By Paul Newbold Edited by Mike Fallas
The New York Jets entered the off season with high needs at cornerback, wide receiver, offensive line, quarterback, linebacker, and safety. However, new general manager, Mike Maccagnan inherited a surplus of cap space, to the tune of 50 million dollars. The cash was available, and Maccagnan proved he wasn't afraid to spend it.Maccagnan hit the market signing key free agents, and making some trades as well. His signings have been smart moves for the future of the Jets, and he's got them done without mortgaging the future. Maccagnan’s aggression in free agency is surprising given he is a rookie General Manager.
Fans have heard the news concerning the return of Darrelle Revis. However Revis didn't come back cheap, as he had a price tag of, 5 years, $70 million contract, with whopping 39 million in guarantees. Revis, regardless of what you may think of him personally, is a top talent at corner, and worth every penny. His addition has sparked the fan base's excitement for a hopeful rebound season.
Maccagnan also added a cornerback in Buster Skrine. Skrine is a former member of the Cleveland Browns. With their new addition, the Jets get a young corner, (25) who has shown some promise. Playing for the Browns last year as a #2 corner, Skrine was a functional cornerback. It is controversial whether the Jets overpaid for an average cornerback. However, the Jets went after this kid with one purpose in mind. Maccagnan signed him to fill the slot/nickel position, vacated by much maligned Kyle Wilson. He's young and if not asked to work on the outside, he has the tools to work the inside covering the slot receiver.
Much of the talk has also involved in the trade for Brandon Marshall. The fan base is excited and they are rightfully so. Marshall brings an exciting element to the team. Its been a long time since the Jets possessed a wide receiver of his caliber. The trade was extremely reasonable, as the Jets only had to trade away a 5th round pick for him. Marshal is a player who can wreak havoc on opposing defenses. He is 30 years old however, and had battled leg injuries last season. It will be questionable to see how much Marshal has left in the tank. The Jets May not be done at that position. They have some young talent on the team, but they will need to add a young receiver from a very deep draft class. The Marshall signing makes the offense better, but a young wide receiver for depth purposes makes sense.
QB Ryan Fitzpatrick was added via trade as well. Many fans are criticizing this move. Some are even condemning the move out right. The clamor for the Jets to draft Marcus Mariota out of Oregon have only grown louder as a result. However, the Fitzpatrick signing was a great move on Maccagnan's part. Fitzpatrick was retained for a 7th round pick, with no long term commitment. Fitzpatrick can provide a needed competition for Geno Smith. Last season, Fitzpatrick threw at a 63 percentage rate and threw for 18 TD's versus 8 interceptions. All the Jets need from Fitzpatrick is a year of decent QB play. Fitzpatrick is capable of running Gailey's offense if Smith can't. In the end, the Jets will know exactly what they have in Smith. Fitzpatrick can provide a stopgap QB role until the Jets can select a QB from a promising college class next year.
An upgrade for the offense line came along as well. The Jets signed Guard, James Carpenter, a former member of the Seattle Seahawks. Carpenter may not be the elite guard that many fans were seeking, but he's an upgrade at the position none the less. Carpenter is a young player, and a former first round pick that has struggled with injuries early in his career. If Carpenter can prove he can stay healthy, the upside of his game is still there. This signing hasn't brought much comment among Jet fans, but it is another solid signing by the Jets. The Jets aren't likely done along the offensive line either. With the poor play from last year, expect them to revisit the position in the draft. A top offensive lineman from this draft could go a long way towards protecting the Jet's QB this season.
The Jets have also signed Antonio Cromartie and Marcus Gilchrist. Both signings solidifies a very promising secondary. The addition of both of these players would catapult the Jets defense into respectability once again. With an already stout front, a solid secondary would make them a formidable force. At age 26 Gilchrist will fit the Bowles defense well. The Jets signing of Gilchrist will allow the Jets more flexibility at the safety position. Calvin Pryor and Antonio Allen fit the Bowles system as well, as they can both play more like linebackers. The Cromartie signing was the last piece in a full reunion for the Jets. They have now returned to their batman and robin scheme with Darrelle Revis and Antonio Cromartie back in Green and White. The Jets have a lot of promise at the defensive back positions.
Things are looking up for the 2015 Jets. The team promises to field one of the most dominating defenses people have seen in years. Bowles has the tools in place on defense to make most fans forget about last season. The Jets already had a formidable front with Muhammed Wilkerson, Damon Harrison, and Sheldon Richardson. The resigning of David Harris was a good decision for the Jets linebacker core also. The Jets may even add a high quality outside linebacker in the draft as well. The second level of the Jets defense will have some new faces, and its promising to be another solid group.
