Free Agent dept. ~ ~ ~

[kelly]

"All we need is a quarterback" are the six scariest words a hopeful NFL fan can utter. Well, "My house boat is on fire" is probably worse, but you get the point.

 

You're not going anywhere in this league without a legitimate signal-caller. Unfortunately for teams looking to upgrade at the position, this is annually the most difficult position to improve on the fly.

This year is no exception. Most draft analysts regard this as a weak quarterback draft. Even supposed blue-chip prospects like Marcus Mariota and Jameis Winston come with red flags, and teams that believe themselves to be on the cusp of contention -- the aforementioned "All we need is a quarterback" crowd -- are going to give pause before handing their offense to an unheralded rookie.

Unless you can pull off a trade, that sends many teams in the NFL's middle class to the always shallow free-agent pool. Here's our list of the top 10 quarterback free agents. If you have a weak stomach, consider yourself warned.

 

1. Mark Sanchez: Things started well for the Sanchize in Philadelphia. Who can forget a glowing Sanchize wolfing down cheesesteaks after he thrived on Monday Night Football in his first game in place of an injured Nick Foles? Sanchez gradually returned to form, however, and was a major reason the Eagles tumbled from the playoff picture in late December. It speaks volumes that he's the consensus best option on the market.

2. Brian Hoyer: Hoyer defenders -- and Cleveland Springsteen certainly has plenty of them -- will point to Hoyer's 10-6 record as a starter. In Cleveland, that is (rightly) considered an outrageous achievement. But basing a QB's effectiveness on wins and losses alone is a dangerous game. To wit, here are Hoyer's numbers in his final four starts: 49.3 completion percentage, one touchdown, eight interceptions, 980 yards, 6.53 yards per attempt and a 50.4 passer rating. Again, this is my choice as the second-best quarterback on the open market.

3. Jake Locker: Damn, we've already reached Jake Locker? I made this list and I'm stunned. The former top 10 pick used up a deep well of patience in Tennessee, suffering the ignominy of being benched in favor of Clipboard Jesus. If you want to convince yourself that Locker remains an untapped talent, hit up Game Rewind and check out his game tape prior to his hip injury against the Jets in Week 4 of the 2013 season. Strong arm, fleet feet -- his high draft standing made sense. But Locker has always been a fairly inaccurate passer who cannot stay on the field. Wrist, hand, hip, knee, foot and shoulder injuries have hampered Locker's development and put Tennessee in a bad position time and time again. Are you going to be the team that teaches Jake Locker durability?

4. Ryan Mallett: Smart football people have been intrigued by Mallett's potential since the Patriots used a third-round pick on the passer in 2011. Mallett never got his chance in New England (selfish Tom Brady), and had a brief audition with the Texans cut short when he suffered a season-ending pectoral injury. Entering his age-27 season, he remains a giant mystery. Literally ... he's 6-foot-6.

5. Michael Vick: We know what we're getting by now. On occasion, Vick can still flash the ability that made him a superstar with the Falcons. But at 34 and four long years removed from his last healthy, productive season, he's no longer anybody's long-term answer behind center. At least, he shouldn't be.

The rest ...

 

6. Christian Ponder: Vikings draft bust did have that one game against the Packers ...

7. Colt McCoy: Gutsy performance in Monday Night Football win over Cowboys should keep him employed a few more years.

8. Matt Moore: Had opportunities to compete for starting job two years ago and opted to remain Ryan Tannehill's understudy.

9. Tarvaris Jackson: Has spent the last two seasons playing behind Russell Wilson. What's your stance on osmosis?

10. Shaun Hill: Are you excited about the upside of a 35-year-old Shaun Hill? If so, are you Shaun Hill's mom?

Explore if you dare ...

Jason Campbell, Jimmy Clausen, Matt Flynn, Blaine Gabbert, Matt Hasselbeck, Josh Johnson, Ryan Lindley, Dan Orlovsky, Tyrod Taylor, Austin Davis, Scott Tolzien, Joe Webb, David Spade, T.J. Yates.

 

> http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000469624/article/examining-the-freeagent-class-at-quarterback

[Patriot Killa]

Philadelphia's front office reportedly approached Graham's camp with a four-year contract offer late in the season, but the underutilized former first-round draft pick is excited to test his value on the open market.

Graham, 26, is now seeking a four-year deal worth roughly $30 million with $20 million in guarantees, reports CSN Philly's Geoff Mosher.

Got this off NFL.com^

I would love to have Brandon Graham and Jason Worlids.. those two would make our front 7 the best in the league.

[kelly]

Jets offseason preview : Offensive line

 

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With the NFL scouting combine (Feb. 17-23) and free agency (March 10) approaching, we take a position-by-position look at the New York Jets as they head into the offseason:

Position:  Offensive line

2014 snaps :

 

• D'Brickashaw Ferguson: 100 percent
• Breno Giacomini: 100 percent
• Willie Colon: 99 percent
• Nick Mangold: 89 percent
• Oday Aboushi: 66 percent
• Brian Winters: 34 percent
• Dalton Freeman: 11 percent

 

• Key stat: The line wasn't as shaky as you might think. The Jets ranked 10th in pass-protection percentage (51.5), defined as the percentage of plays in which the offense controls the line of scrimmage on a pass play, per ESPN Stats & Information. In a related stat, they posted the third-highest percentage of coverage sacks (28.5), which indicates the quarterback had a tendency to hold the ball too long and/or the receivers struggled to get open. Yep, sounds about right.

  Pending free agents: Colon (unrestricted), Ben Ijalana (unrestricted)

  2015 cap hits (position rank among all linemen)

   

• Ferguson: $11.7 million (No. 4)
• Mangold: $10.4 million (No. 9)
• Giacomini: $5.1 million (No. 54)
• Winters: $778,969
• Aboushi: $634,750
• Dakota Dozier: $585,146
• Freeman: $510,000
• Wesley Johnson: $510,000
• Sean Hooey: $435,000

Money matters: Welcome to the high-rent district. The line is eating up $30.2 million in cap space, third-highest among offensive lines. The Jets are the only team with two linemen ranked in the top nine, based on 2015 cap charges. The Ferguson and Mangold contracts have reached the point where the team could actually save cap space by cutting them, but that would serve no purpose. First of all, they're still good players, especially Mangold, who was selected to the Pro Bowl. Secondly, the Jets have more than enough cap room to handle the contracts. That, too, is the reason why there's no need to renegotiate; all they'd be doing is pushing money into later years. If Ferguson's play declines, however, it might make for a tough decision in 2016, when his cap number balloons to $14.1 million. Mangold ($2 million) and Ferguson ($1 million) have big roster bonuses coming up. Giacomini isn't going anywhere, as $2.5 million of his $4.5 million salary is fully guaranteed.

Big picture: The Jets finished No. 3 in rushing offense, so they did something right. They're expected to stand pat at center (Mangold), left tackle (Ferguson) and right tackle (Giacomini), but they have decisions to make at the two guard positions. Aboushi, Colon and Winters received negative grades for last season, according to Pro Football Focus. Winter blew out a knee and was replaced by Aboushi, who was actually an upgrade at left guard -- but hardly a finished product. Colon brings plenty of intangibles, but he was penalized more times (14) than any guard in the league. It might be time for fresh blood at guard. It'll be costly, but a top-tier free agent such as Mike Iupati or Orlando Franklin would be a major upgrade. Another possibility is sliding Giacomini to guard and using the sixth pick to select the top tackle in the draft, Brandon Scherff, who can play right tackle. How they handle the line will tell us a lot about new general manager Mike Maccagnan. Will he wait on his predecessor's draft picks to develop or will he be proactive in trying to import proven talent ?

   Free-agent market watch: Pending free agents include Bryan Bulaga (RT), James Carpenter (LG), Dan Connolly (LG), Franklin (LG), Doug Free (RT), Iupati (LG), Davin Joseph (RG), Michael Oher (RT), Jermey Parnell (RT).

 

> http://espn.go.com/blog/new-york/jets/post/_/id/49166/jets-offseason-preview-offensive-line

 

[kelly]

Sizing up the top free agents for 2015 Star wideouts, defensive stalwarts highlight what has potential to be monster class

 

> http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/page/hotread150212/early-look-top-free-agents-2015

 

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[kelly]

Jets offseason preview: Defensive line

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With the NFL scouting combine (Feb. 17-23) and free agency (March 10) approaching, we take a position-by-position look at the New York Jets as they head into the offseason:

Position : Defensive line

2014 snaps :

• Sheldon Richardson: 79 percent
• Muhammad Wilkerson: 71 percent
• Damon Harrison: 49 percent
• Leger Douzable: 31 percent
• Kenrick Ellis: 15 percent
• T.J. Barnes: 7 percent

Key stat: Despite a 97-yard run in the final game, the Jets finished fifth in run defense. A big reason for the impressive performance was their ability to limit yards after contact -- 2.17 yards per rush, the best in the NFL. Obviously, the line gets a lot of credit for that.

