Because we were 8-8 and our defensive line looked so impressive I think some fans may have lost sight of who we are as a franchise heading into this offseason. We don't have an established franchise QB, a number 1 WR (or a 2), a superstar TE, or any game changers in our secondary. Oh, and 60 percent of our O-line are below average players. When you have major holes on both sides of the ball the last thing you do is start filling them with cast off, over priced free agents. You BUILD THROUGH THE DRAFT!!!!!! (in my best 'you play to win the game' sarcastic Herm Edwards voice).
It's admirable that our lame duck coach finished the season .500, and I'm impressed with our GM for fielding a decent team last year considering what he walked into. That doesn't necessarily mean we win 10 games this year. From the day Idzik arrived every move has been about 2015. Last year we got outstanding production out of Richardson, solid production from Geno, Milliner, and Ivory (acquired with a 4th rounder via trade) and multiple starts from Bohannon and Winters. 6 significant contributors from 6 draft picks. The Revis trade may be the best in team history. Like I said last year, it's not just maneuvering yourself and collecting draft picks, it's about who you ultimately draft. We traded away an aging, diva CB for the defensive rookie of the year who immediately turned our D-line into our #1 strength. Wilkerson, Harrison and Richardson (The Sons of Anarchy?) were responsible for at least 5 of our 8 wins.
The players who we drafted at 2 key positions (CB, LE) with our first 2 picks will be seasoned vets by 2015. Demario Davis, Couples and Wilkerson will also be savvy vets. These 5 players will be the heart and soul of our team by 2015. This year we will be stocked up with 11-12 picks heading into the draft in early May, and this years haul of talent will get a year under their belts in 2014. In the 2015 draft we pick up the final pieces to the puzzle. That's the perfect time to land some impactful rookies at positions like RB, Kick returner, and pass rusher.
That being said... I am spending a lot of time on last year and the draft, and this thread is about free agency and the 2014 Jets. My draft threads will be forthcoming.
The big news in the league revolves around teams with aging QB's breaking the bank and throwing money at players who are past their prime in a last ditch effort to win the big one before their QB's ride off into the sunset. And, aimless organizations with cap money simply offering contracts to ANYONE who looks good in a uniform. The Browns, Raiders and Jaguars are spending like drunken sailors. If you need any proof that you can't "Buy" a super bowl look at the 3 franchises I just mentioned.
So far the Jets landed an offensive lineman from Seattle that Idzik obviously knows a lot about. He's projected as starting RT. I know absolutely nothing about him, but Idzik snatched this kid up quickly and he's young, so obviously they must think highly of him.
Our other big signing is a player you may have heard of, Eric Decker. I want to capsulize my feelings on this player. He's got good size, average speed, above average hands and he has been pretty durable. He's a rock solid #2 WR and everything considered he was the #1 WR on the market. He doesn't cost us a draft pick, he's young, and I'm sure Mr Johnson is thrilled that he will sell jerseys. The best part is that his 36 million dollar 5 year deal has only 15 million guaranteed. It's essentially a 3 year 15 million dollar contract. That's perfect.
Revis became available suddenly and he played Belichick like a child. He and his people put up a smoke screen about how much he wanted to come back to the NYJ. Why would that guy want to come here after we shipped him off to FLA last year at this time, and he knows we won't over spend??? All he cares about is money. If we wouldn't give him a big long term deal last year, why would we pay him now? He simply scared the Patriots into giving him 12 million bucks for one year when guys like Wilfork and Brady have taken pay cuts, renegotiated and given crazy hometown discounts.
After all of the years of Billy B letting key veterans like Branch, Seymore, McGinist and Welker walk and refusing to pay them, he breaks the bank for one of the most well known former Jets. The media painted it like the Jets getting beat out for Revis, but our team was clear that they never attempted negotiating with Revis and our GM and owner had "no interest in bringing him back". Meanwhile, the core of their defense and maybe the 2nd most respected player in their locker room, next to Brady, Wilfork immediately demands his release. And ESPN calls it the best free agent signing so far this year. This reminds me of the Ty Law situation from back during the Herm era (wow 2 Herm references in one thread!) in reverse. This time they are overpaying for our sloppy seconds.
There are still some talented players left out there. The Jets and Giants are both meeting with DRC, the corner from Denver. There is no question we land him if we want him. Why would a defensive player want to go to the Giants over playing for Rex? If the Giants land him they were willing to pay much more. Our front office has put very clear monetary values on any and all FA's and they won't over pay... period.
Moving forward, I have ZERO interest in Finley from Green Bay. Bringing back #31 for the right price is something I'd take a look at, LeGarrette Blount is on my radar, Kenny Britt because he's a Jersey guy and this is a great time to buy low with him, I'd love to see Cotchery back in green & white on a 1 year deal, the injury prone Andre Brown would be a nice addition to our backfield since we wouldn't need to rely on him as a #1 back, Fred Davis at TE would be great paired up with Cumberland, Kyle Love is a DT who has been up in New England... he'd fit in well for a great price, James Ihedigbo would fit into our secondary well. I'd be surprised if we sign even one of these guys, but they would all help us win games.
The final 2 players I will mention are a bit more controversial. 1st is Mike Vick. He would beat Geno, Sanchez or anyone else we could land at this point for the starting job. Especially in Marty's offense. That's why he will probably land here, however, I'm not sure the Jets want him. I have a weird feeling we end up with Josh Freeman, not sure why, but I think Rex and Tanny were ready to take him if the trade with Cleveland wouldn't have worked out in 2009. I don't like him for us, but I think if he took a 2 year deal (with a ton of incentives) with the Cardinals and was humble enough to sit behind Palmer, he could eventually be in a position to lead that team and have some serious success as early as 2015.
And finally Richie Incognito. YUP. I think he's a complete scumbag, but the Dolphins already paid the price for his antics. We would land him for the league minimum, Rex will take him under his wing, and Mangold will keep him in check. And, he has every reason to be on his best behavior and lay low. He may actually be improving as a human being because of all the counseling he's been through over the past few months. But most of all he can play. He would actually fill out our O-line quite well. There's very little risk if we also draft a guard to compete with him.
