaution, according to Hall.” Hall played in all 17 games last season after seeing his rookie year come to an end in Week 7 due to a torn ACL. Despite the injury, Hall impressed in his second season, racking up 994 yards and five touchdowns on the ground while adding another 76-591-4 through the air. The every-down back is hoping to build on last year’s success now that he’s nearly two years removed from his injury, and the Jets are also returning quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Hall finished as the RB6 in fantasy points per game last season despite playing on an offense that ranked 29th in points per game and dead last in red zone scoring touchdown rate (32.4 percent). A fully healthy Hall and Rodgers could be enough to propel Hall into the overall RB1 in 2024 in what’s expected to be a much-improved offense.

Reddick hasn’t done much with the Jets since the team acquired him from the Eagles in a trade this offseason. He skipped out on OTAs and mandatory minicamp earlier this offseason and could be at risk of holding out if a new deal isn’t reached before training camp. Reddick made it known earlier this year that he wanted a new contract from the Eagles before he was traded, making the Jets’ decision to acquire but not extend him a bit of an odd one. Reddick has totaled 27 sacks over his last two seasons with the Eagles and has been one of the league’s premiere pass rushers over the last four seasons. Set to turn 30 shortly after the start of the season, Reddick will earn $14.25 million on the final year of his deal.

As Cimini points out, Allen caught just 49 passes in three collegiate seasons at Wisconsin, but said the 235-pound back has shown “excellent ball skills and terrific body control.” Allen isn’t expected to see much work as long as Breece Hall is healthy, but the rookie fourth-rounder is also the early favorite to serve as Hall’s backup, making him a valuable stash in fantasy leagues. Whether or not Allen would emerge to see a three-down role in Hall’s absence will likely be determined during training camp, but this is an interesting note worth remembering as fantasy drafts begin to ramp up this summer.

Hayes was arrested in Morgan County, Alabama, over the weekend for marijuana possession. The 2019 UDFA has spent time with nine different teams over his six-year career but has appeared in just 14 games, playing primarily on special teams.

McKinley participated in Jets minicamp on a tryout basis and now has a chance to earn a spot on the 53-man roster. McKinley was released by the Cowboys in June of last year and didn’t spend the 2023 season on an NFL roster. A former first-round pick of the Falcons in 2017, McKinley has appeared in 64 games during his career, totaling 20 sacks and 25 TFLs.