New York Jets: What GM Mike Tannenbaum Should Do with 2012 Free Agents?

The New York Jets season has ended in disappointment, and now, the focus shifts from coach Rex Ryan to general manager Mike Tannenbaum.  

The team has 18 players entering free agency this offseason and over the coming months they'll all need to be addressed, keeping in mind outside signings, the draft and a budget of $120 million.

Let's take a look at who should get paid and who should be shown the door.

Jim Leonhard S

Not the biggest, not the fastest, but definitely one of the smartest players on the Jets defense.  But after two season-ending injuries to the same leg, last year a tibia fracture and this year a torn patellar tendon, both of which required surgery, his football future is in jeopardy.

The defense was shredded last year in the game following Leonhard’s injury, and the same thing happened this year.  In both games, New York let up 45 points—the most in each respective season, showing how important he is to the team.

In addition, the Jets are already weak at safety, as their DB’s just are not big enough to contend with the better receivers in the league especially tight ends.  Leonhard does not help this cause at only 5-foot-8.

In order to move away from the small fast safeties that have been employed by this unit, it would be smart to look into the draft.  Mark Barron (Alabama) at 6'2" just helped the Tide to a national championship and is a likely candidate to be picked by Gang Green.

Leonhard is a solid tackler for his size, the primary defensive signal-caller and has a knack for being where the ball is.  If he can prove himself healthy, he may still have a place using his smarts.  The Jets should sign him to a short contract and play safety opposite of Barron, and still orchestrate the D.

But those two serious injuries could come up again, and this is a situation where what should happen will not be what does happen.  In all likelihood, he’s played his last game in green and white.

Bryan Thomas OLB

Thomas suffered a torn Achilles tendon on October 2, 2011, ending his season. 

In 10 years with the Jets, Thomas has never really become an every down player, and now, he's getting up there in age. 

The former first-round pick is now 32, and coming off injury the defense could look elsewhere at outside linebacker, especially if there's confidence in young players Jamaal Westerman and Aaron Maybin.

Aaron Maybin and Jamaal Westerman LB

The starters on the Jets’ defense are getting old, especially the linebackers. 

With the exception of David Harris, 27, who's in the prime of his career, the team needs to get younger here.  Calvin Pace and Bart Scott are both 31, and Thomas has already been discussed.

Meanwhile both Maybin, 23, and Westerman, 26, are only in their third years. 

Maybin, having completely reinvented himself with New York, led the team with six sacks and forced five fumbles.  He should be locked up for at least four years.

Westerman played in all 16 games this season and started three of them netting 3.5 sacks, not too bad for his first full taste of the league. 

Management is not likely to find a replacement outside line backer in free agency, and if the draft does not show promise, either the defense could do a lot worse.  A two-year deal to see how he develops should be in place.

Sione Pouha NT

Pouha has developed nicely in six years with the team.  Since Rex Ryan’s arrival three years ago, he has cemented his role as the starting nose tackle in the 3-4 defense.

Pouha was named a team captain this season, and although he's 32, he still has some good years ahead of him.  (He spent two years away from football before college)

He’s a strong run stopper but does not contribute the same way in the pass rush which he’ll have to do to reach the next level.  If he can diversify his game, he will be a candidate for the Pro Bowl. 

Even if he only remains a stout run defender, a three-year contract would be worth it to lock up his services for his prime years.

LaDainian Tomlinson HB

LT’s main purpose lately has been as a third-down back and pass catcher, and it has become increasingly predictable for defenses. 

If the coaching system could have been more multi-dimensional with him, he would have been more useful. 

However, at what point is he inhibiting the development of Joe McKnight, and to some degree, Shonn Greene.  With injuries and years of being hit game after game weighing him down, the once great back is now only an emotional leader.  

He may only be considered for another one-year deal, and even then, at a very low salary.  But if McKnight is ready let LT sign with another contender to fulfill his hopes of the Super Bowl.

Plaxico Burress WR

The Jets receiving core has changed a lot in the last few years keeping Sanchez from developing chemistry with one group of guys. 

With questions about Santonio Holmes’ future, New York should attempt to keep some consistency at wideout. 

Burress caught eight touchdowns this season, and at 34, he's still the red-zone target who quarterbacks would love to have. 

Signing Burress to a two-year contract would allow for some more chemistry to develop for the offense; he still has much to offer as a playmaker.

Nick Folk K

Folk does not have the consistency from beyond the 50-yard line that a team with a struggling offense desperately needs. 

If the Jets can find a kicker with a stronger leg, it will be worth it in the long run. 

If not, they can always sign him to a one-year deal and have him kick 76-77 percent, like the last two years with New York.

Brodney Pool S

Last year, he stepped in for Leonhard and made some plays during the Jets playoff run.  And he filled the same role this year after Week 14.

At 6'2", he adds height to the secondary, and if the price is right, he can be brought back for two years, especially if Leonhard doesn’t look like he’ll be ready for the start of next season.

This one really depends on Leonhard's health if Jim does not show signs of recovery early on, then it would be better to have the larger Pool in the secondary. 

Donald Strickland and Marquice Cole DB

A real journeyman, Strickland’s never really found a home in the league, playing for five teams during his nine-year career.  Seeing the field in nickel-and-dime packages, he’s been a good tackler in the past even with limited time.

Cole is only three years younger and has been with the Jets all three years of his pro career.  He did not do a whole lot this season; he only had single digits in tackles.

If the money is not there to sign both of them, it would be better to go with the more experienced Strickland.

Mark Brunell and Kevin O'Connell QB

It’s apparent that Mark Brunell has done all he can do for Mark Sanchez.  He already took a pay cut to remain with the team last year, and at 41, it's uncertain how much he's worth. 

The team really should not spend the money on a glorified coach.  If he even decides to return to the league.

With fellow backup QB Greg McElroy adding gas to the flame war that was the Jets locker room, the team should consider re-signing O’Connell.

Every quarterback on the team is up for review this offseason, and at 6'5", he may prove to be worth a backup contract.

Patrick Turner WR

The tall receiver has not done much starting in his two seasons in New York, but he did get some catches toward the middle of this year.

He has potential with his size so he can be given one or two more years to see how he develops and serve as a younger backup to Burress. 

Will also provide depth seeing as there are not many wideouts on the active roster.

Robert Turner OL

Broke his leg in a preseason game and missed the season. 

He's a solid utility player, able to fill in all over the offensive line. 

If he's healthy, bring him back, if only to sure up the depth there.

Matthew Mulligan TE

One-dimensional blocking tight end. When he's in the formation, defenses expect the run. 

Did not contribute much receiving wise but is still a very strong guy who can move people at the line. 

He’s still young and fits into the offenses running style, give him two years.

Ellis Lankster DB and Martin Tevaseu DT

Simply practice squad players.

Lankster had two fumble recoveries, but that amounts to nothing more than being in the right place.  The DT position is strong with Kendrick Ellis behind Pouha. 

Neither of these guys are must-haves, but if the money is there, then it's better to have backups that know the system.