~ ~ Top 20 unrestricted free agents for 2016 ~ ~ ~

[kelly]

Free agent lists in January are teases. Fans see the big names and dream of offseason purchases their favorite team should acquire. In reality, most of the names on our top-20 free agent list below won't become available.From now until March, teams will begin to re-sign the players they truly want to keep. If a long-term deal can't get done, the franchise tag will be used. Green Bay's four-year, $42 million deal for Mike Daniels was a great example of this trend. He would have been a top-10 player on our list.

With the salary cap expected to soar this offseason, we suspect that deal will wind up looking like an absolute bargain.Without further adieu, the list below is our early rough list of the top-20 unrestricted free agents set to hit the market. We will expand our free agency coverage dramatically in the coming month, with our annual Top 101 list coming out in February.

Top 20 2016 Unrestricted free agents

1. Von Miller, Denver Broncos linebacker: Miller has been one of the best overall defensive players in the league since he was drafted. He's as strong stopping the run as he is coming off the edge. There's no way the Broncos will let him hit the market.

2. Josh Norman, Carolina Panthers cornerback: There's nothing like having your breakout season in a contract year. Norman has been the best cornerback in football this year and is a legitimate Defensive Player of the Year candidate. He's not going anywhere.

3. Muhammad Wilkerson, New York Jets defensive end: Sheldon Richardson and Leonard Williams were splashy draft pick additions, but Wilkerson is still the best defensive lineman on the Jets. New York has played hardball in negotiations thus far with Wilkerson, but the franchise tag has to be an option here.

4. Alshon Jeffery, Chicago Bears wide receiver: He might not be the most refined receiver in the league, but few are better at catching deep balls. He's fourth in the league in receiving yards-per-game and topped 1,400 yards in 2013.

5. Cordy Glenn, Buffalo Bills offensive tackle: True franchise left tackles are awfully hard to find. That's why he's a strong candidate for the franchise tag.

6. Jason Pierre-Paul, New York Giants defensive end: He's still disruptive despite playing with a club over his injured hand. There has to be a chance JPP will only get better as he learns how best to play with his disadvantage, and the ceiling here is tremendous. Still, he has struggled to wrap up opposing running backs. Can he finish plays?

7. Eric Berry, Kansas City Chiefs safety: Berry has come back from his cancer scare better than ever. Strong safety play is hard to find and Berry has the versatility teams are looking for.

8. Malik Jackson, Broncos defensive tackle: Like Norman, he's having a career year in a contract season. It's hard to find interior pass rushers like Jackson just entering his prime.

9. Olivier Vernon, Dolphins defensive end: The other Dolphins pass rusher opposite Cameron Wake has dialed up a lot of pressure over the last three years, even if he doesn't always finish the play with a sack. He's clearly an above average pass rush starter, which is going to make him a very rich man. Expectations are he'll leave Miami, who can only afford to pay so much on their defensive line. 

10. Doug Martin, Buccaneers running back: He won't make the same money as the guys listed above (and below) him here because of the position he plays, but no one has helped their value more this season. Martin has gone from an afterthought to the No. 2 rusher in the NFL.

11. Bruce Irvin, Seattle Seahawks linebacker: He isn't a defense-changing talent, but he's also better than you think. Irvin is a quality versatile starter.

12. Russell Okung, Seahawks tackle: Even if Okung is only an average starter, he's going to get paid in this market. If he makes it there.

13. Eric Weddle, San Diego Chargers safety: Weddle has a skill set that tons of teams are looking for to shore up the back end of their defenses. His age (30) works against him, but few safeties have been better over the last five years.

14. Sam Bradford, Philadelphia Eagles quarterback: This season has not helped Bradford's value, yet there would be no shortage of teams willing to give Bradford a try if the Eagles don't want to re-sign him.

15. Kirk Cousins, Washington Redskins quarterback: Replacement level starting quarterbacks are worth plenty, and that appears to be Cousins' floor. At worst, he's a poor man's Andy Dalton with room to improve over time. He has more value to the Redskins than anyone else.

16. Matt Forte, Bears running back: One of the league's most complete backs has not shown many signs of age yet. Perhaps he should be paired with another quality option, but there's no doubt he could upgrade many backfields.

17. Andre Smith, Cincinnati Bengals right tackle: How will Smith react to getting paid big bucks (again)? While his career has included some ups and downs, Smith has often been a top-shelf starter.

18. Danny Trevathan, Broncos linebacker: Trevathan is a three-down linebacker entering his prime that can hold up in pass coverage. We're big fans of his skill set and he's just the type of above-average starter that gets paid like a superstar in free agency.

19. Janoris Jenkins, St. Louis Rams cornerback: He's steadily improved each season in the league and now is a playmaking starter.

