2016 Jets Off Season - Turn On The Jets Article

[JetBlue]

After an infuriating day of AFC Wild Card football, let’s suck it up and look forward to the New York Jets 2016 off-season with our first of many 12 Packs…

 

1. The Quarterback – Ryan Fitzpatrick is generally overrated by most Jets fans because of the recent state of the team’s quarterback position. The record breaking performance from 2015 is more of a statement of the Jets history rather than Fitzpatrick’s talent. He was the best version of himself possible last year but still very much Ryan Fitzpatrick. All of that being said, it is logical for both sides that he returns next year and that is exactly what you should expect to happen. You don’t move on from Fitzpatrick, who has won the team over, unless you have a strong contingency plan. There isn’t a good one available this off-season. You bring Fitzpatrick back and hope he replicates last season while continuing to add to the cast around him. The way he ended the season has given the Jets a chance to get him back at a reasonable rate. He is probably looking at 7-9 million per year over two years, with most of the guaranteed money in year one.

Beyond Fitzpatrick, the current staff would likely be content running back the same depth chart unless they can get a quarterback they feel strongly about in their crosshairs in round one or two. Is that guy Carson Wentz? It is too early to tell but the Jets finding a way to maneuver pick 20 or their second round pick into a quarterback would not be shocking. They like Bryce Petty as a development option but are not going to put all their eggs in the basket of a 4th rounder becoming a starter anytime soon. The staff also would not have a problem bringing Geno Smith back as the #2, as they like his physical tools and how he handled himself this season after what happened in August. They aren’t in a rush to dump him, although it could happen if the draft leads them to an early round quarterback.

2. Take Care Of Your Own – Outside of Fitzpatrick, the organization wants to build a culture where their own talent is taken care of. It was a huge priority to bring David Harris back last off-season, not just from an on-field perspective but from a putting their foot down and not letting another division rival (Buffalo, in this case) take a long term leader and cornerstone of the team. This year, the focus will be on how to handle Muhammad Wilkerson, Damon Harrison and Bilal Powell.

The process of negotiating with Wilkerson has not been easy but the team still is holding out hope. If something can’t be figured out, he will be franchised and they will be open minded to trade offers as they try to replenish their stockpile of picks (they only have six this season after taking six players last season). Harrison is a two down player but Todd Bowles is bullish on his value and nose tackles don’t eat up much salary. At running back, Powell is more than likely to be prioritized than Chris Ivory and Stevan Ridley. He will come at a low cost and if healthy, is an ideal fit for Chan Gailey’s offense. It feels like the team is ready to move on from Ivory, especially with how his price tag will fluctuate after going over 1,000 yards this season.

3. The Inside – Everybody knows the Jets need more speed and athleticism at both linebacker positions. The Jets will likely poke around inside linebackers in free agency but it would not be surprising if they brought Erin Henderson back on a cheap, one year deal and drafted somebody to play behind him and David Harris in the middle rounds, similar to how they brought along Lorenzo Mauldin at outside linebacker this year. Demario Davis is going to be allowed to walk. At edge, the team will be counting on Mauldin becoming a full time player while also prioritizing finding a counterpart for him.

4. The Come Up – The Jets will be looking for an improvement on offense to come from the continued growth of Quincy Enunwa and Devin Smith, when he returns from injury. Enunwa, in particular has the potential to be a consistent difference maker with further refinement to his game. He plays a unique position in the offense but should develop into their third option behind Brandon Marshall and Eric Decker when throwing the ball.

5. Tight End – I wouldn’t look for a major investment from the Jets at tight end. When Jeff Cumberland and Kellen Davis go on their merry way, the team will basically be looking to fill 20-30 snaps per game at the Y position, which could be a hybrid of Jace Amaro, Wes Saxton and Zach Sudfeld. Amaro is the most talented but will need to show he can block in-line to find a consistent role. The Jets will also still use him at H but his opportunities will be limited due to the strides Enunwa made this season.

