S81 New York Jets Off-season, pt. 1

by KlyVertigo | 6 years ago | 1 Comments

Season 81 starts outside of lines, with brilliant planning and careful execution. It is imperative for the coaching staff and front office to get in sync as they look to prepare for both the long term and near term challenges that face them. For the New York Jets, this is no different. They find themselves at a pivotal juncture within their division, primed to take advantage of a potentially great opportunity. But it has to start in the off-season. How did the Jets do? In the first of this two-part special, we'll look to grade out the Jet's performance starting with Free Agency.  The Jets acquired 8 new players, but we'll instead choose to focus on three of them.

 

The Good

Muhammad Wilkerson was a great acquisition for the Jets.  He provides a much needed presence in the middle for the Jets defensive line.  Wilkerson is an ideal scheme fit and is familiar with the system.  He will have an immediate impact as a run stopper and a lane clogger, eating up blockers with ease.  

 

The Bad

So this pick wasn't necessarily bad, but more so bad fortune.  The Jets really sought after Wilkerson, and were in a hotly contested bidding war for him with other teams.  As a fall back option, the Jets provided Bennie Logan an offer sheet.  Don't get it twisted, Mr. Logan is a solid veteran with a strong presence in the interior.  However, with the signing of Wilkerson, Bennie Logan merely represents a strong presence in the Jets' wallet.  This could've been money spent elsewhere.  

 

The Ugly

 

Josh Gordon is a talented wideout with a troubling past, but has made great strides in moving past is indiscretions.  When he became a free agent this off-season, the Jets made him a top priority with the aging Jermaine Kearse exiting the team.  Unfortunately, there were other teams interested in him as well, and a bidding war quickly ensued.  While the Jets came away victorious, they also grossly overpaid for him and will be hamstrung moving forward in seasons to come.  Furthermore, the draft was deep in talent at this position, making Gordon's uniuqe-ness a lot less unique.  This signing will haunt the Jets as each season passes.  

 

Grade: B- The Jets get a B- on their Free Agent acquisitions.  They did a great job in filling needs with talented players, shoring up their depth chart as well as finding starters.  The problem is that they severely overspent.  Also, hindsight being what it is, the Jets spent on some players that they could've easily got in the draft.  While the Jets made all the right moves, its difficult to give them credit for making all the smart moves.  

 

Check out Part 2, where we take a look at the Jets draft.