Moreover, the Jets are putting together an impressive secondary as well. If all goes well with this group, the Jets promise to be one of the best against the pass this season. With a group of young players coming on to compete, injury shouldn't be a worry either with all the depth in the secondary.
The Jets defense is not the only big improvement this offseason. The wide receiver position holds promise, with a combination of Eric Decker, Jeremy Kerley, and Brandon Marshall leading the way. The Jets also have their share of young WR's in camp this season. Competition will be keen, and if they grab another young WR in the draft, the Jets should have a juicy depth chart at wide out.
With the resigning of running back, Bilal Powell, the Jets offer up an interesting combination at running back. Some fans are calling for the signing of a speed back in free agency, but the Jets seem content at the position up to this point. Chris Ivory and Bilal Powell may prove to be enough for the Jets this season. Powell and Richardson both offer a receiving element that Chris Ivory doesn't. However, expect a heavy load of carries for Ivory this season.
Also, the tight end position promises to be an upgraded group this season. Second round pick, Jace Amaro led all rookie tight ends last season. He’s showed signs of development throughout the season as well. Amaro could be another key receiver for the Jets. Also, Jeff Cumberland may stay for his final Jet season. He's been an adequate tight end. A big season from Jace Amaro should also help Cumberland and Zach Suedfeld games as well.
With just above average QB play, the 2015 Jets could be set up for success. The pieces are coming together for a much improved football team.
It would appear, at least in the early stages of the new league year, that Woody Johnson hired the right GM to run his football team. Maccagnan has gone out and got talent, and for the most part hasn't overspent. Maccagnan used trades, as well as his cap space, to improve this roster in a very short amount of time. He hasn't traded away future picks, but has managed to upgrade key positions.
The Jets are in great shape heading towards April's draft. Equipped with 5 picks, and a possible opportunity to trade back, Maccagnan has set himself for a first year of success. Relying on his years of scouting experience, Maccagnan could easily ace the draft for the Jets. With a top draft pick, the Jets will be a team to be contended with in the AFC East.
Its too early for Jets fans to start with the Super Bowl predictions quite yet, however. This team will be a much better version than the 2014 version. With a few more pieces faling into place, the Jets are guaranteed to make fans forget the 4-12 season fans all endured. Fans should be excited. It is a great offseason for the New York Jets so far.
The New York Jets entered the off season with high needs at cornerback, wide receiver, offensive line, quarterback, linebacker, and safety. However, new general manager, Mike Maccagnan inherited a surplus of cap space, to the tune of 50 million dollars. The cash was available, and Maccagnan proved he wasn't afraid to spend it.Maccagnan hit the market signing key free agents, and making some trades as well. His signings have been smart moves for the future of the Jets, and he's got them done without mortgaging the future. Maccagnan’s aggression in free agency is surprising given he is a rookie General Manager.
Fans have heard the news concerning the return of Darrelle Revis. However Revis didn't come back cheap, as he had a price tag of, 5 years, $70 million contract, with whopping 39 million in guarantees. Revis, regardless of what you may think of him personally, is a top talent at corner, and worth every penny. His addition has sparked the fan base's excitement for a hopeful rebound season.
Maccagnan also added a cornerback in Buster Skrine. Skrine is a former member of the Cleveland Browns. With their new addition, the Jets get a young corner, (25) who has shown some promise. Playing for the Browns last year as a #2 corner, Skrine was a functional cornerback. It is controversial whether the Jets overpaid for an average cornerback. However, the Jets went after this kid with one purpose in mind. Maccagnan signed him to fill the slot/nickel position, vacated by much maligned Kyle Wilson. He's young and if not asked to work on the outside, he has the tools to work the inside covering the slot receiver.
Much of the talk has also involved in the trade for Brandon Marshall. The fan base is excited and they are rightfully so. Marshall brings an exciting element to the team. Its been a long time since the Jets possessed a wide receiver of his caliber. The trade was extremely reasonable, as the Jets only had to trade away a 5th round pick for him. Marshal is a player who can wreak havoc on opposing defenses. He is 30 years old however, and had battled leg injuries last season. It will be questionable to see how much Marshal has left in the tank. The Jets May not be done at that position. They have some young talent on the team, but they will need to add a young receiver from a very deep draft class. The Marshall signing makes the offense better, but a young wide receiver for depth purposes makes sense.
