Jets' 5-Step Offseason Plan to a Big Turnaround in 2015
On the surface, the New York Jets (4-12) have a lot of work to do if they want to contend for a playoff spot, much less a Super Bowl trophy in 2015.
But with roughly $53 million to spend, according to our friends at OverTheCap.com, the Jets could go from pretenders to contenders in one offseason. Yes, the teams that win in March are hardly ever around to win in February, but that won't stop teams from trying their hand at an aggressive offseason approach.
The Jets have already begun with that approach, kicking it off with a blockbuster trade for Chicago Bears wide receiver Brandon Marshall, as reported by ESPN's Adam Schefter on Friday. Now, they only have to wait until Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET to continue with that aggression.
Here are some of the moves they can make this offseason to put themselves in better position for a big-time turnaround in 2015.
Sort Out Wide Receiver Situation
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In essence, Friday's trade for Brandon Marshall took the Jets out of the market for top-tier wide receivers in free agency. That's not necessarily a bad thing, since that group has thinned out rather quickly with franchise tags for Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant and Denver Broncos wide receiver Demaryius Thomas.
But the Jets still aren't done making decisions at wide receiver. In fact, they have a $10.5 million albatross to address, in Percy Harvin's contract.
The Jets can save on every penny of his contract if they release him, according to OverTheCap.com, but they wouldn't necessarily be done at that point, either. Losing Harvin would create a hole at the position, although the Jets would still have a solid starting trio in Marshall, Eric Decker and Jeremy Kerley.
They've been hurt by their lack of depth at receiver in past years, and there are plenty of second-tier free agents available. Eddie Royal (San Diego Chargers), Brian Hartline (Miami Dolphins), Jacoby Jones (Baltimore Ravens) and Lance Moore (Pittsburgh Steelers) could all be considered as depth signings.
The Jets must also realize, though, that the wide receiver spot is not the one in most need of help on offense.
Sign a Veteran Quarterback
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If the Jets want to turn it around in 2015, they need to dramatically improve the quarterback position. Fortunately, the Jets have a few options among quarterbacks with starting experience. Unfortunately, there aren't any franchise-changing options.
The most intriguing free-agent option at quarterback is Brian Hoyer (Cleveland Browns), who is looking for an opportunity to start, according to Jim Corbett of USA Today. He would certainly have that shot if he were to join the Jets, with a quarterback situation that is completely in flux. He may not be thrilled if the Jets were to draft a quarterback (more on that later), but he would still have a chance to start.
One dark-horse candidate would be Matt Moore (Miami Dolphins), but it would be a very dark horse bordering on pitch black.
Moore was a free agent in 2013, and according to Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald, he was planning to test the open market "barring an incredible offer" from the Dolphins, and he was looking for a starting job, according to Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald. Just days after free agency began, he took a two-year, $8 million deal to stay on the bench in Miami.
The Jets could bring him in for a competition, as well, but they would have to consider their quarterback search a failure if they were to stop in free agency.
Draft Another Quarterback
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The Jets can't pin the hopes of their franchise on anyone in this year's free-agent market. Sure, Brian Hoyer and Matt Moore might make serviceable stopgaps at quarterback, but neither of them is likely to alter the direction of the franchise.
That's why the Jets must also draft a quarterback in a two-pronged approach to the position: a veteran for now, a rookie for later.
The Jets probably won't have a chance to land Florida State's Jameis Winston, so Oregon's Marcus Mariota is likely to be the quarterback in the cross hairs if general manager Mike Maccagnan wants to use that first-round pick on a passer.
Mariota is considered by some to be a product of Oregon's quarterback-friendly system, but Jets offensive coordinator Chan Gailey is no stranger to tailoring his offense to fit his quarterback's strengths—once upon a time, he even made a $60 million man out of journeyman Ryan Fitzpatrick.
Perhaps the Jets could target a more rough prospect with a high ceiling in the second round, somoene such as UCLA's Brett Hundley.
He finished in the top five in every exercise he participated in at the 2015 NFL Scouting Combine, and CBSSports.com's Dane Brugler and Rob Rang compared him to Philadelphia Eagles legend Randall Cunningham. He needs to work on the fundamental aspects of being a quarterback, but he has physical traits that make him look like someone you'd create in Madden.
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Sign Antonio Cromartie and Darrelle Revis
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A reunion between Darrelle Revis and Antonio Cromartie isn't just what's best for tabloids looking for offseason storylines; to borrow a line from HHH, it would be "what's best for business."
Todd Bowles is used to having an effective secondary that can hold its own in coverage, allowing him to get creative with his rush packages up front. Former Jets head coach Rex Ryan already proved exactly how effective they can be when paired up with one another, and he proved how aggressive a play-caller can be when he has them playing opposite each other.
Revis has proven that he's back to his old self after an ACL tear in 2012; Cromartie had his own career renaissance in Arizona in 2014 after hip injuries hindered his 2013 season. That's not to say that this unit will be the scary dominant unit it was in 2010 and 2011, when opposing quarterbacks compiled a 77.1 and 69.6 passer rating, respectively, against it.
Sign Devin McCourty
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Talk about a New England Patriots fan's worst nightmare, Devin McCourty might as well change his name to Freddy Krueger if he were to sign with the Jets.
In his five-year career, McCourty has proven to be incredibly versatile to play in any kind of scheme Todd Bowles can dream up. From cornerback to deep safety in Cover 2 to deep safety in Cover 1 and back and forth and in between, McCourty is capable of completely changing the complexion of the Jets' secondary on his own.
As one of the premier free safeties in the NFL, McCourty's arrival would be great news for 2014 rookie safety Calvin Pryor, who spent most of his first season in the league playing out of position as a free safety. Moving to strong safety would allow Pryor to play to his strengths more often, laying big hits and helping out in run defense.
McCourty would also be a positive influence on Dee Milliner, Dexter McDougle and other young defensive backs in helping to put them in the best position to be successful.
Unless otherwise noted: All scouting combine information and draft notes provided by NFL.com and CBSSports.com; all salary-cap and contract information provided by OverTheCap.com; and all advanced stats provided by Pro Football Focus.
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