The Jets didn’t act at the trade deadline — here’s who has to make up for it

The NFL trade deadline came and went without the Jets adding anything to their sputtering offense.

General manager Joe Douglas tried to land another pass-catcher, but could not find anyone willing to trade a top receiver, or even a good receiver, for a reasonable price.

He also passed on pursuing Ezra Cleveland, the only offensive lineman of note who was traded.

So, what now?

The Jets have been winning games in spite of their offensive struggles, but how long can they sustain that? They are the worst team in the NFL on third downs and in the red zone. They have just eight offensive touchdowns, tied with the Giants for the fewest in the NFL.

Reinforcements are not coming, so the Jets are going to have to make it work with who they have.

Douglas expressed belief in the current roster on Tuesday after the trade deadline passed.

“I feel confident that we have the pieces to improve,” Douglas said. “I think you’re going to see us — I know you’re going to see us — improve every week as the season progresses … and a lot of that is going to be the little things, the little details that we do every day at practice. Eliminating self-inflicted wounds and being on top of every single detail.

“Again, I know we have the right people on that side of the ball. They grind, they work and I love the energy. I love the energy that [Nathaniel Hackett] brings every day. It’s a great group, so I’m really confident in them.”

It is obvious the Jets need to get more from quarterback Zach Wilson, but let’s leave him aside for now. Here are four other players who need to improve for the Jets offense to flourish down the stretch:

Xavier Gipson, wide receiver

The Jets have been effusive in their praise of the undrafted rookie this season. Every time anyone wants to ask why the team got rid of Mecole Hardman, the Jets’ leaders spin it toward Gipson and how great he has been.

Gipson had a huge play to win a game this season, but that was as a punt returner. The Jets now need more from him as a receiver. He only has one catch this season and has run the ball four times. His speed is a weapon the Jets need to utilize more.

Randall Cobb missed last week due to a shoulder injury and Gipson received a lot of playing time but did not make any plays. Cobb will return, but the Jets clearly prefer having Gipson take on a bigger role in this offense.

Though Gipson has been a nice story, the Jets need him to progress now into a go-to target for Wilson.

Allen Lazard, wide receiver

The Jets tried hard to trade for a big wide receiver to play on the outside opposite of Garrett Wilson. That tells you they are not thrilled with what they are getting from Lazard in his first season with the team.

Lazard has 17 catches, 255 receiving yards and one touchdown. He also has three drops.

Lazard made a huge play in Sunday’s win over the Giants to set up the game-tying field goal, but his season has mostly been underwhelming; he does not have a game with more than three catches. Lazard has been a pro in the locker room, though, and clearly his stats would look better with Aaron Rodgers at quarterback.

No matter who is at quarterback, the Jets need Lazard to be more productive. He should be a big target in the red zone at the very least. Teams are going to focus on Garrett Wilson unless the Jets can make them fear other receivers.

Max Mitchell, offensive lineman

Mitchell has allowed six pressures and two sacks since taking over at right tackle for Alijah Vera-Tucker. It is unclear what Mitchell’s role will be going forward, but he is going to have one.

If Duane Brown returns, could Mitchell be bumped inside to guard? Would the Jets prefer Mitchell at guard and Billy Turner at tackle with the current group of available players?

Wherever Mitchell is playing, the Jets are going to need him to play better than he did Sunday against the Giants. I actually thought he played well against the Eagles, but the Giants defensive line ate him up. Kayvon Thibodeaux beat him for a sack and also blew up a run play when he beat Mitchell off the ball.

Billy Turner, offensive lineman

Turner had a rough training camp with the Jets and did not exactly instill confidence that he should be playing major minutes. But he got in the game Sunday after numerous injuries and he had to play guard despite spending most of his career at tackle. I could see a scenario where the Jets bump Turner out to tackle and move Mitchell inside this week.

Like Mitchell, Turner is going to have a role until the Jets get healthier, and they are going to need him to be much better than what he was in August. The Jets could be playing this week with backups at center, right guard and right tackle. It could be an adventure against a Chargers team with good pass rushers.

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We need to talk about Aaron

Joe Douglas and Robert Saleh are going to have an interesting 6-8 weeks navigating the conversation around Rodgers. The veteran quarterback repeatedly has said his goal is to come back this season. The Jets’ decision-makers have to know that is a big long shot and can’t plan as if they are going to have Rodgers back this season. But they also can’t say that and insult Rodgers.

That led to an awkward few quotes from Douglas on Tuesday. He initially said the team expected Rodgers back. He later clarified he meant he expects him back with the team but not necessarily on the field.

It is going to be fascinating to see how the Jets handle the Rodgers decision if it gets real.

If Rodgers wants to come back and the Jets are in contention, is there anyone inside the Jets organization who would tell him no, that they think it is too great a risk? There have not been many “nos” directed Rodgers’ way since he arrived in Florham Park in April. Understandably, the Jets have been amenable to nearly everything Rodgers has wanted.

This will be a franchise-altering decision. The Jets surely will lean on their doctors. But what if Rodgers insists he can play and the doctors say he can, but there is a risk of re-injury?

The Jets, of course, have to remain in the playoff hunt for this to even be a conversation, but you can see what is coming down the road.

Stat’s so

The Jets have been abysmal on third down this season.

Just how bad have they been? They are currently the worst Jets team ever on third down — and this franchise has had some bad offenses.

Here are the worst third-down conversion rates in team history:

2023: 23.0 percent (4-3 record)
1995: 29.1 percent (3-13)
2019: 30.7 percent (7-9)
1992: 31.4 percent (4-12)
2018: 32.2 percent (4-12)
1989: 32.4 percent (4-12)
2020: 34.0 percent (2-14)
1977: 34.1 percent (3-11)
1999: 34.5 percent (8-8)
2022: 34.6 percent (7-10)

Note: Stats since 1972.
Source: Stathead