Gang Green Nation
Sam Darnold heads the ex-Jets of 2024
Over the past few seasons, we’ve been putting together a team of ex-Jets based on how they had performed with their new teams during the year. Last month we recapped how ex-Jets fared during the 2024 season, so let’s now attempt to put together an all-former Jets team for 2024.
Quarterback - Sam Darnold
Darnold had only started seven games since 2021, but he headed to the Pro Bowl in 2024 as he led the Minnesota Vikings to a 14-3 record. He completed 66 percent of his passes for over 4,300 yards and 35 touchdowns and also rushed for over 200 yards and a touchdown. While Darnold did throw 12 interceptions and struggled in the season finale and postseason, it will be fascinating to see where his career goes from here.
(Last year: Geno Smith)
Running Back - Ty Johnson
Ty Johnson racked up over 500 yards from scrimmage for the Buffalo Bills as he averaged 5.2 yards per carry and caught 18 passes during the regular season. Josh Allen called Johnson the best third down back in the league as he scored five touchdowns, including one in the playoffs. However, his performance fell short of Raheem Mostert’s Pro Bowl season last year.
(Last year: Raheem Mostert)
Tight End - Eric Tomlinson
Here’s one position that was tough to fill. CJ Uzomah and EJ Jenkins both won a Super Bowl ring with the Philadelphia Eagles, but they caught just one pass between them, so Tomlinson - who had two catches - earns the spot for his blocking contributions, even though he was released before the end of the year.
(Last year: Trevon Wesco)
Wide Receivers - Elijah Moore, Kalif Raymond and Greg Dortch
Elijah Moore struggled to develop chemistry with Deshaun Watson, but he saw his production increase once Watson was out for the season and ended up with a career-high 61 catches for 538 yards and a touchdown. He constantly ranks among the elite in separation metrics, so could be a low-cost breakout candidate if he gets a rotational role on a team with good quarterback play.
Raymond’s production fell off in 2024, largely as a result of the fact that the Detroit Lions had so many offensive weapons that it was difficult to get everyone involved. Even so, when targeted, he made positive contributions with 17 catches for 215 yards and two scores.
The diminutive Greg Dortch has made a decent career for himself with the Arizona Cardinals. He racked up almost 400 yards from scrimmage in 2024. He caught 37 passes including three touchdowns.
(Last year: Elijah Moore, Kalif Raymond and Braxton Berrios)
Offensive Line - Mekhi Becton and Kelvin Beachum at tackle, Trystan Colon and Laken Tomlinson at guard, Connor McGovern at center
There was major competition for these five spots in 2024, with every single candidate coming from an NFC team.
For the purposes of this team, we’re moving Becton back out to left tackle because, let’s face...
