New York Jets vs. New England Patriots: Which Rival Did Better in Offseason?

The New York Jets and New England Patriots rivalry has reached new levels in the past decade. From Belichick spurning the Jets to spygate to Rex Ryan saying he wasn't going to kiss Bill Belichick's rings.

This rivalry has had a little bit of everything.

On the field hasn't been too bad either. The Patriots have dominated in division titles, winning seven of the past eight, but the Jets are 4-3 against the Patriots, including last season's playoff victory.

The Jets' playoff win sent a message to the Patriots, who made it a priority to improve their team this offseason. The Jets didn't sit back and watch, as they were very active as well. 

But who had the better offseason? You'll had to read on to find out.

Jets Re-Sign Santonio Holmes

The Jets made it their first priority to lock up Mark Sanchez's favorite target ,which they did signing the talented receiver to a five-year, $50 million contract. Despite playing only 12 games last season, Santonio Holmes had only three less catches than the team's leading receiver. 

He was a big play machine, and made big plays at critical times, including a three-game stretch where he made game-changing plays in every game. The move ensures that Sanchez will have a legitimate receiver to throw to, which will be key for his development as a quarterback. 

Patriots Trade for Chad Ochocinco

Chad Ochocinco's mouth gives the receiver more attention than he probably deserves, but the outspoken wideout can still play.

Ochocinco displayed signs of slowing down last year, but playing with Tom Brady will surely help. Brady helped Deion Branch go from irrelevant to a legitimate weapon after he was acquired from the Seattle Seahawks last season.

Ochocinco won't fill up the stat sheet, but he should be a very reliable second option for Brady.  

Jets Re-Sign Antonio Cromartie

While the Jets were in hot pursuit of Nnamdi Asomugha, Antonio Cromartie was an afterthought. After the Jets were turned down by Asomugha, they turned their attention back to Cromartie.

The Jets were in a bind, as they had no viable option to replace Cromartie, but the sides reached an agreement to bring Cromartie back to New York.

Cromartie had his ups and downs last year (more ups), but is still one of the premier No. 2 corners in the league.  

Patriots Trade for Albert Haynesworth

Albert Haynesworth's tenure in Washington was many things, none of them being positive. 

The Washington Redskins finally cut bait on Haynesworth, two years after they signed him to a $100 million contract. Luckily for Haynesworth, he couldn't have landed in a better situation. 

The Patriots are switching to a 4-3 defense, which is better suited for his skills. He won't be asked to play every snap, and he gets to play next to Vince Wilfork, who will occupy double teams. 

Don't expect another Defensive Player of the Year, but we will see a career rejuvenation. 

Jets Lose Braylon Edwards, Brad Smith

The Jets knew they wouldn't be able to sign all of their free agents and two of the casualties were Braylon Edwards and Brad Smith.

The team clearly favored Holmes over Edwards, and it didn't appear as if the Jets ever seriously considered bringing him back. 

While Smith was a nice gadget player for the Jets, they simply couldn't afford to pay almost $4 million per year like the Buffalo Bills did. Smith is a good player, but he isn't a player you break the bank for. The NFL's decision to move kickoffs to the 35-yard line only diminishes his value.  

Patriots Sign Shaun Ellis

The Patriots improved their team and weakened the Jets when they signed former long-time Jets' player Shaun Ellis. 

The Jets only offered Ellis the veterans minimum, while the Patriots gave him $4 million. Ellis was a force against the Patriots in the playoffs and that likely played a role in their decision to sign him.  

It's telling that the Jets offered so little, considering he was longest tenured Jets player and still has some gas left in his tank. There have been rumors Ellis wasn't great in the locker room, so that could have played a decision. 

Jets Sign Plaxico Burress and Derrick Mason

To replace wide receivers Edwards, Smith and Jerricho Cotchery, the Jets signed Plaxico Burress and Derrick Mason.

No one knows what to expect from Plaxico (personally, I don't expect much), after spending two years in prison. However, at least he should be a force in the red zone, an area where the Jets struggled greatly last season.

In Mason, the Jets get one of the most reliable receivers in the league. The 37-year-old is getting up there in age, but the man hasn't had under 60 catches since 1999. Sanchez will love having him around this season.  

Patriots Cut Ty Warren, Tully Banta-Cain

The Patriots made a big splash trading for Ochocinco and Haynesworth, but also cut some quality talent.

Ty Warren has been one of the best 3-4 defensive ends in the league over the past five years, and Banta-Cain had 14.5 sacks over the past two years, which was the most on the team.

However, injuries played a role in both decisions, as Warren missed all of 2010 and Banta-Cain recently underwent abdomen surgery that will sideline him for a good time. It's still hard to deny that the Patriots will miss both players.  

Other Developments: Jets

Other notable moves by the Jets include losing Damien Woody to retirement and replacing him with Wayne Hunter, who while unproven, did impress in lifted action last season.  

They brought back both Eric Smith and Brodney Pool at safety to compete for a starting role.

They retooled their defensive line in the draft, selecting Muhammad Wilkerson and Kenrick Ellis with their first two picks. 

Other Developments: Patriots

Other notable moves by the Patriots included signing Andre Carter and Mark Anderson, two traditional 4-3 defensive ends. Carter had 11 sacks while playing in a 4-3 in 2009.

They kept Tom Brady's blindside protector, bringing back Matt Light to a two-year deal.

They drafted a wide array of players in the 2011 NFL Draft, although most will play smaller roles this season.   

Conclusion

So, who won?

If I had to choose the winner, it would have to be the Patriots. They added two potentially game-changing players without giving up much compensation. They come with some risk, but it's certainly worth it for a team that is on the cusp of a Super Bowl.

Their supporting moves were also nice as they picked up quality players in Shaun Ellis and Andre Carter. The move to a 4-3 defense is somewhat of a surprise, but we've learned not to questions Belichick. I'm sure he saw some reason to initiate the change, and I wouldn't be surprised if more teams followed suit in the future.  

Now for the Jets, I don't think they had a bad offseason by any means. Their priority coming into free agency was to retain most of their own talent and they accomplished that. I just don't think the team is better, on paper at least. 

A lot hinges on the play of Sanchez. If he takes another step this season, then the Jets will absolutely be better, but that's a big if. 

Remember, it doesn't matter who wins in August, it's all about what happens in January.