Weighing the Pros and Cons of New York Jets' Top Free-Agent Targets
The New York Jets have enough cap space to sign just about any free agent that they want. That doesn't mean that they should, though.
Each player comes with his own unique set of circumstances, whether it's a high price tag, a history of injury, a legacy of dominance or any other qualifying factors. The front office has the job of weighing the positives and the negatives to make the decisions that are best for the team.
With so many needs, there are a lot of free agents who could contribute to the Jets, but which ones should?
We'll look at the pros and cons of each of the Jets' top free-agent targets and offer a final verdict of whether the Jets should "take it" or "leave it" with that particular player.
Darrelle Revis, CB, New England Patriots
1 of 5
Pros
The Jets need a cornerback like a camel needs water in the desert, and Darrelle Revis would fill the team's need for starting-quality talent at the position. Who knows where young corners like Dee Milliner and Dexter McDougle will slot into the Jets' plans at cornerback, but adding Revis would bring some stability to the situation right off the bat.
Revis had a fantastic season last year, with only 51.9 percent completions allowed, only two touchdowns allowed with two interceptions and 11 passes broken up, according to stats website Pro Football Focus.
Cons
Cons? What cons?
In all seriousness, the only bad thing about signing Revis would be the dollar figure that he will command, but if the 2014 season proved one thing about Revis, it's that he's worth the money when he is used correctly.
Additionally, he's probably going to want a long-term deal, and at 29-going-on-30 years old, there is some risk in signing Revis to a four- or five-year contract.
Final Verdict: Take It
C.J. Spiller, RB, Buffalo Bills
2 of 5
Pros
The Jets need running backs, with Bilal Powell set to hit the open market and the team having already released Chris Johnson after only one year with the team. With C.J. Spiller's experience in Chan Gailey's offense, the Jets should be ready to make a move on an electric talent with some injury concerns.
Spiller was one of the league's best backs in 2012, rushing for more than six yards per carry that season, the second-highest per-carry average of any running back (minimum of 40 rush attempts) behind Adrian Peterson of the Minnesota Vikings.
Cons
Chan Gailey already proved once that he's not able or willing to get the ball into Spiller's hands as much as possible to take advantage of his explosive playmaking ability. In the aforementioned 2012 season, Spiller only earned 12.9 carries per game and 2.7 receptions per game.
Additionally, Spiller's history of ankle and knee injuries and a broken collarbone in 2014 could be a big red flag. If Spiller is willing to take a prove-it deal to see if he can stay healthy and be productive in the Jets' new-look offense, he would be worth the price of admission. Otherwise, the Jets may be better off looking for younger options in the draft.
Final Verdict: Leave It
Mike Iupati, OG, San Francisco 49ers
3 of 5
Pros
The Jets offense has struggled for years, but while quarterback play has been at the forefront of the issue, the offensive line has been a close—and underrated—second place on the list of its problems. One could make the case that the Jets need to make moves at three of the five positions: left guard, right guard and right tackle.
San Francisco 49ers guard Mike Iupati has an opportunity to cash in on the dominance of the 49ers' running game, and he will probably land among the top five highest-paid guards in the league for his services. The 49ers ranked in the top 10 in the league in rushing yards per game in each of the past four seasons and in the top five in each of the past three seasons.
Cons
Iupati is only 27-going-on-28 years old, but in the past two years, he has had injuries to his ankle, elbow, knee and shoulder, and he also had a concussion. The Jets would be taking a calculated risk that he will be able to stay healthy without suffering any decline in play due to his injuries.
He has shown the ability to recover from injuries in the past and has continued to play at a high level. He finished the 2014 season as the 14th-highest graded guard in the league, according to Pro Football Focus.
Final Verdict: Take It
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Antonio Cromartie, CB, Arizona Cardinals
4 of 5
Pros
The relationship between Antonio Cromartie and Todd Bowles proved to be a fruitful one in 2014, with Cromartie putting together a career renaissance and Bowles having two shutdown cornerbacks at his disposal in Cromartie and Patrick Peterson.
Now, if the two have an opportunity for a reunion in New York, why wouldn't they take it? As mentioned earlier, the Jets are in desperate need of help at cornerback. Cromartie isn't just any cornerback, he is a proven fit in Bowles' system. His length is perfect for jamming receivers at the line of scrimmage and allows him to make plays on some balls that other cornerbacks and receivers cannot.
Cons
As much as Cromartie's 2014 season served as evidence that he still has good football left in him, the fact remains that at 30-going-on-31 years old, his best days are not ahead of him. His decline will come at some point, it's just a matter of when. It appeared that his decline was set to begin in 2014, which is why the Jets got rid of him after an injury-riddled 2013 season.
His decline could be coming shortly, and it could come without warning. But chances are, with Bowles in New York and with an opportunity to return to a familiar setting, Cromartie would be willing to cut the Jets a break that would make the risk worth the potential reward.
Final Verdict: Take It
Devin McCourty, FS, New England Patriots
5 of 5
Pros
Not only can the Jets pillage the Patriots' talent in the secondary, they can greatly improve their own secondary in the process.
Devin McCourty has developed from a cornerback-turned-safety to one of the best safeties in the league, and he will certainly be paid like one. His play recognition, closing speed and ball skills have all helped him to be an elite deep safety in Cover 1 as the lone safety on the back end.
McCourty's presence would allow 2014 rookie safety Calvin Pryor to resume his role as a strong safety, where he is more comfortable.
Cons
Make no mistake, McCourty will command a high price tag. The Jets have plenty of money to spend, but they will probably not land McCourty unless they are willing to drop around $10 million a year or more. The Jets currently have roughly $50 million in cap space, according to sports contracts website Spotrac.
McCourty's presence would fill a void on the Jets roster, but it would limit the other voids the Jets could fill. Even with so many other needs on the roster, the Jets could greatly improve their defense and create a gaping hole in the Patriots' defense with one fell swoop.
Final Verdict: Take It
Unless otherwise noted, all salary cap and contract information provided by Spotrac.
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