6. The Protection – The Jets and D’Brickashaw Fergsuon will likely figure something out to keep him around for another year or two at a lower cap hit, while also moving on from Breno Giacomini at right tackle. This off-season should see a heavy investment on tackle, both in terms of finding a new starter and building long term depth. Outside of Ferguson, expect the entire depth chart to look different in 2016. Keep an eye on Andre Smith of the Cincinnati Bengals as a free agent.

It would not be shocking if the Jets had Brian Winters open camp as a starter at guard, while hoping that second year player Jarvis Harrison can push him for playing time.

7. The Secondary – Unless Antonio Cromartie is ready to take a big pay cut and be open to potentially not starting, he will not be back. The staff loves Marcus Williams and is anxious to find ways to get him on the field more consistently. There is no financial benefit to moving on from Dee Milliner but he will be buried on the depth chart to start camp, as Dexter McDougle was able to show more than him to the new regime in 2015.

The Jets are still intrigued by Antonio Allen as a depth player but the top three safeties next year should remain Calvin Pryor, Marcus Gilchrist and Rontez Miles.

8. Clean Slate – Outside of Nick Folk, expect a full house clean for the Jets on specials next year: new punter, new punt returner, new kick returner. He may be too rich for them in free agency but Travis Benjamin of Cleveland could be an intriguing name to watch.

9. Running Back – He is enticing but I’d be surprised if the Jets left the NFL Draft with Ezekiel Elliot. A late round pick and a free agent signing (Lamar Miller in a perfect world) are likely to complement Bilal Powell to round out the depth chart.

10. Restructure – Keep an eye on some potential reshuffling of Brandon Marshall’s deal to free up a little cap space this season. The team won’t be hesitant to move some of his money into next year after he performed and stayed healthy in 2015.

11. Calm Down – About the Jets schedule. It is impossible to project who will be what so far in advance. At this time last year the Colts, Giants, Cowboys and Dolphins looked like difficult 2015 match-ups.

12. Next Step – Beyond outside additions the Jets will be counting on the following players to take the next step to flesh out their supporting cast: Quincy Enunwa, Lorenzo Mauldin, Leonard Williams, Marcus Williams and to a lesser extent Devin Smith (due to injury), Jarvis Harrison, Dexter McDougle and Rontez Miles.

–

http://turnonthejets.com/2016/01/turn-on-the-jets-12-pack-welcome-to-the-2016-new-york-jets-off-season/#more-30438

 

 

[Matt39]

That's some hard hitting analysis.

[faba]

That is a good solid write up

[#27TheDominator]

People are way overvaluing Marcus Williams, Quincy Enunwa and probably Bilal Powell.  They are all okay players, but they are not the kind of guys that you get complacent with and hand starting jobs.

[NJ]

People are way overvaluing Marcus Williams, 

Yeah they are.

And given that Cromartie can't cover here or on any other team he might go to, along with the fact that # 24 is turning into a maybe avg corner - this position will hurt us if not addressed.

[Jetsfan80]

6. The Protection – The Jets and D’Brickashaw Fergsuon will likely figure something out to keep him around for another year or two at a lower cap hit, while also moving on from Breno Giacomini at right tackle. This off-season should see a heavy investment on tackle, both in terms of finding a new starter and building long term depth. Outside of Ferguson, expect the entire depth chart to look different in 2016. Keep an eye on Andre Smith of the Cincinnati Bengals as a free agent.

It would not be shocking if the Jets had Brian Winters open camp as a starter at guard, while hoping that second year player Jarvis Harrison can push him for playing time.

 

10. Restructure – Keep an eye on some potential reshuffling of Brandon Marshall’s deal to free up a little cap space this season. The team won’t be hesitant to move some of his money into next year after he performed and stayed healthy in 2015.

 

 

These were 2 items I found most useful.  My hope was that the Jets would try to upgrade at RT, but if true, I wasn't aware that the Jets were actively looking to move on from Breno.  That's good news considering how disappointing Breno was, for the most part, on run plays off right tackle after having been labeled as a good run blocker in a zone blocking scheme.  There are some decent RT names out there in both free agency (in addition to Andre Smith, I like Bobby Massie from Arizona) and the draft. 