Pending free agents: Douzable (unrestricted), Ellis (unrestricted), Harrison (restricted)

2015 cap hits (position rank):

• Wilkerson: $6.97 million (No. 23 among DEs)
• Richardson: $2.74 million (No. 33 among DTs)
• T.J Barnes: $510,000

Money matters: Owner Woody Johnson got off easy the past couple of years, receiving top defensive line play for a relatively modest price. That's about to change, with Wilkerson entering the final year of his contract. Based on the market, set last year by J.J. Watt and Robert Quinn, he figures to land something in the $12 million-$14 million a year range, including roughly $15 million in fully guaranteed money. The two sides talked last season, but they didn't come close to a landing spot. The Jets could make Wilkerson play out his current deal and use the franchise tag next offseason, but that wouldn't be prudent. They're in a unique position (at least $47 million in cap space), so they might as well take advantage of it and strike a deal now.Harrison, a former undrafted free agent who has played the past three years for minimum salaries, could receive the first-round tender, which should be slightly north of $3.1 million. It's hard to imagine a team surrendering a first-round pick for Harrison, a two-down player, but he could attract suitors with a second-round tender (an estimated $2.2 million).

Big picture: It's a matter of keeping what they have. Coach Todd Bowles can win a lot of games with Wilkerson, Harrison and Richardson, all of whom are under 27 years old. Their skill sets fit nicely into Bowles' system. His base defense is a 3-4, but he likes to use a 4-3 against run-heavy teams. The 4-3 look would work well for rush linebacker Quinton Coples, who feels more comfortable in a three-point stance.Because they're among the league leaders in cap room, the Jets will be linked to Ndamukong Suh, who could be the No. 1 free agent (assuming he doesn't get tagged by the Detroit Lions). Based on the current personnel, scheme fit and projected salary structure in the coming years, Suh would be an expensive luxury ... unless they create a spot for him. The only way to do that would be to trade Harrison. But we're talking fantasy football here. Yes, general manager Mike Maccagnan has said he will be active in free agency, but that doesn't mean he's planning to dole out a record-setting contract. The objective in free agency should be bolstering the depth. Re-signing Douzable would be a start.

  Free-agent market watch: Pending free agents include Nick Fairley (4-3 DT), Brandon Graham (4-3 DE), Letroy Guion (3-4 NT), Greg Hardy (4-3 DE), Tommy Kelly (3-4 DE), Terrance Knighton (4-3 DT), Derrick Morgan (4-3 DE), Jared Odrick (4-3 DE), Jason Pierre-Paul (4-3 DE), B.J. Raji (3-4 DE), Ahtyba Rubin (3-4 NT), Suh (4-3 DT), Dan Williams (3-4 NT).

 

> http://espn.go.com/blog/new-york/jets/post/_/id/49174/jets-offseason-preview-defensive-line

[kelly]

just an fyi..

 

 -- In the strongest sign yet that they plan to select a quarterback with the No. 1 overall pick in the draft, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers released veteran Josh McCown on Wednesday night.

 

McCown, 35, was Tampa Bay's starter during last year's 2-14 season. He missed five games with a thumb injury, but his starting job was given back to him even though Mike Glennon played reasonably well in his absence.McCown completed 184 of 327 passes (56.3 percent) for 2,206 yards with 11 touchdowns and 14 interceptions for a 70.5 passer rating. The Bucs won only one game with McCown as their starter. McCown previously said he would be fine with staying with the Bucs as a mentor to a rookie. He was scheduled to earn $5 million in 2015.

 

Glennon had the same number of wins as McCown, and it's not likely the Bucs will look to him to be more than a backup.The Bucs have the first pick in the draft, and all indications are they will use it on a quarterback, likely Jameis Winston or Marcus Mariota.

 

> http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/12311700/josh-mccown-released-tampa-bay-buccaneers

[kelly]

Jets offseason preview: Linebackers

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With the NFL scouting combine (Feb. 17-23) and free agency (March 10) approaching, we take a position-by-position look at the New York Jets as they head into the offseason:

Position: Linebacker

2014 snaps:

• David Harris: 99 percent
• Demario Davis: 99 percent
• Calvin Pace: 81 percent
• Quinton Coples: 68 percent
• Jason Babin: 45 percent
• Trevor Reilly: 6 percent
• IK Enemkpali: 4 percent

 

Key stat: The linebackers took some criticism for their pass coverage, but the numbers show it wasn't all that bad -- at least in the context of running-back receptions. The Jets allowed 68 catches, the fifth-fewest total in the league, according to ESPN Stats & Information. The yardage total (504) was seventh in the league.

Pending free agents: Harris (unrestricted), Nick Bellore (unrestricted), Jermaine Cunningham (unrestricted).

2015 cap hits (position rank):

• Coples: $2.8 million (No. 57)
• Pace: $2.25 million
• Davis: $1.7 million
• Babin: $1.625 million
• Mario Harvey: $660,000
• Enemkpali: $529,670
• Reilly: $524,212
• Chris Young: $435,000

 

Money matters: Pace and Babin each have a $250,000 option bonus before the start of the league year, March 10. We're not talking big money, but the issue is whether the new regime wants to start with a linebacking corps that includes a couple of 34-year-olds. The Jets have until early May to exercise the fifth-year option for Coples, a former first-round pick. It was a no-brainer last year with Muhammad Wilkerson, but Coples (16.5 sacks in three seasons) hasn't performed at an elite level. For players picked 11th to 32nd (Coples was 16th in 2012), the fifth-year salary would be the average salary of players ranked third to 25th in salary for that position. Figure it'll be about $7 million, last year's number for an outside linebacker in that draft-pick range. The salary is guaranteed for injury as soon as the option is exercised. It's a tough call for the Jets, who might opt to decline in an effort to increase Coples' motivation.

Big picture: The top story involves Harris, who will be a free agent for the first time in his career. He has said he'd like to finish his career in New York, but the coaching-staff change could impact his future. Rex Ryan's system was heavily reliant on linebackers, especially Harris, who played the "Mike" position, called the defensive signals and never came off the field. Ryan stayed in base personnel for 587 snaps last season, third-highest in the league. In Arizona, Todd Bowles played most of the time in sub packages, replacing linebackers with defensive backs. In fact, he played a league-high 569 snaps in dime personnel. If he adopts the same philosophy with the Jets, it could minimize the value of the inside linebackers. Bottom line: Harris is a good player and it would hurt to lose him. The question is whether the new regime will pay to keep him. If he hits the open market, there is a good chance he will sign elsewhere, perhaps reuniting with Ryan in Buffalo.The pass rush was fairly effective last season -- they ranked third in sacks per dropback -- but the Jets need more production from their edge rushers. Coples, Pace, and Babin combined for only 13.5 sacks. There are a few highly rated rushers in the draft who could be available with the sixth pick -- Shane Ray, Randy Gregory and Dante Fowler Jr. There are some free agents, too, that would make sense if the Jets are willing to invest big money.

   Free-agent market watch: Pending free agents include Justin Houston, Jerry Hughes, Pernell McPhee, Brian Orakpo, Brooks Reed, Sean Weatherspoon, and Jason Worilds.

 

> http://espn.go.com/blog/new-york/jets/post/_/id/49198/jets-offseason-preview-linebackers

[kelly]

Your post-Super Bowl, pre-combine mail is answered on the New York Jets :

@RichCimini: It would be an absolute steal for the Jets, but I doubt the Eagles would part with their quarterback and a future No. 1 pick. You raise a good point, though, because I think the Jets should consider trading back if they're not sold on Marcus Mariota. They have many needs and Mariota isn't a sure thing. If they can parlay the pick into a veteran starting quarterback and a premium draft choice, it would be a no-brainer, in my opinion.

@RichCimini: Neither. Ryan likes Big Snacks, no doubt about it, but the Buffalo Bills are loaded on the defensive line, especially the interior. Ryan has Marcell Dareus (signed through 2015) and Kyle Williams (2016), so it would make no sense to pay big money and surrender a draft choice to a division rival. Remember, Damon Harrison is a restricted free agent, so he figures to land the first- or second-round tender. My sense is the Jets will use the first-round tender (at least $3.1 million) and make him play 2015 for that amount before committing long term.

