5 Offseason Predictions for the Jets

With a new regime taking over for the New York Jets, the 2015 offseason could be unpredictable as they begin to build the franchise in a new vision.

That being said, we can already begin to read between the lines. 

For example, the Jets have a boatload of salary-cap space and enough needs to match. It would stand to reason that they will be spending quite a bit of that cap space this offseason, especially since, by rule, they have to.

Likewise, as the old guard changes and the new guard takes over, several veterans who were once important pieces to the team could be cast off as the Jets look to replace the old with the new.

With so much change already having taken place, it can be hard to predict future changes, but let's give it our best shot anyway.

The Jets Will Add 2 New Quarterbacks

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Geno Smith is on the fast track to bust status. Michael Vick is on the highway out of New York as a free agent. One or both of Smith and Vick could be back in 2015, but there's also a high likelihood that the Jets will look to revamp the quarterback position altogether.

With the No. 6 pick in the draft, the Jets could be targeting Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota; however, general manager Mike Maccagnan refused to paint himself into a corner with that pick, particularly with regard to the quarterback position. 

"The sixth pick is a nice pick to be at," Maccagnan said, according to Andy Fenelon of NFL.com. "We're not going to lock ourselves into one (player) and say that's the one we have to get. I think that's an area where a lot of teams tend to be undisciplined at times. They make mistakes because they force picks."

With roughly $45 million in cap space, according to Spotrac, the Jets could target a veteran free agent like Brian Hoyer, Ryan Mallett or even Mark Sanchez and still draft a quarterback to develop. 

Free-Agent LB David Harris Will Not Be Brought Back

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One of the longest-tenured Jets players on the roster may have already played his final down for the team that drafted him in the second round in 2007.

Linebacker David Harris is set to hit the open market this offseason, and with a new regime taking over in New York, it would not be a surprise if he suits up in a new uniform in 2015. The 31-year-old linebacker has not missed a game since 2009, but his age could be a red flag for the Jets, who may want to begin building in a new direction.

Besides, teams will seek Harris' services this offseason. Buffalo Bills head coach Rex Ryan wants to sign him, according to Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News. The Atlanta Falcons and Chicago Bears will also have interest in Harris, according to Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com. So, too, will the Miami Dolphins, according to Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald. 

Unless the Jets are willing to pony up a pretty penny for their veteran linebacker, he could find work elsewhere this offseason.

Jets Will Make Amends for Last Year's Lack of Spending

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Jets fans should be thanking their lucky stars that John Idzik is no longer the general manager of their team.

The Jets left $14 million in cap space on the table last offseason, much to the chagrin of many Jets fans. 

While their lack of spending left them without enough talent at a few positions last year, it left them with a lot more money to spend this year. Now, with roughly $45 million in cap space, the Jets can finally look back on last year in a positive way.

At least it set them up for a big offseason this year.

The Jets may not spend to the salary cap, but they will have to spend at least to some degree, as they are still not up to the 89 percent salary-cap spending threshold over the past two seasons, according to Tom Pelissero of USA Today. 

Look for the Jets to address glaring needs at outside linebacker, cornerback, offensive line and quarterback when free agency hits.

Antonio Cromartie Will Reunite with Todd Bowles and the Jets

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Cornerback Antonio Cromartie enjoyed a career renaissance as a member of the Arizona Cardinals last year under defensive coordinator Todd Bowles. This was just a year after he spent much of the 2013 season dealing with a nagging hip injury as a member of the Jets.

Now that Bowles has landed with the Jets, it's possible that Cromartie could also be making a return flight to New York. The Jets will need to add quality cornerbacks in order to execute Bowles' scheme; the Jets new head coach had a pair of talented corners in Patrick Peterson and Cromartie when he was the defensive coordinator of the Cardinals. 

In fact, Peterson said, via Josh Weinfuss of ESPN.com, that all Cromartie has been talking about is "freaking New York." Thus, all signs point to him heading back to "freaking New York" for another run with the J-E-T-S next offseason.

The Jets Will Cut Percy Harvin

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A $10.5 million cap hit will be too much for the Jets to absorb, so they will have to approach Percy Harvin about restructuring his contract.

Don't be surprised if Harvin isn't immediately amenable to the idea. Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports says he would be "shocked" if Harvin agreed to take a pay cut to stay with the Jets. That's especially true since the New England Patriots are expected to come calling if Harvin is cut.

Harvin may back the Jets into a corner and force their hand to either keep him around on his current contract or let him walk away. Unless the Jets are willing to continue spending big dollars for Harvin's potential rather than his production, the team would be wise to release him. 

Unless otherwise noted, all salary cap and contract information provided by Spotrac.