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On this Thanksgiving morning, Jets fans are greeted with a familiar scene. Before they even have a turkey dinner, they are effectively eliminated from the playoffs. Once again, they won’t have a meaningful December of play, and they’ll sit on their hands as other fan groups worry about seeding and potential playoff clinchers.

On the other hand, Jets supporters shouldn’t go into the holiday season with a downcast outlook. One should have some optimism for a few reasons. Allow me to provide you a few reasons to be grateful this Thanksgiving, even though I know you have heard the “be hopeful” lecture for nearly fifteen years.

The incoming general manager will start with a few things.
Joe Douglas came over six years ago with an offense that lacked any kind of weapon and no offensive lineman worth retaining. Regardless of who is in charge in 2025, that will not happen. With the exception of right tackle, the Jets should be able to secure four of their five offensive linemen for the next year or two. A return to the Jets by Morgan Moses is certainly within the realm of possibility, as he is entering the final year of his contract.

All three of these players—Breece Hall, Garrett Wilson, and Braelon Allen—are still on rookie contracts. The incoming general manager may win over a sizable chunk of the club by offering Breece and Wilson lucrative new deals that will ensure their continued participation and demonstrate his admiration for the present crop of talent.

Due to the Jets’ selections in rounds one through six, including two in rounds five and six, he will have access to the majority of his draft choices. The Jets can eliminate a significant portion of their cap space problem next season by releasing the 31-year-old wide receiver, who was acquired in the exchange for Davante Adams.

With some young talent and perhaps some tradeable pieces, the defense will still have room for the incoming general manager to make his mark. The job isn’t terrible, except for working under Woody Johnson. Before we get into Woody Johnson…

Return to the UK could be in Woody Johnson’s future.
Woody Johnson may not be around for much longer, but he has certainly made every effort since Week 5 to make being a general manager seem like the most despicable job in the world. He will certainly be present to select the next general manager and head coach, but after that, Woody may leave for international pastures.

Many in the Jets organization are of the belief that Woody, who President Trump appointed as U.S. ambassador to the UK during his last administration, will be asked to serve his country once again when Trump assumes office in January.

Christopher, who is Woody’s brother, will now be in charge of the Jets organization. Unlike his brother, who appears to believe he can climb out of a hole, Christopher Johnson may learn from his blunders and improve upon his first attempt at leading the squad. The Jets and their supporters are ecstatic about Woody’s decision to go overseas.

Things will not deteriorate any further.
I hate to be the one to announce it, but we have seen lower lows than this. But when you consider how high the expectations were before the season, a 3-8 record feels like rock bottom.

No matter who the general manager, coach, or quarterback is in the upcoming season, expectations will not be near as high as they were in 2024. Jets supporters have grown so used to this by now that they won’t feel anything emotionally. Aaron Rodgers is probably out of here, and I won’t hold it against him for the season, but I will say that his two yards per play are definitely gone. Unlike Jeff Ulbrich, who had a short offseason and no training camp to prepare his staff and players for a 17-game season, the Jets will have a coach in the building.

Because it is necessary, things will improve. You have to look at it this way.

Jets fans, here’s to your Thanksgiving feast: mashed potatoes, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and turkey. On this Thanksgiving, may you pause to reflect on how fortunate you are. Embracing the challenges that will amplify the joy of triumphs. By the way, I need to leave. We now provide dessert.