@RichCimini: More than last year, but, of course, that's not saying much. As you know, Darrelle Revis isn't a free agent. The New England Patriots have until March 9 to renegotiate or exercise a $20 million option year (ain't happening). My hunch is that he'll remain in New England, but I could definitely see the Jets making a play if he hits the open market. A more realistic possibility is Antonio Cromartie. He's not a spring chicken anymore, but he knows Todd Bowles' system and he knows the New York landscape. They also need to find a slot corner to replace Kyle Wilson, a free agent who probably won't be back. Bowles played more dime packages than every team in the league last season in Arizona, so secondary depth is vital.

@RichCimini: Keep dreaming. First of all, I don't think Mariota is a slam-dunk pick for the Jets. Secondly, there's no way the Denver Broncos will let Demaryius Thomas hit the open market. If they can't negotiate a deal before the start of free agency, they'll slap him with the franchise tag. As for Percy Harvin, his future with the Jets is up in the air. They have to make a $10.5 million decision by March 19. Sorry to be a wet blanket, but I'm keeping it real.

 

@RichCimini: ,OK, that's easy: Cornerback, quarterback, wide receiver, guard and middle linebacker (if David Harris leaves). The free agents to watch are Cromartie, Kareem Jackson, Ryan Mallett, Michael Crabtree and Mike Iupati.

 

> http://espn.go.com/blog/new-york/jets/post/_/id/49245/jets-mailbag-marcus-mariota-a-potential-trade-and-free-agency

[HOZ THE JET]

What you guys think of Cleveland CB Buster Shrine? I think he is the most under rated Corner in this years free agency

[kelly]

What you guys think of Cleveland CB Buster Shrine? I think he is the most under rated Corner in this years free agency

 

he's probably an " upgrade " over anyone we have on our present roster

[kelly]

 

In his first noteworthy move as general manager of the New York Jets, Mike Maccagnan said goodbye Saturday to the NFL's second-leading rusher since 2008. He declined to exercise a $500,000 option bonus for Chris Johnson, setting him free after one season.

It was a no-brainer.

The Jets took a calculated risk last offseason, betting that a once-great player with a chip on his shoulder would come in and give them a LaDainian Tomlinson-type season, circa 2010. It didn't happen that way. Johnson was held back by two men -- Father Time and the father of the Jets' offense, Marty Mornhinweg, who limited Johnson's touches.

Johnson carried the ball a career-low 155 times and played only 37 percent of the offensive snaps as Mornhinweg refused to deviate from his Johnson-Chris Ivory time share. Maybe it was justified; it's not as if Johnson provided a ton of evidence to the contrary. Clearly, his 29-year-old legs (a lot older in running back years) didn't have the same magic he showed in his glory years with the Tennessee Titans.He was a below-average runner on first down (3.84 yards per carry) and he never made an impact as a receiver, recording only five receptions on third down. The Jets had big plans for Johnson. They talked about getting him the ball in space, allowing him to use his blazing open-field speed.

As it turned out, he caught only four balls when split out of the backfield. He had a couple of dropsie days in training camp, and the coaching staff seemed to lose confidence in his ability as a receiver. All things considered, he wasn't terrible and he wasn't great. He was, as Bill Parcells used to say, a JAG -- just a guy. CJ2K never it made it to CJ1K, finishing with 663 yards.If there was any doubt about his future, it was eliminated in January, when Johnson was arrested for the open carrying of a handgun. The new regime would've sent a bad message by re-upping the first player on its watch to get arrested.But, hey, the contract wasn't a killer. They paid him $4 million last season, and they'll get stuck with a $1.75 million charge this year, hardly cap-crippling. It simply didn't make sense to keep him on the roster at $5.25 million, not when that money could be used for a younger version of Johnson.

Did someone say C.J. Spiller  ?

Spiller is a pending free agent and looms as a possibility because of his background with coordinator Chan Gailey and his system. Gailey was the Buffalo Bills' coach when they drafted Spiller out of Clemson in 2010, and he was a great fit in Gailey's spread offense. A dangerous two-way threat, Spiller enjoyed a career year in 2012, racking up 1,703 yards from scrimmage. He spent the last two seasons injured or in Doug Marrone's doghouse.

Spiller, 27, makes a lot of sense for the Jets. Now we'll see if old friend Rex Ryan keeps him from walking out of Buffalo.

 

> http://espn.go.com/blog/new-york/jets/post/_/id/49230/with-chris-johnson-gone-new-york-jets-cj-spiller-replace

[kelly]

 

A look at what's going on around and inside the New York Jets:

1. Help wanted: Veteran quarterback: Another offseason, another quarterback search. This time, the Jets have to step it up. Instead of catering to Geno Smith, acquiring someone to "push" him in a friendly faux competition (see: Michael Vick), they must make a sincere effort to upgrade the position and conduct a legitimate competition. Unfortunately for the Jets, this is the wrong year to be in the quarterback market. Their options don't excite.

They could try free agency, with Ryan Mallett, Brian Hoyer and Jake Locker among the most likely possibilities. They could try to trade for a young veteran (Mike Glennon) or hope that an older veteran (Ryan Fitzpatrick) shakes loose as a cap casualty. Remember, Fitzpatrick and new offensive coordinator Chan Gailey have worked together. What about a Jay Cutler trade? Even if the Chicago Bears decide to move him, I'd be surprised if the Jets' new regime wanted to hook up with an expensive enigma.

The Jets have an interesting name on their radar, albeit a long shot: Sam Bradford.

Bradford, the No. 1 overall pick in 2010, is under contract to the St. Louis Rams for one more season, but his cap charge ($16.58 million) is exorbitant for a player coming off back-to-back ACL injuries. The Rams reportedly want to renegotiate his $12.985 million salary. If Bradford refuses and gets released, he'd draw interest from quarterback-needy teams turned off by what's available in the draft and free agency.On Friday, in a news conference to introduce new offensive coordinator Frank Cignetti, the Rams gave every indication they expect to have Bradford back. Why wouldn't they? He's still the best quarterback on their roster, assuming his twice-repaired knee is healthy. Over his last 23 starts (2012-2013), he threw for 35 touchdowns and only 17 interceptions. After two years of Smith, the Jets would take that in a New York minute. If things go sideways with the financials, and Bradford becomes available, I'd expect the Jets to be interested.
Without a doubt, this is Mike Maccagnan's No. 1 challenge in his first year as GM: improve the quarterback position. I don't think he wants to rely solely on the draft because Jameis Winston probably won't be available and Marcus Mariota could be a project. Good luck, Mike.

2. Oldies, but goodies: I wouldn't read too much into the decision to exercise the options for graybeard outside linebackers Jason Babin and Calvin Pace. Their option bonuses were only $250,000 apiece, meaning this doesn't preclude the Jets from releasing one or both before the start of the season. If anything, maybe it's an indication they're not planning to spend big money in free agency at the position, knowing there are intriguing edge rushers that could be available with the sixth pick in the draft. Basically, Babin and Pace, both 34, are low-cost insurance. Their non-guaranteed base salaries are $1.35 million and $2.125 million, respectively.

3. Thanks, John: John Idzik's parting gift to the Jets was cap space -- lots and lots of cap space. By maintaining a relatively conservative approach, the Jets ended last season with $12.6 million in cap room -- all of which will be carried into the 2015 cap. For the record, it's the fourth-largest carryover in the league. If Idzik hadn't pulled off his "potential coup," as he called the trade for Percy Harvin, the Jets would've had almost a $20 million carryover. (Harvin ate up $7.1 million.) So if you're scoring at home, the Jets have about $51 million in cap space, counting the departure of Chris Johnson, whose option wasn't picked up.

4. Running in place: No, the Jets didn't hit a home run last offseason with the signing of Johnson, but they weren't the only team that fell into that category. Actually, you could argue they fared better than the others. Of the 10 highest-paid running backs in the free-agent class of 2014 (based on guaranteed dollars), the leading rusher was Johnson (663 yards). Second was the Giants' Rashad Jennings (639).Because of the emphasis on the passing game, running backs have become devalued. I'm really curious to see how the Dallas Cowboy's DeMarco Murray fares in free agency. The shelf life for backs is shorter than other positions, and we're looking at a player -- Murray -- who had more than 400 "touches" in 2014. It was the 42nd time in NFL history in which a player hit the 400 mark. In the previous 41 instances, the players averaged 106 fewer touches and 590 fewer yards.

5. Delegating authority: In his introductory news conference last month, Todd Bowles indicated he's not planning to call the plays on defense. That puts him in the majority. An NFL Nation survey, spearheaded by Green Bay Packers reporter Rob Demovsky, reveals that only 10 of the 32 head coaches are expected to call plays in 2015 -- eight on offense, two on defense. The two defensive guys are Mike Zimmer (Minnesota Vikings) and -- you guessed it -- Rex Ryan (Buffalo Bills). The survey was done in response to the news out of Green Bay, where Mike McCarthy announced that he's handing off play-calling duties to right-hand man Tom Clements.

