The Jets overhauled their offense this season, replacing Aaron Rodgers with Justin Fields under center and parting ways with three other starters: WR Davante Adams, TE Tyler Conklin, and RT Morgan Moses.
Adams’ departure, though expected, still left the Jets with an unclear hierarchy in their wide receiver room behind 2022 first-rounder Garrett Wilson.
Enter veteran wideout Josh Reynolds, who arrived in New York on a one-year, $2.75MM contract in March. He will be looking to bounce back in 2025 after missing nine games last year due to a finger injury and wounds sustained in a Denver shooting.
Based on his performance this spring, Reynolds seems poised to carve out a consistent target share in the Jets’ offense. He is “the clear-cut leader for the WR2 job” in New York after an impressive offseason,” according to ESPN’s Rich Cimini. Reynolds outplayed fellow veterans Allen Lazard and Tyler Johnson during spring practices, positioning for first-team reps during training camp.
Of course, that could quickly change once pads and contact are introduced later this month. Reynolds could also see expanded competition from the Jets’ younger wide receivers, including recent draft picks Malachi Corley and Arian Smith.
The team will be hoping that Corley, a 2024 third-rounder, can establish himself in the pros after a disappointing rookie year, while its investment of a fourth-round pick in Smith this April indicates that offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand has a vision for him, as well. Third-year wideouts Xavier Gipson and Irvin Charles will also be working hard during training camp to upgrade their roles after spending most of the 2024 season on special teams.