6 Jets who could take on bigger roles in 2022
The Jets need more than their projected starters to be competitive this season.
New York will need its backups to step up and outperform expectations if the team is to make a postseason run in Robert Saleh’s second season. Another offseason in the staff’s systems should help some incumbent players, but it will be on them to find ways to be useful for the Jets moving forward.
Here are six players who could take on bigger roles in 2022.
WR Braxton Berrios
(Eric Espada-Getty Images)
Berrios is already entrenched as the Jets’ return specialist, but his role as an offensive playmaker could develop further after a solid end to the 2021 season. He scored four of his five touchdowns from Weeks 14-16, and Zach Wilson spent a lot of time with Berrios this offseason. The Jets wouldn’t have signed him to a multi-year deal if they weren’t planning to use him more, either.
LB Hamsah Nasirildeen
(Brad Penner/AP Images for Panini)
Nasirildeen didn’t get many opportunities to grow as a rookie because of injury or poor play, but another offseason under his belt could help the second-year linebacker. He won’t be guaranteed a starting role at outside linebacker, but if he wins the job, Nasirildeen will be in line for a much larger snap share this season.
FB Nick Bawden
(Adam Hunger-AP)
Bawden didn’t join the Jets until Week 7 of last season, but his new deal indicates a possible expanded role as the team’s starting fullback. Mike LaFleur has always advocated for the use of a fullback in his offense and Bawden should be the next up after the failed Trevon Wesco experiment.
DB Jason Pinnock
(Adam Hunger-AP)
Pinnock played well at the end of the season as a plug-in safety for the Jets, and a full offseason to learn the position should help his development. He won’t be a starter, but Pinnock could see a bigger role in the deep secondary if he can overtake Ashytn Davis, Will Parks and Elijah Riley.
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DT Sheldon Rankins
(Matt Rourke-AP)
The Jets could save $5.4 million with a minimal dead cap hit if they release Rankins, but the fact they haven’t yet means his roster spot should be safe. He’s a veteran leader who could see more work now that Foley Fatukasi isn’t in the picture. However, there are a lot of interior defensive linemen to compete with this year, which could make it harder for Rankins to find a bigger role.
DE Vinny Curry
(John Jones-USA TODAY Sports)
Curry missed the entire 2021 season due to a rare blood disorder. His return means the Jets have plans for him and he could see more snaps early in the season as Carl Lawson works his way back from injury and rookies Jermaine Johnson and Micheal Clemons get acclimated to the NFL.
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