6. Money for nothing: Spending doesn't guarantee winning. In fact, six of the 12 teams that ranked in the top three in free-agent spending since 2011 failed to improve their win total, including all three of last year’s top-3 spending teams -- the Tampa Bay Buccaneers ($147.3 million), Denver Broncos ($127.6 million) and New York Giants ($110.6 million). Those three teams saw their win total decline. How 'bout the champs? The New England Patriots finished 16th in free-agent spending. The more the game changes, the more it stays the game. Success still hinges on drafting and developing talent.

7. A curt deal: No surprise here, but former Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Curtis Brown, who signed with the Jets after sitting out last season, received a one-year contract for the minimum salary ($660,000).

8. Stat of the week: Commissioner Roger Goodell made more money last year ($35 million) than the Jets' entire defense ($31.6 million). And the defense, though hardly stellar, had a better year.

 

> http://espn.go.com/blog/new-york/jets/post/_/id/49250/sunday-notes-jets-keeping-an-eye-on-rams-qb-sam-bradford

[kelly]

With the NFL scouting combine (Feb. 17-23) and free agency (March 10) approaching, we take a position-by-position look at the New York Jets as they head into the offseason. This concludes the series.

Position :  Special teams

2014 snaps (special teams only):
 

• Nick Folk (PK): 28.5 percent
• Ryan Quigley (P): 31.9 percent
• Tanner Purdum (LS): 30.8 percent

Key stat: When it comes to returning punts, the Jets have ranked consistently near the bottom of the league. In the Rex Ryan era, from 2009 to 2014, they finished 30th in punt-return average (6.35).

Pending free agents: Purdum (unrestricted)

2015 cap hits (position rank):
 

• Folk: $2.65 million (No. 10)
• Quigley: $585,000
• Andrew Furney (PK): $435,000
• Jacob Schum (P): $435,000

Money matters: Folk, who received the franchise tag a year ago, is entering the second year of a four-year, $12 million contract. There is no remaining guaranteed money left in the deal, meaning that security blanket is gone. Purdum was the 17th-highest paid long snapper last year ($795,000 cap charge), and he should draw a fair amount of interest if he hits the open market.

Big picture: The Jets endured some rough moments last season, but they actually finished 14th in the ESPN Stats & Information special-teams rankings. Folk made only 82 percent of his field-goal attempts, nearly a 10-point drop from the previous season. He may have been affected by a hip injury, which bears watching. He's still a reliable kicker, but he lost distance and accuracy as the season progressed. The Jets are happy with Quigley, who showed improvement in his second season with the team. The big problems are the return units. Jeremy Kerley is a surehanded punt returner, but he's not a home-run threat. Saalim Hakim has the speed to be an electric kickoff returner, but he has bad hands and poor instincts. Percy Harvin offered a ray of hope as a kickoff returner late in the season, but his future is up in the air. Linebacker Nick Bellore, their second-leading tackler, will be an unrestricted free agent.

Free-agent market watch: Pending free agents include Stephen Gostkowski (PK), Mike Nugent (PK), Jay Feely (PK), Matt Bryant (PK), Brett Kern (P), Mat McBriar (P).

 

> http://espn.go.com/blog/new-york/jets/post/_/id/49311/jets-offseason-preview-special-teams

[kelly]

 -- The New York Jets' new brain trust, commenting for the first time on Percy Harvin, said nice things Wednesday about the dynamic wide receiver. But it wouldn't say if he will be on the team beyond March 19.

[+] Enlarge

 

General manager Mike Maccagnan, who's planning to meet at the scouting combine with Harvin's agent, hinted that he may ask them to renegotiate the contract. Harvin, acquired last October in a trade with the Seattle Seahawks, has four years, $41 million remaining on the deal, including $10.5 million for the coming season. None of it is guaranteed.Maccagnan said the team has to decide whether to "carry the current contract or restructure to a more cap-friendly number." Actually, it's a multi-layered decision because it involves trade compensation.

If they release Harvin before March 19, the Jets owe the Seahawks a sixth-round draft pick, per the trade agreement. If he remains on the roster until March 19, it increases to a fourth-round selection -- a valuable pick for a team with many needs.Because the deadline occurs a week into free agency, it allows the Jets a week to shop the wide-receiver market, determining if they can get a better, more cost-effective alternative."It’s a process we’re working through," Maccagnan said. "We’re going to talk to his agent. We do think Percy is a very good player, but that’s a process we’re working through right now."

Coach Todd Bowles called Harvin "a great talent." For all his ability, Harvin caught only 51 balls last season -- 22 for the Seahawks, 29 for the Jets.Maccagnan said "a lot of [the decision] is how our new coaching staff views Percy, how they would utilize him." The Jets haven't provided any clues on the type of system they're planning to install, but coordinator Chan Gailey is known for his spread attack.

In other combine notes  :

Milliner update: Cornerback Dee Milliner, who ruptured an Achilles' tendon last October, may miss the entire spring. There's a chance he may not return until "early summer," according to Maccagnan, who called the former No. 1 pick a "wild card" in the offseason plans."You have to kind of prepare for the worst-case scenario, but if you do get him back and he plays well -- if we go out and address that position and he comes back strongly -- it just makes that position stronger," Maccagnan said.

Harris update: Bowles and Maccagnan made it quite clear they're interested in re-signing linebacker David Harris, the team's No. 1 free agent."We think David Harris is a very good football player," Maccagnan said. "We think he’s had an excellent career with the Jets. I think we would very much like to keep David in the mix."

Wilkerson update: Obviously, the Jets would like to sign defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson to a long-term contract extension, but there doesn't appear to be a sense of urgency."I wouldn’t want to put a timetable on that, but it’s something on our list of things to do," Maccagnan said.Wilkerson is entering the final year of his contract.

 

> http://espn.go.com/blog/new-york/jets/post/_/id/49345/with-deadline-approaching-jets-non-committal-on-wr-percy-harvin

[kelly]

NFL team needs : Top offseason priorities for all 32 franchises

 

The NFL offseason has officially begun. Club officials from across the country are on their way to Indianapolis for the annual scouting combine, which is where the foundation for each team's offseason work begins in earnest.

 

The Super Bowl hangover is over. Real work is being done again to solidify budgets and salary cap maneuvering. The jostling for potential free agents gets underway this week. Every agent, coach and team executive will be in tiny downtown Indianapolis for close to a week. You can call it tampering or skirting the rules, but by next week teams and players will have a much better understanding of where they stand. The groundwork, if not the framework, of contracts and trades and other transactions will be hashed out in hotel suites and backrooms of fancy restaurants into the weekend, with clubs more secure in who they will be able to retain, who they are willing to release and who no longer fits into the business model because of price tag and other market forces.

 

With that in mind, I started thinking about what I believe should be the first order of business for every NFL club on the eve of the combine. You will find a few common themes -- quarterback issues and/or big contracts -- but then again that's how it goes in this league. If you don't have a legit passer, and/or you are weighed down by bloated contracts and a bad cap situation, well, good luck winning football games.

 

~ ~ New York Jets: I'm going to put a nice, strong offer in front of Muhammad Wilkerson on the first day of the combine. Let me get with his agent and make it clear there is a new regime in charge and we're not going to botch this negotiation the way John Idzik did throughout the 2014 season. I'm going to offer him 75 percent to 80 percent of what J.J. Watt is making because he is the second-best 3-4 DE/DT in the NFL and he's my best player. It's time to send a message to my locker room about the way the Jets are going to proceed from here on out. Oh, and Percy Harvin is gone.

 

rest of above article :

> http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/writer/jason-la-canfora/25070064/nfl-team-needs-top-offseason-priorities-for-all-32-franchises

[kelly]

NFL team needs : Top offseason priorities for all 32 franchises

 

The NFL offseason has officially begun. Club officials from across the country are on their way to Indianapolis for the annual scouting combine, which is where the foundation for each team's offseason work begins in earnest.

 

The Super Bowl hangover is over. Real work is being done again to solidify budgets and salary cap maneuvering. The jostling for potential free agents gets underway this week. Every agent, coach and team executive will be in tiny downtown Indianapolis for close to a week. You can call it tampering or skirting the rules, but by next week teams and players will have a much better understanding of where they stand. The groundwork, if not the framework, of contracts and trades and other transactions will be hashed out in hotel suites and backrooms of fancy restaurants into the weekend, with clubs more secure in who they will be able to retain, who they are willing to release and who no longer fits into the business model because of price tag and other market forces.