QB Ryan Fitzpatrick was added via trade as well. Many fans are criticizing this move. Some are even condemning the move out right. The clamor for the Jets to draft Marcus Mariota out of Oregon have only grown louder as a result. However, the Fitzpatrick signing was a great move on Maccagnan's part. Fitzpatrick was retained for a 7th round pick, with no long term commitment. Fitzpatrick can provide a needed competition for Geno Smith. Last season, Fitzpatrick threw at a 63 percentage rate and threw for 18 TD's versus 8 interceptions. All the Jets need from Fitzpatrick is a year of decent QB play. Fitzpatrick is capable of running Gailey's offense if Smith can't. In the end, the Jets will know exactly what they have in Smith. Fitzpatrick can provide a stopgap QB role until the Jets can select a QB from a promising college class next year.
An upgrade for the offense line came along as well. The Jets signed Guard, James Carpenter, a former member of the Seattle Seahawks. Carpenter may not be the elite guard that many fans were seeking, but he's an upgrade at the position none the less. Carpenter is a young player, and a former first round pick that has struggled with injuries early in his career. If Carpenter can prove he can stay healthy, the upside of his game is still there. This signing hasn't brought much comment among Jet fans, but it is another solid signing by the Jets. The Jets aren't likely done along the offensive line either. With the poor play from last year, expect them to revisit the position in the draft. A top offensive lineman from this draft could go a long way towards protecting the Jet's QB this season.
The Jets have also signed Antonio Cromartie and Marcus Gilchrist. Both signings solidifies a very promising secondary. The addition of both of these players would catapult the Jets defense into respectability once again. With an already stout front, a solid secondary would make them a formidable force. At age 26 Gilchrist will fit the Bowles defense well. The Jets signing of Gilchrist will allow the Jets more flexibility at the safety position. Calvin Pryor and Antonio Allen fit the Bowles system as well, as they can both play more like linebackers. The Cromartie signing was the last piece in a full reunion for the Jets. They have now returned to their batman and robin scheme with Darrelle Revis and Antonio Cromartie back in Green and White. The Jets have a lot of promise at the defensive back positions.
Things are looking up for the 2015 Jets. The team promises to field one of the most dominating defenses people have seen in years. Bowles has the tools in place on defense to make most fans forget about last season. The Jets already had a formidable front with Muhammed Wilkerson, Damon Harrison, and Sheldon Richardson. The resigning of David Harris was a good decision for the Jets linebacker core also. The Jets may even add a high quality outside linebacker in the draft as well. The second level of the Jets defense will have some new faces, and its promising to be another solid group.
Moreover, the Jets are putting together an impressive secondary as well. If all goes well with this group, the Jets promise to be one of the best against the pass this season. With a group of young players coming on to compete, injury shouldn't be a worry either with all the depth in the secondary.
The Jets defense is not the only big improvement this offseason. The wide receiver position holds promise, with a combination of Eric Decker, Jeremy Kerley, and Brandon Marshall leading the way. The Jets also have their share of young WR's in camp this season. Competition will be keen, and if they grab another young WR in the draft, the Jets should have a juicy depth chart at wide out.
With the resigning of running back, Bilal Powell, the Jets offer up an interesting combination at running back. Some fans are calling for the signing of a speed back in free agency, but the Jets seem content at the position up to this point. Chris Ivory and Bilal Powell may prove to be enough for the Jets this season. Powell and Richardson both offer a receiving element that Chris Ivory doesn't. However, expect a heavy load of carries for Ivory this season.
Also, the tight end position promises to be an upgraded group this season. Second round pick, Jace Amaro led all rookie tight ends last season. He’s showed signs of development throughout the season as well. Amaro could be another key receiver for the Jets. Also, Jeff Cumberland may stay for his final Jet season. He's been an adequate tight end. A big season from Jace Amaro should also help Cumberland and Zach Suedfeld games as well.
With just above average QB play, the 2015 Jets could be set up for success. The pieces are coming together for a much improved football team.
It would appear, at least in the early stages of the new league year, that Woody Johnson hired the right GM to run his football team. Maccagnan has gone out and got talent, and for the most part hasn't overspent. Maccagnan used trades, as well as his cap space, to improve this roster in a very short amount of time. He hasn't traded away future picks, but has managed to upgrade key positions.
The Jets are in great shape heading towards April's draft. Equipped with 5 picks, and a possible opportunity to trade back, Maccagnan has set himself for a first year of success. Relying on his years of scouting experience, Maccagnan could easily ace the draft for the Jets. With a top draft pick, the Jets will be a team to be contended with in the AFC East.
Its too early for Jets fans to start with the Super Bowl predictions quite yet, however. This team will be a much better version than the 2014 version. With a few more pieces faling into place, the Jets are guaranteed to make fans forget the 4-12 season fans all endured. Fans should be excited. It is a great offseason for the New York Jets so far.