“Those players would have helped us but they let them leave ” NY Jets fans react as 4 former NY Jets players thrived with their new teams in 2024.
The 2024 season proved to be a challenging one for the New York Jets, marked by a series of setbacks both on and off the field. The team’s campaign began with high hopes, especially with Aaron Rodgers on board, sparking dreams of a Super Bowl run. However, the season quickly spiraled into one of the most disappointing in franchise history.
From management changes and contract disputes to overall organizational dysfunction, the Jets’ troubles were numerous. As the Jets’ 2024 season unfolded, it became clear that several of their former players were probably relieved to have left the organization when they did. Many players who were cut or traded by the Jets last offseason went on to experience a great deal of success with their new teams, further highlighting the mismanagement at the Jets’ front office.
Let’s dive into four key former Jets players who thrived with their new teams in 2024, showing that they still had plenty to offer, while the Jets struggled to regain their footing.
4. Carl Lawson, Defensive End, Dallas Cowboys
The Carl Lawson signing initially looked promising for the Jets, as they brought him in on a three-year, $45 million contract. At the time, it seemed like a strategic move to bolster the pass rush. Unfortunately, Lawson’s time with the Jets was marred by injuries, beginning with a torn Achilles in his first year. His career in New York quickly became plagued by a string of setbacks that kept him off the field for extended periods.
In 2023, Lawson played just six games and failed to make a significant impact, recording only two pressures. Given his lackluster performance and ongoing injury troubles, it wasn’t a surprise when the Jets opted to move on from him last offseason.
However, Lawson found a fresh start with the Dallas Cowboys. Initially signed to the practice squad in late August, he worked his way up to a regular spot in the Cowboys’ defensive line rotation. Playing in 15 games, Lawson recorded six sacks, 27 pressures, and 15 quarterback hits, along with a forced fumble. While Lawson didn’t completely dominate, he proved that he still had the skill and athleticism to contribute meaningfully. The Jets likely could have used that level of production in their own defense.
3. Laken Tomlinson, Left Guard, Seattle Seahawks
Laken Tomlinson’s tenure with the Jets didn’t live up to expectations. Signed to a three-year, $40 million contract before the 2022 season, Tomlinson was supposed to be a stabilizing force on the Jets’ offensive line. However, his performance in both 2022 and 2023 fell short of the level that warranted such a lucrative deal. Though he started every game for the Jets during those two seasons, he struggled in his role and did not play to the standard expected of a top-paid guard.
It wasn’t a surprise when the Jets released him before the end of his contract, and Tomlinson found a new opportunity with the Seattle Seahawks. He signed a one-year, $1.21 million deal in April 2024 and was a pleasant surprise for Seattle. Starting all 17 games at left guard, Tomlinson performed well enough to earn his highest Pro Football Focus (PFF) grade since his time with the San Francisco 49ers. He allowed 13 fewer pressures than in his Jets seasons and finished with a pass-blocking grade of 65.1 and an improved run-blocking grade. While he didn’t return to Pro Bowl form, Tomlinson proved he still had value as a starting offensive lineman at a fraction of his previous cost. The Seahawks were very pleased with his solid contributions throughout the season.
2. Mekhi Becton, Offensive Lineman, Philadelphia Eagles
Mekhi Becton’s 2024 season was nothing short of a career resurgence. Once considered a top talent with massive potential after being drafted in the first round, Becton’s career with the Jets had been marred by injuries and inconsistency. In 2024, Becton signed a one-year, prove-it contract with the Philadelphia Eagles, entering the season with no guaranteed starting spot and projected as a backup swing tackle behind starters Jordan Mailata and Lane Johnson.
However, Becton’s fortunes took a turn when he was moved to right guard during the summer. After impressing during training camp and the preseason, he earned the starting job. The positional change worked wonders for Becton, as he excelled in his new role. He finished the season with a career-high 75.2 PFF grade, allowing just three sacks and 25 pressures, a significant improvement over his final year with the Jets, where he had allowed 12 sacks and 50 pressures. Becton’s success was a key factor in the Eagles’ strong offensive line, and he is now positioned for a big payday this offseason. The Jets’ inability to unlock Becton’s potential remains one of their more perplexing decisions in recent years.
1. John Franklin-Myers, Defensive Lineman, Denver Broncos
Among the players who departed the Jets, the trade of John Franklin-Myers stands out as one of the most baffling. The Jets traded Franklin-Myers to the Denver Broncos during the 2024 NFL Draft for a future sixth-round pick, citing salary cap issues as the primary reason. However, many viewed this move as a miscalculation, given Franklin-Myers’ versatility and success on the Jets’ defensive line.
In Denver, Franklin-Myers proved the Jets wrong. The former waiver claim turned in a breakout year, recording a career-high eight sacks, 53 pressures, and 23 run stops. His 78.3 PFF grade ranked 11th among all qualified interior defensive linemen, and his pass-rush grade of 82.9 was fourth among defensive linemen. Franklin-Myers was a major force for the Broncos, showcasing his ability to contribute in multiple facets of the game. In contrast, the Jets struggled to replace his production, particularly with the underwhelming play of Michael Clemons. The trade of Franklin-Myers stands as one of the most damaging decisions the Jets made in recent years, and it arguably had far-reaching consequences, including contributing to the eventual firings of head coach Robert Saleh and general manager Joe Douglas.
Conclusion
The Jets’ 2024 season was filled with disappointments, and many former players who were let go or traded are now thriving with new teams. Carl Lawson, Laken Tomlinson, Mekhi Becton, and John Franklin-Myers all proved that they still had plenty of talent left to offer, finding success after their departures from New York. While these players found new homes and enjoyed better results, the Jets continued to struggle with their own roster, raising questions about their management and decision-making. It’s clear that the Jets missed out on some valuable contributions this season, and the team will have to reassess its approach if it hopes to turn things around in the near future.