 

With that in mind, I started thinking about what I believe should be the first order of business for every NFL club on the eve of the combine. You will find a few common themes -- quarterback issues and/or big contracts -- but then again that's how it goes in this league. If you don't have a legit passer, and/or you are weighed down by bloated contracts and a bad cap situation, well, good luck winning football games.

 

~ ~ New York Jets: I'm going to put a nice, strong offer in front of Muhammad Wilkerson on the first day of the combine. Let me get with his agent and make it clear there is a new regime in charge and we're not going to botch this negotiation the way John Idzik did throughout the 2014 season. I'm going to offer him 75 percent to 80 percent of what J.J. Watt is making because he is the second-best 3-4 DE/DT in the NFL and he's my best player. It's time to send a message to my locker room about the way the Jets are going to proceed from here on out. Oh, and Percy Harvin is gone.

 

rest of above article :

> http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/writer/jason-la-canfora/25070064/nfl-team-needs-top-offseason-priorities-for-all-32-franchises

 

oh ,..just an fyi from the above article...

 

~ ~ Everything else is a subplot at best until/unless I get Darrelle Revis re-signed. No way am I picking up that second year of his contract, which was put in place only for 2014 cap purposes anyway. But getting him extended, on a two- or three-year deal, before the start of free agency is my priority, far and away. Bob Kraft can make it happen. If it takes $14 million a year for two years, let's do it. Revis is willing to go year-to-year with massive base salaries and the Patriots have the cap and cash ability to do it. Maybe we add a fake year or two to this deal as well for cap purposes, and continue with Revis' mandate for no franchise or transition tags.

 

 

 

 

 

cheers ~ ~

[prime21]

I would love to get CB's Maxwell and Cromartie and hope hope Milliner and McDoogle contribute.  I would resturture Percy's deal and draft a WR in the 2nd round.

[kelly]

-- Observed and heard Thursday at the scouting combine regarding the New York Jets :

1. No Decker-Thomas reunion: For all you Fantasy Football dreamers out there, forget about Demaryius Thomas signing with the Jets. Despite Eric Decker's recruiting efforts, he won't get a chance to play this season with his former Denver Broncos teammate. Broncos general manager John Elway confirmed weeks of speculation, saying he's planning to use the franchise tag if he can't sign Thomas to a long-term contract. The wide-receiver market will lose two big names, with Dez Bryant also expected to receive the franchise tag. If the Jets want to sign a free agent, they could be looking at Randall Cobb, Michael Crabtree and Jeremy Maclin. They also could decide to keep Percy Harvin, but that could be contingent on a restructured contract.

2015 NFL DRAFT

Round 1: April 30, time TBA
Rds. 2-3: May 1, TBA
Rds. 4-7: May 2, TBA
Where: Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University, Chicago

Scouting combine: Feb. 17-23

 

     Cro ready to fly: The Arizona Cardinals seem resigned to losing cornerback Antonio Cromartie, perhaps to the Jets. Coach Bruce Arians said he'd like to retain Cromartie, but he expects him to hit the open market March 10. That would set the stage for a potential double-reunion, Cromartie returning to the Jets and hooking up again with Todd Bowles, his former Cards' defensive coordinator. Bowles has been telling anybody willing to listen that he needs cornerbacks. Shades of Rex Ryan.

3. Bilal be seeing you? To the public, Jets running back Bilal Powell isn't a high-profile pending free agent, but he's generating buzz in league circles. I spoke to coaches from two teams that described Powell as an underrated talent who will draw interest on the open market. With Chris Ivory and Chris Johnson splitting most of the carries last season, Powell was the forgotten man. He finished with only 44 touches. If anyone had a right to complain (pay attention, Chris Johnson), it was Powell. Opponents were aware of him. In Week 12, he was an 11th-hour scratch due to an illness, prompting the Buffalo Bills to alter their game plan. They called more blitzes than usual, knowing the Jets would miss Powell's pass-protecting ability. The Jets could lose Powell, especially if they make a run at the Bills' C.J. Spiller.

4. No shot at Winston: Unless GM Mike Maccagnan is planning a blockbuster deal to acquire the No. 1 overall pick, the Jets will have no shot at quarterback Jameis Winston. It sounds like the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are sold on Winston and will take him with the first pick. Some familiar with the Bucs' thinking make it sound like it's a done deal. The Bucs already have done an inordinate amount of snooping into Winston's checkered past, and they seem convinced he won't be a problem child in the NFL. That means it could be Marcus Mariota-or-bust for the quarterback-needy Jets, who own the sixth pick.

5. Mariota a cool customer: That's how a low-key quarterback is described when he wins games. When he loses, he gets criticized for being too laid back. Call it the Eli Manning Syndrome. Just a hunch, but the feeling here is that Mariota will fight that battle throughout his NFL career. As advertised, the Heisman Trophy winner was as reserved as a reserve quarterback during his media session. If you like your quarterbacks to exude a certain swagger, Mariota isn't your type. He was raised in Hawaii and played at Oregon, so he's not accustomed to big-market media coverage. The scrutiny can rattle certain quarterbacks. It's up to NFL teams to determine if there's a fire inside Mariota. ESPN analyst Louis Riddick, a former NFL personnel director, reported that Mariota is "killing it" in team interviews. Maybe he's better before small audiences.

 

> http://espn.go.com/blog/new-york/jets/post/_/id/49358/five-things-we-learned-at-combine-jets

[#27TheDominator]

What you guys think of Cleveland CB Buster Shrine? I think he is the most under rated Corner in this years free agency

 

I never liked him. I am not sure if I have a real reason, but a year or two ago when we needed a CB, he was a guy I didn't want.  Available guys are so weak they are talking about him for $5M+ per, per rotoworld.  At the time, I liked the idea of Tarell Brown much better.  Brown had a decent year with the Raiders last season.  I wonder what raiderholic thinks of him.  Of course, Brown is 30 and Skrine only 25, so the value is very different.  Have to hope that Bowles knows what he is looking for in CBs and they don't dick around like Idzik.

 

[RutgersJetFan]

Question: Why do you have a photo from Time magazine of kids playing video games at Iowa St as your sig?

 

http://content.time.com/time/specials/2007/article/0,28804,1651473_1651472_1651348,00.html

[kelly]

Question: Why do you have a photo from Time magazine of kids playing video games at Iowa St as your sig?

 

http://content.time.com/time/specials/2007/article/0,28804,1651473_1651472_1651348,00.html

 

they're fans of the NEW YORK jets !

 

 

 

 

 

cheers ~ ~

[#27TheDominator]

I thought it was because they aren't wearing shirts

[kelly]

I thought it was because they aren't wearing shirts

 

shhhh !..

 

> https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfa1/v/t1.0-9/180848_1690527277028_2727644_n.jpg?oh=4c2f5e2a85e1fc501e3c6b7c2599fd2a&oe=558430BA&__gda__=1435551825_f4f2cdeeed41e9eb05e3efc0712cf692" />

 

 

...

[kelly]

Jets have no shot at signing Denver Broncos' Demaryius Thomas in free agency, per John Elway

 

Affirming what everybody around the NFL long presumed, Broncos general manager John Elway said Thursday that wide receiver Demaryius Thomas isn't going anywhere.

Elway spoke at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis. Thomas is set to become a free agent next month. If he did hit free agency, receiver-needy teams -- and the Jets are potentially one of those teams -- would be salivating to sign him.

But that's not going to happen, because Elway will use the franchise tag to keep Thomas in Denver for at least the 2015 season -- if Thomas and the Broncos can't agree to a new contract.

The wide receiver franchise tag figure for 2014 was $12.3 million. It is expected to be a bit higher for 2015 -- about $12.8 million, according to one projection.

The deadline for teams to apply the franchise tag to players is March 2 at 4 p.m. Teams could begin using the franchise tag as of Monday. Teams are allowed to use the franchise tag on just one player every season.

Even if Denver uses the franchise tag on Thomas, that doesn't necessarily mean he will play for the franchise-tag salary number (projected at $12.8 million) in 2015. The Broncos and Thomas's camp can still hammer out a long-term contract even after the Broncos use the franchise tag on him, though Thomas would not enjoy the negotiating leverage of being an unrestricted free agent.

If the two sides don't reach a deal, and Thomas plays 2015 as a franchise-tagged player, he would become an unrestricted free agent next offseason.

 

> http://www.nj.com/jets/index.ssf/2015/02/jets_have_no_shot_at_signing_denver_broncos_demary.html

[prime21]

They are saying Byron Maxwell is looking for 10 million a year.  Do we go after him and Cro??  

