What Happened to the New York Jets in Free Agency?

Just a week ago, the Jets looked like they were going to make a big splash in free agency by signing the most-coveted free agent, cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha. By signing Asomugha, the Jets would have the most dynamic cornerback duo in recent memory and be, in many minds, the favorites to win the AFC next year.

But at the eleventh hour, Asomugha jolted the Jets and instead signed with the Philadelphia Eagles. Although losing Asomugha hurt the Jets, they were able to re-sign cornerback Antonio Cromartie to ensure they would still have two excellent corners next year, with Cromartie teaming up with Darrelle Revis. 

The Jets were also able to re-sign star receiver Santonio Holmes, which was huge for their chances to make it to the Super Bowl next year.

But other then getting Holmes and Cromartie back, one has to be skeptical about what the Jets did to improve their team in this short free-agency period.

Along with missing out on Asomugha, the Jets were unable to re-sign starting receiver Braylon Edwards, although they did pick up Plaxico Burress to replace him. However, when you look at the numbers, it leaves many Jets fans scratching their heads.

Edwards, considered to be one of the top free agent receivers on the market, ended up signing with the San Fransisco 49ers yesterday for one year and $3.5 million—well under his projected market value. The main reason Edwards did not re-sign with the Jets is that it did not seem the Jets could afford him. But the Jets signed Burress for almost the same deal, giving Burress $3 million for one year.

So why didn't the Jets just shell out the extra $500,000 and get Edwards, a proven receiver with the Jets, instead of taking a risk on Burress, who hasn't played in two years?

More problems at wide receiver came about yesterday when it was reported that long-time Jet wideout Jerricho Cotchery had asked and been granted his release. Cotchery was a favorite of not only the fans but also the players in the locker room. Many players and coaches, including  Mark Sanchez and Rex Ryan, expressed their regret over not having Cotchery around for 2011. Cotchery was still a productive wideout and is only 29 years old.

The Jets may be replacing Cotchery with Derrick Mason, but that is not a done deal. If the Jets don't get Mason, they will have huge questions at wide receiver next season.

Don't forget that while the Jets were waiting on Asomugha they also lost out on re-signing last year's fourth receiver and kick returner Brad Smith. The Jets also missed out on getting what would be an excellent second tight end, as Todd Heap elected to play in Arizona.

One final blow to the Jets could come soon, as career Jet Shaun Ellis reportedly has worked out with the rival New England Patriots recently. Ellis is a huge part of the Jets locker room and is still a productive defensive player. Seeing him jump to the rival Patriots would be a punch in the gut to many Jets fans.

The Jets still have the talent to make a Super Bowl run next season.But as a fan, one must be very nervous about the Jets unsuccessful offseason heading in to the 2011 NFL year.