As for Marshall, I also hadn't thought about Marshall as another player whose deal we can re-work.  A sizable chunk of his $9.5M cap hit next year could definitely be moved to 2017, or beyond if they wish to extend his deal.  Let's hope he agrees to that along with Brick.

[Ex-Rex]

I think the Jets should draft a stud o-lineman, then go after depth at RB, LB, and CB in FA and draft. The Jets finally found a capable QB in Fitzpatrick, but I wouldn't count on him having another season like this where he surpassed all his career high's. The Jets are paying the price for devaluing the QB position under Tanny/Idzik/Rex as they have passed on since 1997 a cast of HOF QB's and other very good ones. Peyton Manning, Tom Brady, Ben Roethlisberger, Drew Brees, Joe Flacco and Russell Wilson were all available when the Jets selected in their respective drafts. All the Jets got was Vinnie Testaverde, Chad Pennington, 2/3 of a year of Brett Favre and assorted nothings (Sanchez, Smith). I am sure Maccagnan realizes the importance of a franchise QB and will continue the search. Not taking anything for granted with Bryce Petty.

[#27TheDominator]

 

These were 2 items I found most useful.  My hope was that the Jets would try to upgrade at RT, but if true, I wasn't aware that the Jets were actively looking to move on from Breno.  That's good news considering how disappointing Breno was, for the most part, on run plays off right tackle after having been labeled as a good run blocker in a zone blocking scheme.  There are some decent RT names out there in both free agency (in addition to Andre Smith, I like Bobby Massie from Arizona) and the draft. 

As for Marshall, I also hadn't thought about Marshall as another player whose deal we can re-work.  A sizable chunk of his $9.5M cap hit next year could definitely be moved to 2017, or beyond if they wish to extend his deal.  Let's hope he agrees to that along with Brick.

We were talking about getting out from under Breno's contract his offseason during 2014.  He would save close to $4M and nobody has been that in love with him.  I'm sure they could go either way.  I am a little concerned with re-working Marshall's deal.  He is coming off a great season and we are not going to get a bargain.  Right now they can cut him any time without an issue, but if they give him money for 2018 they will certainly have to guarantee something.  His $9.5M is a lock for 2016, I guess they could move some of that to 2017 and guarantee it, but I see him as a dangerous guy to lock up. 

[shuler82]

There are going to be a lot of moving pieces this off season. As Jets fans, the spring is never dull.

A few predictions -

1. The Jets slap the tag on Mo and trade him. I'm going to hate to see him go, but while it's debatable whether he's worth the contract he will get, the Jets cannot afford that contract.

2. Fitz is brought back on a two year deal at $6M a year. Fitz likes it here and knows it's his best chance of success. The rest of the league knows Fitz resume and will not blow him out of the water with a big deal.

3. One of the Jets current OTs will be released after the Jets draft an OT early. Mediocre OT play isn't worth the combined $19M cap hit. My $$$ is on Breno. D'Brick looks like a sure cap casuality in 2017 if he survives this off season.

4. Harrison, Powell, and Henderson are brought back. . Colon, Ivory, Ridley,and Davis are not.

5. Cro isn't back here on his current deal. Does the coaching staff like him enough to bring him back at a reduced cost? Would Cro come crawling back? I don't know. 

6.Kerley and Cumberland are obvious cuts. Both players can be replaced with vet min guys.

7. A lot of holes to fill - RB, OLB, OG/OT, ILB, P. I except Mac to get a few picks for Mo, and to attempt to trade back to accumulate additional picks. Last year was a transitional year with a lot of one year deals handed out. I expect Mac to really begin putting his fingerprints on the roster this off season.

[NJ]

 

5. Cro isn't back here on his current deal. Does the coaching staff like him enough to bring him back at a reduced cost? Would Cro come crawling back? I don't know. 

 

Who the F wants him - he's a liability