[kelly]

1. Jameis would be a legend in New York ... or a train wreck: Jameis Winston is a Type A personality all right. The former Florida State star displayed the "It" factor during his 15-minute news conference, controlling the room with his presence, his smile and, yes, his ego. Winston declared that he doesn't want to be compared to fellow quarterback prospect Marcus Mariota, as if that were beneath him. Instead, he said he wants to be mentioned with Peyton Manning and Tom Brady. Could you imagine if the Jets drafted Winston? His personality would make him a hit with the media and fans, but there's the dark side of the Winston package -- his penchant for making bad decisions off the field. He'd be a classic boom-or-bust pick for the Jets.

2.   Free-agent plan coming into focus: After the talking to agents and personnel types, the sense I get is the Jets will attack the cornerback and guard positions in free agency. Cornerback is an obvious need, and it wouldn't be a surprise if they address it in free agency and the draft. Names to watch are Antonio Cromartie, Kareem Jackson, Byron Maxwell, Brandon Flowers and Darrelle Revis (if released). The Jets have two young guards in Oday Aboushi and Brian Winters, but it sounds like they'd like to add an established veteran. The big fish is Mike Iupati, who will be the most coveted player in the guard market.

3. South Beach calling: I'm hearing the Miami Dolphins, with former Jets GM Mike Tannenbaum in a top executive role, could be one of the suitors for linebacker David Harris, a pending free agent. Let us not forget that Harris was one of Tannenbaum's best draft picks, a second-rounder in 2007. The Dolphins need a linebacker, so it makes sense. Harris also is expected to draw interest from the Buffalo Bills (see: Rex Ryan). The Jets want to keep Harris, and he'd like to finish his career in New York. The question is whether they can agree on a price. If he hits the open market March 10, there's a good chance they will lose him.

4. Honey, I shrunk the pass rushers: With the sixth pick, the Jets could be in position to grab one of the top edge rushers in the draft, the 3-4 outside-linebacker types. Thing is, some of the likely targets don't exactly push the scales. Randy Gregory (6-foot-6) checked in at 235 pounds. He reportedly was down to 218 recently because of an illness. Shane Ray (6-foot-2 1/2) is 245 pounds. Both are considered likely top-10 picks. Vic Beasley (6-foot-3) came in heavier than expected at 245 pounds and Dante Fowler Jr. (6-foot-2 1/2) was 261 pounds. Ideally, you'd like your rush linebacker to be at least 6-foot-4, 255-plus pounds.

5. Cap report: The union projects at the salary cap at $143 million, according to executive director DeMaurice Smith. That would represent an increase of $10 million from the previous year. That's great news for the Jets, who will have $42.1 million in cap space, according to ESPN Stats & Information.

 

> http://espn.go.com/blog/new-york/jets/post/_/id/49410/five-things-we-learned-at-combine-jets-2

[kelly]

 — One of the consequences of the Jets' lack of player spending under former general manager John Idzik is that they have a lot of catching up to do.

 

To be blunt: In order to comply with the NFL's cash spending rules, the Jets in the next two years have to spend like they're on a bender at a Vegas bachelor party."They've got to make up a lot of ground this offseason," an NFL Players Association official said. That person spoke to NJ Advance Media on condition of anonymity.The league's collective bargaining agreement requires that all teams spend 89 percent of the combined salary cap totals from 2013 to 2016. (The salary cap is in place to restrict what players can earn and owners have to spend; the 89-percent cap floor exists to keep cheapskate owners from purposely not spending at all. Jets owner Woody Johnson has said he never instructed Idzik not to spend.)

 

The Jets' average cash spending for 2013 and '14—salaries, non-prorated signing bonuses, additional bonuses, grievance awards, injury settlements, basically anything not benefit-related—was only at 80 percent of their obligation, according to a presentation made Friday morning during an NFLPA meeting at the Scouting Combine. Details of that presentation were provided to NJ Advance Media by a person who attended the meeting.The NFLPA estimates that the 2015 salary cap, which the league is expected to announce sometime in the next two weeks, will be $143 million. The cap is expected to climb even higher in 2016, and assuming that number keeps going up at the same rate, the NFLPA estimates the Jets are required to get caught up the next two years by spending an average of $140 million.

 

Now consider: The Jets' average cash spending number for '13 and '14 , according to an NFLPA projection provided to NJ Advance Media, was just $106,230,662. Only the Panthers and Raiders spent less.Per the CBA, if the Jets don't reach the league's spending floor by 2016, they are required to allocate that shortfall to any players on the roster between 2013 and 2016.All of this is good news for a talented player with an expiring contract like defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson. Idzik's replacement, Mike Maccagnan, is meeting with Wilkerson's agent this week in Indy to discuss a contract extension. A new Wilkerson deal is long overdue, but expect him to collect a windfall.The Jets are also expected to have $45 to $50 million in salary cap space this offseason. And that cash can't just be stuffed into Johnson's pillow.

 

Earlier this week, Maccagnan said the Jets "will be active in free agency. Whether that's with the high-dollar guys, the first wave of free agency, I would think we'd be potentially in that market, but we'll be in the middle and lower-tier market, too."Maccagnan was referring to the spending he intends to do to improve the Jets. But according to NFL rules, he also doesn't have much of a choice.

 

> http://www.nj.com/jets/index.ssf/2015/02/why_the_jets_are_required_to_spend_on_players_like.html

[kelly]

1. A quarterback pass? We're still nine weeks from the draft, but the preliminary sense I get is the New York Jets aren't looking to take a quarterback with their first-round pick. Obviously, that could change as they continue to evaluate Jameis Winston and Marcus Mariota, but the vibe close to the organization is that general manager Mike Maccagnan and Todd Bowles aren't in a quarterback-or-bust mode. Is it because they still believe Geno Smith can be salvaged or because they're not sold on Winston and Mariota? Hard to say; it's probably a little of both. Personally, I think it would be a mistake to pass on Mariota if he falls to the Jets at No. 6, assuming Winston already is gone. Maybe the Jets believe they can elevate Smith by building around him. It's risky. I talked to several scouts and personnel people at the combine, and none of them spoke glowingly of Smith.

2. Working man: By rule, the Jets aren't allowed to start their offseason program until April 6, but Smith already has been working out in Southern California. He eventually would like to invite teammates to join him for informal, on-field workouts, perhaps in his home state of Florida.
 

3. It takes a village: Because Maccagnan has no background in contract negotiations and cap management, the Jets have restructured the way they do business. Former GM John Idzik, a contract/cap guy, used to handle the bulk of the negotiating; now it's a committee approach. Maccagnan will oversee the operation, but the primary negotiators will be Rod Graves and Jacqueline Davidson -- the senior director and manager of football administration, respectively. Dave Socie, formerly of the league office, has been retained on a part-time basis to help with cap and contract philosophy. Hymie Elhai, the team's vice president/business affairs & legal counsel, also will be involved. From what I hear, the Muhammad Wilkerson negotiations were a one-man show (Idzik) last year. Once Idzik got fired, it caused the two sides to start from square one, basically.

4. QB hunting season: NFL Network draft expert Mike Mayock called this the best group of edge rushers since 2011, the draft that produced Von Miller, Aldon Smith, Robert Quinn and J.J. Watt, who can rush from anywhere. This year's crop could produce three in the top 10 -- Randy Gregory, Shane Ray and Dante Fowler Jr. The Jets, in the sixth spot, could have their choice.

5. A wide 'spread' of opinions: Arizona Cardinals coach Bruce Arians wasn't shy about expressing his opinion on quarterback prospects from spread systems in college. Said Arians: "That ain't playing quarterback." Mayock agreed, saying, "It's a huge transition [to the NFL]. I try to give the analogy, you're talking about taking a kid that's in kindergarten and moving him to a college-level class almost overnight." True, but if you eliminated all the spread quarterbacks, there wouldn't be many names left on your draft board.

6. Mariota, Winston impress: From all accounts, Mariota and Winston didn't do anything to hurt their stock Saturday during on-field workouts. As expected, Mariota blazed the 40 in 4.52 seconds, faster than 10 of the wide receivers. Winston, nobody's sprinter, clocked a 4.97. Both passers threw the ball exceptionally well, especially Winston, according to reports. One of the underrated quarterback stats is hand size. Some teams, including the New England Patriots, put an emphasis on it. I remember Bill Parcells telling me once that he always preferred quarterbacks with big hands, for obvious reasons. For the record, Mariota (9 7/8 inches) has bigger hands than Winston (9 3/8). In 2013, Geno Smith (9¼) had one of the smallest hands at the combine.

