New York Jets Final Free-Agency Outlook and Predictions
The NFL offseason borrows a line from Sting—not the musician, the pro wrestler.
The only thing for sure about the NFL offseason is nothing's for sure.
And now, it's showtime.
The New York Jets have millions of dollars to spend—close to $50 million, according to Spotrac—which could make them one of the more active teams in free agency. And at this point, with so many needs on their roster, it's impossible to predict what direction they'll go.
Impossible sounds kind of fun though, so let's take a shot at it anyway. Here are a handful of predictions that may or may not come true when free agency kicks off on March 10.
Jets Will Find a Receiver to Put Opposite Eric Decker
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The 2014 free-agent market is going to be loaded with receiving talent, and the pool may only grow as the offseason wears on.
Wide receivers Jeremy Maclin (Philadelphia Eagles), Torrey Smith (Baltimore Ravens) and Randall Cobb (Green Bay Packers) are among the players whose contracts are expiring at the end of the 2014 league year/beginning of the 2015 league year. It's not a sure thing that all three of those players will hit the open market, as they could still agree to a long-term deal with their respective teams.
But as teams begin positioning themselves for big spending in free agency, they will also be clearing up some cap space. The Miami Dolphins are a perfect example, as they have already released both Brian Hartline and Brandon Gibson, according to respective reports from Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk.com and Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald.
Jets Will Sign Brian Hoyer
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Michael Vick is a free agent, meaning the Jets' only quarterbacks are Geno Smith and Matt Simms. Basically, the Jets need a quarterback like a junkie needs a fix.
Cleveland Browns quarterback Brian Hoyer may not be the man to scratch that itch, but he could certainly pitch a quality start in a pinch if need be. Over the past two seasons, the veteran signal-caller has completed 56 percent of his throws for 3,941 yards (7.4 YPA), 17 touchdowns, 16 interceptions and a 77.6 passer rating. Those are pretty pedestrian numbers, but consider that Hoyer missed 13 games in 2013 and two games in 2014.
The Jets may be looking to the NFL draft to find the quarterback of the future, but Mr. Right may not necessarily be Mr. Right Now—especially if Mr. Right ends up being Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota, who most scouts agree will need some work before he's ready to be a full-time NFL starter.
For the time being, Hoyer could provide not only some competition, but also some veteran leadership for a position that will be in a lot of flux this offseason.
Jets Will Sign Antonio Cromartie
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The 2013 season was a rough one for cornerback Antonio Cromartie, who dealt with a nagging hip injury as a member of the Jets. The following offseason, he was released as a salary-cap casualty whom the Jets felt was in a pay grade that did not match up with his play grade.
The 2014 season was a renaissance, though, as he joined forces with the Arizona Cardinals and defensive coordinator Todd Bowles. In fact, after a full offseason of discussion that cornerback Patrick Peterson belongs in the upper echelon of defensive cover men, it was Cromartie—not Peterson—who earned a Pro Bowl bid.
Bowles has joined the Jets, and Cromartie could be making a return flight to New York as well. The Jets' depth (or lack thereof) in the secondary came under much scrutiny in 2014, but Mike Maccagnan has an opportunity to make it right by making a big splash.
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Dawan Landry Will Return to the Jets
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The Jets secondary was once a major strength of the team, but it developed into a glaring weakness over the years as talented veterans were allowed to walk away or released.
In 2013, safety LaRon Landry left the Jets to sign a big deal with the Indianapolis Colts; LaRon's brother, Dawan, signed with the Jets on a smaller contract shortly thereafter. Dawan turned out to be a strong signing at strong safety, and played in all 32 games with 30 starts in his two seasons with the Jets.
Dawan is 32 years old, and the Jets should be looking for a long-term replacement (safety-turned-cornerback Antonio Allen gets my vote), but for now, the Jets simply don't have the depth to afford big shakeups in the secondary.
David Harris Will Find Work Elsewhere
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The end of an era.
David Harris has been suiting up for the Jets for eight years, and has been as dependable as the sun rising in the east, missing only five games in that span. So, why won't he be rewarded by the Jets for his hard work?
Because there are other teams more willing to reward him than the Jets.
According to multiple reports, the Miami Dolphins (via Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald), the Atlanta Falcons and Chicago Bears (via Vaughn McClure of ESPN), and the Buffalo Bills (via Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News) are all expected to make a run at Harris. With so many teams in need of help at linebacker, Harris' services could be worth a heavy price. The Jets have more than enough money to throw around, but they might prefer to invest their money elsewhere.
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