8 Moves the Jets Can Make to Get Right Back in Contention for 2013

After being routed 28-7 in Seattle on Sunday, the Jets have lost five of their last six games. 

At 3-6, the playoffs seem like a distant planet. This team isn't of the caliber to play January football. 

Gang Green is littered with holes on all sides of the ball, so many changes need to be made this offseason to help put the franchise back into contention next year. 

While many are calling for Mark Sanchez' head, his new contract almost guarantees he will be the starting quarterback next season. 

However, there are at least eight other key moves New York desperately needs to make to improve in 2013. 

Fire Mike Tannenbaum

Mike Tannenbaum has almost single-handedly turned the Jets from a consistent Super Bowl contender to a joke in just two years. 

The general manager has been responsible for some of the most boneheaded moves in recent franchise history. 

Don't believe me? Check out my other article, which highlights some of Tannenbaum's recent mistakes. 

If New York is to improve, they need to replace Tanny with another GM; one who can actually judge talent coming through the draft and free agency. 

Sign a Deep Threat WR in Free Agency

The Jets possess one of the least dangerous wide receiver corps in the NFL. 

Stephen Hill has consistently struggled with drops and route-running, Dustin Keller has been plagued by inconsistency and Jeremy Kerley is a mixed bag of both.

The team needs a deep threat to complement Santonio Holmes on the opposite end of the field.

Many talented wideouts are due to hit the open market this offseason, including Pro Bowlers Greg Jennings, Dwayne Bowe and Mike Wallace.

All three are young superstars who could be game-changers for the Jets offense.

If New York isn't willing to pay big bucks for a playmaking wideout, proven options such as Malcolm Floyd will also be available. 

Reinvigorate Outside Linebacker Through Free Agency and the Draft

With just 16 sacks through nine games, the Jets pass rush ranks among the worst in the NFL, despite having the uber-aggressive Rex Ryan calling plays.

Calvin Pace and Bryan Thomas just aren't good enough to be manning the starting spots at outside linebacker for the Jets. 

Both veterans will be free agents in the near future, giving New York the opportunity to remold the pass rush this offseason. 

Manny Lawson, Daryl Smith and Anthony Spencer are all solid options in free agency, while the draft is full of potential superstar pass-rushers. 

New York needs to pounce on one or more of those options. 

Re-Sign LaRon Landry to a Multi-Year Deal

Despite some boneheaded penalties, LaRon Landry has been outstanding in his first year with Gang Green. 

The former Redskin has made huge plays at key times, and his ability to stuff the run is extraordinary. 

Perhaps most importantly, Landry has managed to stay healthy all season. He has started in all nine of the team's games. 

Landry is just 28, and his ceiling is still extremely high. 

Signing Landry to a three- or four-year deal this offseason is critical to the Jets' future success, as he would provide stability in the secondary. 

Rework Darrelle Revis' Contract

With Darrelle Revis tearing his ACL early this season, and Antonio Cromartie stepping up in a big way in his absence, the Jets may have some leverage in contract negotiations with Revis this offseason.

The Jets need to capitalize and sign the All-Pro cornerback to a long-term contract that will keep him in New York for years to come. 

If the front office cannot get a deal done with Revis, the 27-year-old will likely hold out for the second time in four years. 

This would significantly derail the team's short- and long-term success on defense. 

Acquire a Veteran Starting RT in Free Agency

After performing admirably in his first few games in the starting gig, Austin Howard has fallen apart as of late. 

Howard has been dominated at the line of scrimmage by opposing pass-rushers, and he has been unable to help out in the running game as well. 

The 25-year-old needs to be replaced by a proven veteran in the offseason. 

Many talented tackles will become unrestricted free agents after this season, including Sebastian Vollmer, Andre Smith and Ryan Clady. 

All three of those options will come at a steep price, but the Jets desperately need to make a switch at the right tackle position. 

Sign a Young Guard Through Free Agency or the Draft

Matt Slauson and Brandon Moore have both struggled with injuries and inconsistency this season, and both are due to become free agents in the near future. 

It may be time for the Jets to start fresh at the guard position. 

Outside of Andy Levitre, the 2013 free agency class does not boast many starting-caliber guards for the Jets to pursue. 

This means the Jets will probably have to upgrade the position through the draft. 

Among the top options for the team to consider are Alabama linemen Chance Warmack and Barrett Jones. Both are projected first-round picks, and both could be Pro Bowlers at the NFL level. 

Make a Play for a Top RB in the Draft

Shonn Greene is just not a starting running back at the NFL level. 

The fourth-year man out of Iowa lacks the vision and explosiveness to carry the load for New York. He's a solid third-down back but nothing more. 

The Jets need to make a play for one of the top running backs in this year's draft class. 

If the Jets can acquire an explosive rusher, the offense would benefit significantly. 

Among the top options for New York to consider in the early rounds are Giovani Bernard, Eddie Lacy, Montee Ball and Kenjon Barner.