7. Wide-receiver fever -- catch it: It's pretty much a lock the Jets will have their choice of one of these studs -- Amari Cooper, Kevin White or DeVante Parker. Cooper is considered the best receiver in the draft, and he didn't disappoint Saturday by running a 4.42 in the 40. But White made himself a lot of money with a 4.35 at 6-foot-3. He might have pushed his way into the top 10. (Cynics will bring up the cautionary tale of Stephen Hill.) Anyway, it could help the Jets. They can cut Percy Harvin knowing they have an excellent chance to replace him in the draft. They haven't used a first-round pick on a receiver since Santana Moss in 2001.

8. CJ fallout: Did some checking into Chris Johnson's claim that he was misled by the Jets about his role, and it turns out he's right. I'm told that Idzik and Rex Ryan promised him more playing time than he received, but that was at the time of his signing. Once the season began, the coaching staff believed Chris Ivory was more effective than Johnson, who averaged 9.6 carries per game. I don't think the Jets regret the way they used Johnson, especially because they finished third in rushing offense. If there's any internal second-guessing, it's how they under-utilized Bilal Powell.

9. Air Canada: Jets quarterbacks coach Kevin Patullo met with South Alabama's Brandon Bridge, one of the more interesting quarterback prospects. Bridge, a Toronto native, is a late-round prospect with a cannon for an arm. He started his career at Alcorn State, where he got the "Air Canada" nickname. No, he wasn't named after the airline or Vince Carter. It was Steve "Air" McNair, the former Alcorn State great. Coming from Canada, Bridge has a lot of doubters, including Mayock, who said Bridge has a lot to learn about the position. This might not endear him to Jets' fans, but he's a fan of Tom Brady.

"I love 'The Brady Six' story, how he was always overlooked and always had that chip on his shoulder," Bridge said. "I feel like I'm kind of doing that as well."

10. For Pete's sake: I'm impressed by how well Seattle Seahawks coach Pete Carroll is handling the post-Super Bowl criticism stemming from his controversial play call at the goal line. He has embraced the adversity, hoping to make it a learning experience for his team. All coaches say that, but Carroll articulates it with such conviction. Speaking to a small group of reporters that included two scribes from New York, he compared the Super Bowl misery to that of the infamous Dan Marino Fake Spike in 1994, when Carroll coached the Jets.

"I’m never going to lose [the Super Bowl], and I'm never losing the game with Marino, when we were playing to be [7-5]," he said. "I don’t forget those. I don’t want to forget those. It’s part of the history. It’s part of the truth of the past. It’s important to understand the pitfalls and the pain, so you can be on the upside. We live on the other side of the spectrum. Everything I do is based on where we can possibly go, not where we’ve been and what we did wrong. I don’t live that way."

A wise-guy reporter from New York (yours truly) mentioned to Carroll that Super Bowl XLIX and the Fake Spike game have the same final score -- 28-24.

"You dog," he said, laughing. "Only you would know that."

11. Jay-Z and Ari-N: Former Jets cap/contract guru Ari Nissim, who worked alongside former GM Mike Tannenbaum, is now an agent for Roc Nation Sports. He already has landed a big client, Georgia running back Todd Gurley, so talented that he could sneak into the first round despite major knee surgery.

12. Best tweets from the combine: These came Saturday from Kent Somers, who covers the Cardinals for the Arizona Republic :

 

Kent Somers        ✔ @kentsomers Follow

Elderly man rolling a wheelchair at indy airport. Young man, a stranger, offers help and starts pushing him. Nice move by Jameis Winston

 

Kent Somers        ✔ @kentsomers Follow

Winston didn't do it to show off. No one was watching except me.

 

> http://espn.go.com/blog/new-york/jets/post/_/id/49382/jets-notes-heard-around-the-combine

[kelly]

saw this ;

 

~ ~ Quotes of the Week

 

I

 

“I don’t feel that any receiver can do what I can do. Whether it’s blocking, creating space, taking a tunnel screen to the house. I do it all. Don’t feel like guys can do what I can do. Not saying that to be cocky, just confident. I feel like I’m one of a kind.”

 

—West Virginia receiver Kevin White, who performed like it in Indianapolis, running a 4.35-second 40-yard dash and looking as polished as any receiver at the combine.

 

rest of above article :

> http://mmqb.si.com/2015/02/23/tampa-bay-buccaneers-jameis-winston-peter-king-nfl-combine-draft/4/

[kelly]

Cleaning out the notebook from the scouting combine in Indianapolis :

1. QB thoughts: Former Tampa Bay Buccaneers GM and current ESPN analyst Mark Dominik believes the New York Jets should jump on Marcus Mariota if he's available, but he's not ready to give up on Geno Smith, whom he described as an enigma.

[+] Enlarge

 

"Geno has been tricky," Dominik told me. "He finishes the last two seasons and he plays pretty well in the final game. He's got it figured out, right? I want to see him for 16 games. How long are you going to sit there and say, 'Is he going to be the quarterback?' Until you finally say he's out of opportunities, I would have him compete for a spot. I'd want him on the roster."

2. A vote for Mariota: ESPN draft analyst Todd McShay suspects the Jets would pull the trigger on Mariota, assuming their new offensive coordinator is on board. Said McShay: "How does Chan Gailey feel about him and how he fits the system, and is it a better option than what we already have in-house? My guess is, the answer would be yes."

3. Pay cut for Percy? It appears the Jets are trying to get Percy Harvin to restructure the four years, $41 million remaining on his contract. The deadline is March 19. If he's on the roster then, the conditional draft pick they owe the Seattle Seahawks goes from a sixth rounder to a fourth rounder. You might be wondering why not circumvent it by cutting him before March 19 and re-signing him at a later date? Per the trade agreement, they'd have to wait until the draft to avoid surrendering the fourth rounder. By then, Harvin almost certainly would be on another team.

4. The White stuff: West Virginia wide receiver Kevin White, who could be a consideration for the Jets with the sixth pick, isn't short on confidence: "I don't feel that any receiver can do what I can do. Whether it's blocking, creating space, taking a tunnel screen to the house, I do it all. Don't feel like guys can do what I can do. Not saying that to be cocky, just confident. I feel like I'm one of a kind." He opened eyes by running the 40 in 4.35 seconds.

5. Sheldon's little 'brother': Missouri has a reputation for producing outstanding defensive linemen, including the Jets' Sheldon Richardson and San Francisco 49ers' pass rusher Aldon Smith. Shane Ray, projected as a top-1o pick, wants to carry on the tradition. Ray, who refers to Richardson as "my big brother," credits Missouri D-line coach Craig Kuligowski. He said Richardson and Smith are "a testament to his coaching, and what he puts in us as defensive linemen. I feel, at the next level, I’ll be able to do the same thing."

6. Gurley man: Georgia running back Todd Gurley, who wrecked his knee in November, said he's on a six- to nine-month timetable. That means he could miss training camp, but he still believes he's worthy of being a first-round pick. "That might sound ridiculous, but that’s the confidence I have in myself," he said. He might end up being right.

7. Little Big Man: Offensive lineman Ali Marpet is trying to become the first player from Division III Hobart (N.Y.) College to be drafted. He has a shot, especially after clocking the fastest 40 (4.98) among his position group. Marpet, from Hastings-on-Hudson, New York, gained 50 pounds from his freshman year. He eats -- a lot. He needs 3,500 calories per day to maintain his weight, and that jumps to 7,000 when he's exercising. "That's not easy," he said. We should all have that problem.

8. Golden Bear cub: Florida State tight end Nick O'Leary is the grandson of Jack Nicklaus. Yeah, that Jack Nicklaus. In fact, "Nick" is short for "Nicklaus." O'Leary said he started playing golf in high school and can shoot in the 70s when he practices a lot. Asked if he ever considered golf over football, he joked, "Golf would've been better on my body."

9. The Wisdom of Chuck: Nebraska pass rusher Randy Gregory, projected as a possible top-5 pick, is working with former Atlanta Falcons' standout Chuck Smith. You may recall that Smith spend the 2009 season with the Jets, working as a pass-rushing consultant under Rex Ryan.

10. Marshawn the mentor: Talented cornerback Marcus Peters, who was booted off the Washington team after a myriad of transgressions, grew up idolizing Seattle Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch. They're both from Oakland. Asked if Lynch has offered him any advice (it's hard to write that with a straight face), Peters said, "That’s personal. We keep things personal. That’s someone that has mentored me throughout my whole life. I look up to him a lot. He’s a great Oakland citizen but every conversation that has happened between us stays personal." Otherwise, he might get fined.

 

> http://espn.go.com/blog/new-york/jets/post/_/id/49436/nfl-scouting-combine-wrapup

[kelly]

If the Eagles keep wide receiver Jeremy Maclin and let the rest of their five key unrestricted free agents walk, it would be better than losing Maclin and keeping the rest.That might say as much about the rest of the free agents as it does Maclin. Still, the Eagles really can't allow Maciln to reach free agency let alone leave as a free agent.There are still just over two weeks before players can talk to other teams, which should be more than enough time for the Eagles brain trust to get a deal done with the one player they can't afford to lose.

