Huge holes in offense require big decisions

[Smizzy]

Huge holes in offense require big decisions

BY KEN BERGER

STAFF WRITER

December 7, 2005

When the Jets go shopping this offseason, their wish list will be longer than it's been since coach Herman Edwards and general manager Terry Bradway assumed their positions in 2001.

All they'll need to acquire through free agency and the draft is a quarterback, a running back and an offensive tackle -- the three most important positions on offense -- plus a fullback, a nose tackle, a backup safety and perhaps a nickel back.

Center? When free agency begins March 3, the Jets still might not have as much medical information as they'll need to determine whether Kevin Mawae, who turns 35 in January, will be a viable option for 2006.

Edwards put it best when he said Monday, "A lot of big decisions need to be made around here." They won't be easy.

According to NFL Players Association records, the Jets already have $120 million committed to the 2006 salary cap among 50 players.

Their cap situation isn't as grave as it looks, though, considering that five players -- Chad Pennington, Ty Law, Laveranues Coles, Curtis Martin and Jay Fiedler -- account for nearly $50 million of the total. All of them could have either new contracts or new teams in '06.

Word is that the '06 cap could be as high as $95 million, but there's a catch. If the collective-bargaining agreement isn't extended beyond '06, teams such as the Jets who want to release players after June 1 to spread the cap charges over the next two seasons won't be able to do so.

If there is no CBA for '07, all bonus money that has yet to count against the cap would accelerate against the '06 cap regardless of whether the player is released before or after June 1. Jets officials are nervously monitoring the negotiations, which have yielded no significant progress.

None of this will change the team's most pressing needs, which are on offense -- starting with quarterback. The growing uncertainty surrounding Fiedler's future with the team has only strengthened the organization's belief that it must get a veteran quarterback to compete for the starting job next season. Nothing is written in stone, but the Jets simply don't have the time or inclination to groom a rookie quarterback, according to a person with knowledge of their thinking.

For one thing, the defense is playoff-caliber right now -- with a couple of minor tweaks. For another, the people who would be selecting a rookie quarterback might not be around long enough to coach him if the Jets fail to contend, or at least show they're moving in the right direction, next season.

There is no question the Jets need a starting running back. Martin might fail to gain 1,000 yards for the first time in his 11-year career, and the 32-year-old might need surgery on his injured right knee after the season.

While Martin could be released with significant cap savings, right now the team envisions bringing him back in less than a featured role. Martin still could be productive, and his leadership would be valuable, in a role similar to the one Marcus Allen played in his final years with Kansas City.

The glaring need for a starting offensive tackle most likely will be filled through the draft. Mawae's health notwithstanding, the team doesn't envision leaving Pete Kendall at center next season. Kendall has done a respectable job, but he doesn't fit the athletic prototype for the position. Though he'll turn 33 next season, Kendall remains in the Jets' plans at guard.

The defensive changes are less complicated. Nose tackle James Reed's lack of size has hindered the run defense, and a run-stuffing replacement who can adequately protect middle linebacker Jonathan Vilma will be the top defensive priority.

Law will be gone, but the Jets believe they've seen enough flashes from rookie Justin Miller to count on him as a potential starting cornerback next season. Miller has excelled in man coverage but has struggled to grasp zone concepts.

One thing is certain: Owner Woody Johnson had better not struggle to open his checkbook. He's going to need it.