2012 NFL Free Agency: Grading the New York Jets Signings and Moves

It's been a slow start for the New York Jets during the free-agency frenzy, but they don't exactly have a lot of options.

Let's face it: Their past free-agency aggression has left them with their hands tied in free-agency pacifism.

But the market hasn't been entirely dry for the Jets. Let's take a look at how they're doing so far.

NT Sione Pouha: A

A 33-year-old nose tackle doesn't exactly seem like a favorite candidate for a big contract extension, but Pouha has been a key cog of Rex Ryan's defense since 2009. Nose tackle is an often under-appreciated position, but a good one can have a great impact in the 3-4 defense (see Patriots NT Vince Wilfork and Packers NT B.J. Raji).

And although age should typically be at the forefront of such a conversation, Pouha has played just 53.5 percent of team snaps since 2009 and therefore his mileage is less of a concern.

As the Jets try to repair their locker room, keeping around a "glue guy" like Pouha was an important move.

WR Chaz Schilens: B

The move isn't yet official, but is expected to become official sooner than later. 

"

They're talking now RT @JasonLaCanfora WR Chaz Schilens expected to agree to terms with the Jets today.

— Manish Mehta(@TheJetsStream) March 16, 2012"

It's not a sexy signing, but the Jets don't have a lot of money for that type of move this season. He has never shown much promise as a seventh-round pick out of San Diego State, but his 6'4" 225 pound frame should make him a favorite for the Jets in the red zone, where they lack threats.

At the right price, this is a low-risk high-reward signing.

QB Drew Stanton: B-

If the Jets were looking for someone to come in and push Mark Sanchez in training camp, they put a damper on that plan by guaranteeing he'll be the starter in 2012 and 2013. They doused the competitive fire with a wet blanket when they signed Drew Stanton.

The new Jets back-up signed a one-year deal for $1.25 million according to Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News. Stanton has played in 13 career games with just four starts (2-2 in those starts), and thus hasn't had much of a chance to prove anything of real value yet.

He may not get that chance with the Jets, but as a highly-touted second-round pick in 2008, the Jets have a solid backup that has shown potential, at least at one point in his career.

K Nick Folk: C

I'd be shocked if the Jets don't try to create a competition at training camp. The re-signing of Folk may seem like a questionable decision, but what other choice did the Jets have after several of the potential free-agent kickers were hit with the franchise tag?

Folk is an average kicker at best, but was one of the seven worst kickers in the NFL in 2011. So clearly, they have some work to do at that position.

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