 

There are enough holes for Chip Kelly and Co. to fill on the back seven of the defense, the offensive line, and dare we say quarterback, without adding wide receiver to the list.Lose Maclin and Jordan Matthews becomes the No. 1 threat. Riley Cooper is No. 2 and the still unproven Josh Huff is No. 3. At that point it might not matter who the quarterback is.Keep Maclin and Matthews could settle in as a very good No. 2. Cooper, despite the fact the fans don't like him, is a good No. 3 and Huff could work his way into that role over the course of a season.Plus a team can't let DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin both leave within a year's time. Unless that team is the Sixers and they given up on that whole winning thing.Maclin has made it clear he wants to stay. It's also become clear that Andy Reid and the Kansas City Chiefs are going to make a run at him if he hits the open market. His other home-town team, St. Louis, may do so as well.Chances are if he makes it to March 10, he won't be an Eagle, March 11.

 

Here's a look at the rest of the team's key unrestricted free agents.

 

Brandon Graham, DE/LB: If Graham can find a team willing to pay him the $30 million he reportedly wants, God bless him.Graham is not a star; he's not even a starter. In baseball, he's a fourth outfielder. In basketball, he's the first big man off the bench. In hockey, he's on the third line. Basically, he's a good backup. And they don't make $30 million.In his one start last year, against Washington, he struggled to the point that the following week Trent Cole, broken hand and all, was back in the starting lineup against the Giants.That should tell you more than you need to know.

 

 Mark Sanchez, QB When Rex Ryan got the Bills head coaching job, it was thought that Sanchez was ready to shuffle off to Buffalo.Hold your chicken wings.Buffalo's flirtation with Josh McCown may mean Ryan doesn't want to re-live the past. Other teams who may want Sanchez could include Houston and Tennessee — two teams he beat last year.But if he can't find a starting job, there would not be anything wrong in the Eagles bringing him back to be a backup. He may be the best in the league.

 

Casey Matthews, LB Matthews' problems with the Eagles began when Andy Reid and his clowns on the defensive coaching staff forced him to start in the middle as a rookie.Last year, forced to start inside when DeMeco Ryans went down for the season, Matthews played well, better than anyone probably expected. He's also good on special teams.Green Bay is looking for help on teams and depth at linebacker and Casey said last season he always wanted to play along side big brother, Clay.Hmm.

 

Nate Allen, S The only safety in the draft better than Allen is Alabama's Landon Collins. It's not a great group of free agents at the position, either. So bringing Allen back wouldn't be the worst move the Eagles could make.It might not matter, though, because the smart money says he goes to the Jets where there seems to be mutual admiration between Allen and new head coach Todd Bowles.

 

Bradley Fletcher, CB Eliot Shorr-Parks reported on NJ.com just after the season ended that the Eagles told Fletcher they wanted him back.If it's as a starter, there are problems. If it's as a backup, that's not so bad.Since he probably won't land a starting job anywhere else, because well, he's not really a starter, he may be back as a veteran backup.

 

> http://www.nj.com/eagles/index.ssf/2015/02/a_look_at_jeremy_maclin_and_the_eagles_other_free.html

[prime21]

The Jets are considered one of the "primary suitors" for free agent CB Byron Maxwell.

The New York Post's Brian Costello heard at the Combine the Jets and Eagles are "the two teams fighting for him." Antonio Cromartie also makes sense for the Jets given his familiarity with the organization, but that's only if they miss on Maxwell. New York could free up cap room for Maxwell by dropping underachieving wideout Percy Harvin.

 

I was hoping for Maxwell plus another CB even CRO.  Not sure what Cro's looking for financially.at 

[kelly]

In less than two weeks, the New York Jets are expected to pursue running back C.J. Spiller in free agency. In a way, Spiller already is pursuing them.

Spiller made it abundantly clear Tuesday that he's a Chan Gailey fan. Gailey, of course, is the Jets' new offensive coordinator, and he coached Spiller from 2010 to 2012 with the Buffalo Bills."His offense is going to be very creative," Spiller told Sirius XM NFL Radio. "He's going put his players in the best situations to win matchups. Just a humble guy. First class. Goes about his business the right way. He's going to treat his men like men."

With Chris Johnson gone and Bilal Powell poised to hit free agency, the Jets have a gaping hole at running back. They need a playmaker, someone who can thrive in space and complement Chris Ivory's downhill style. On paper, Spiller is the ideal fit. He racked up 1,703 rushing and receiving yards in 2012, averaging 6.8 yards per touch -- high for a running back.

Spiller sounded like he's up for a reunion with Gailey. Then again, we have to take everything with a grain of salt, knowing this is the time of year when guys are looking for jobs.

"Obviously, it will be different now, since he's just going to be the offensive coordinator," Spiller said. "He's going to have more time just to spend on the offense, compared to his time in Buffalo when he was the head coach and pretty much had the full plate. Now he's just going to be able to focus in on that offense, and do what he does well."

 

> http://espn.go.com/blog/new-york/jets/post/_/id/49444/free-agent-to-be-c-j-spiller-speaks-highly-of-chan-gailey

[kelly]

From the moment he was hired as general manager, Mike Maccagnan has been saying he plans to be "very active" in free agency. In terms of bold predictions, it's about as daring as forecasting the color of the red carpet at the Oscars.

By rule, the New York Jets must spend a lot of money. They have no choice. There's something called the "89-percent rule," which mandates that teams spend 89 percent of their salary-cap dollars over a four-year period -- 2013 to 2016.

As you might have guessed, the Jets have some serious catching up to do. According to the NFLPA, they spent only 81.16 percent the last two years, having doled out the following cash totals :

2013 : $101,549,147

2014 : $106,230,662

Last year's cap was $133 million. This year's cap is expected to be $143 million or slightly higher. Next year it will increase again. So, according to the NFLPA, the Jets have to spend an average of about $141 million over the next two seasons to be in compliance with the 89-percent rule.

Right now, they have a cash payroll of $84.1 million for 2015, according to overthecap.com.

So get the checkbook ready, Woody.

What happens if they fail to reach the plateau ?

The team isn't fined and it doesn't get penalized a draft pick. The shortfall is allocated to players who were on the roster from 2013 to 2016. In other words, the NFLPA will spread it around as it sees fit.

 

> http://espn.go.com/blog/new-york/jets/post/_/id/49456/a-look-at-how-much-money-the-jets-must-spend-and-why

[kelly]

NFL Free Agency 2015 : 13 players the Jets should target

 

With the NFL Scouting Combine in the books, the professional football worlds turns its focus to that three-ring circus known as free agency.It officially begins in exactly two weeks. On March 10 at 4 p.m., the 2015 NFL league year starts, and so does the free agency period.From March 7-10, teams can negotiate with the agents of pending unrestricted free agents. However, a contract cannot be executed with a new club until 4 p.m. on March 10.

 

The Jets have plenty of needs they could address in free agency: quarterback, running back, wide receiver, offensive guard, cornerback, safety and outside linebacker/edge pass rusher. They might need a new middle linebacker if their top in-house unrestricted free agent, David Harris, signs elsewhere.The Jets' new general manager, Mike Maccagnan, has promised that they will be "very active" in free agency -- unlike last year under John Idzik.In terms of his specific approach to free agency, Maccagnan recently said this: "Our goal is to ideally fill some of our needs via free agency, which will allow us to be a little more flexible in the draft, in terms of looking for the best player available. Building through the draft is ideally what I'd like to do."

 

Idzik's conservative approach left Maccagnan with plenty of money to spend in free agency. The Jets are projected to have the NFL's fourth-most salary cap space when the 2015 league year begins -- $51.198 million, according to a projection by overthecap.com that assumes a $143 million per-team cap. The official cap will be announced any day now.Plus, the Jets' $51.198 million in cap space will grow by $10.5 million if they cut wide receiver Percy Harvin. That's how much he is due to earn next season, in non-guaranteed salary. The Jets are still evaluating what to do with Harvin. They have a little less than a month to decide.

 

So, which players should the Jets target in free agency, as they try to break through in Year 1 under head coach Todd Bowles and make the playoffs for the first time since 2010 ? Scroll through the photo gallery at the top of this post for some thoughts on 13 pending free agents the Jets ought to focus on. This isn't meant as a definitive list of all the free agents the Jets will pursue. It's just some suggestions for players worth looking into.

 

> http://www.nj.com/jets/index.ssf/2015/02/nfl_free_agency_2015_10_players_the_jets_should_ta.html