20. Brock Osweiler, Broncos quarterback: It's hard to imagine John Elway letting his promising young starter hit the market, although this will be a tricky contract to pull off.

Just missed: Derrick Johnson, Chris Ivory, Kelvin Beachum, Ryan Fitzpatrick, Haloti Ngata, Lamar Miller, Prince Amukamara, Anquan Boldin.

>     http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000602379/article/top-20-unrestricted-free-agents-for-2016

[kelly]

Danny Trevathan or bruce irvin.. 

[Savage69]

MUHAMMAD WILKERSON is going to get paid. There’s no denying that. Fractured leg or not, the impending free-agent defensive end is due for quite the raise before the start of the 2016 season.

Should the Jets be the ones to pay him? Well, that question just isn’t one very easily answered.

In a perfect world, New York would ink Wilkerson, who’s just 26, to a nice five- or six-year extension to keep the Pro Bowler in green for the foreseeable future. After all, Wilkerson is one of the game’s best 3-4 defensive linemen. He has the size and strength to be a force against the run, but is quick and agile enough to rush the passer. All of that was on display throughout the course of this season.

In his contract year, Wilkerson put together a career year in 2015. The 2011 first-round pick recorded 64 tackles tackles, two forced fumbles and set career marks in sacks (12) and passes defensed (7). The only 3-4 defensive end to record more sacks was Houston Texans all-pro J.J. Watt.

It’s not like the Jets don’t want Wilkerson back, in fact, prior to the season, the team made a decent effort to extend him. Just no deal was ever agreed on. After being hired last January, Maccagnan made it known it was a priority for New York to get something done with Wilkerson. The issue was simply that neither side could agree on a financial number.

RELATED:

How can the Jets create more cap space?

The Jets wanted to give Wilkerson a raise, but not nearly to the amount the defensive end was looking for. According to multiple reports, Wilkerson wanted a contract similar to Watt’s six-year, $100-million extension he signed two years ago.

The deadline to get a deal done with Wilkerson was continually pushed back. Instead of holding out until the Jets showed more money, Wilkerson elected to play. He bet on himself, and that bet paid off.

So, with the deadline to extend Wilkerson fast approaching, what do the Jets do? Well, there are a few options.

The team can simply let him walk for free as an unrestricted free agent. They can cave and give Wilkerson the $15 million a year it will cost to bring him back. They can franchise tag him, a move that will have Wilkerson play on a one-year deal that pays him the averaged amount of the top five at his position (will be roughly $15 million).

Or, they can do the most logical thing. The Jets can franchise tag Wilkerson, place him on the trade block and ship him off to the highest bidder.

If the Jets choose to part with Muhammad Wilkerson, the money saved can be used on other free agents, like Damon Harrison

See, here’s the thing: While Wilkerson is arguably the Jets most talented defensive player, the team really doesn’t need him. With Leonard Williams and Sheldon Richardson already under contract, if Wilkerson were to be extended, the Jets would have, as they did this year, three 3-4 defensive ends. While yes, all three players would start for any other team that runs a 3-4 defense, getting them all on the field at the same time is a bit of a challenge.

The Jets messed around with it a bunch this year. The team tried a 4-3 front that had Williams, Wilkerson, Richardson and Damon Harrison all with their hands in the dirt. That just didn’t work. Then, the team went back to a 3-4, and put Richardson as a pass-rushing outside linebacker. It wasn’t unsuccessful, and Richardson wasn’t horrible, but he wasn’t the same difference maker as he’d been as a defensive end.

If the Jets were to bring Wilkerson back, they’d in a way be making their defense stagnant, or no better than they were a year ago. In fact, with Harrison scheduled to be a free agent as well, Wilkerson’s return will all but assure Harrsion’s departure.

But that $15 million Wilkerson would command? It can easily be spread out to improve the team, along with whatever draft compensation New York gets back in return.

Here’s a hypothetical situation: Say the Jets agree to trade Wilkerson to, again, hypothetical speaking, the Indianapolis Colts. In exchange, the Jets get the No. 18 pick in the NFL Draft.

That $15 million can be spread out in free agency. Some of it can be used to retain New York’s own, like Harrison, Chris Ivory or Bilal Powell. Believe it or not, for $15 million, all three could be brought back and enough would be left over to bring in a pass-rushing outside linebacker in free agency (RE Bruce Irvin).

That first-round pick? It can be used on an offensive guard/offensive tackle combo player. One that can slide in at right guard for the Jets, or replace right tackle Breno Giacomini if the team decides to part ways with him. Maybe that first-round pick, along with the Jets own first-round pick, is packaged together to move up in the draft to select a true difference maker.

If all parties stay healthy, the Jets, theoretically, could get better by letting their best defensive player go.

The money can go to a pass-rushing outside linebacker to pair with Lorenzo Mauldin, Leonard Williams and Sheldon Richardson can both play their natural positions, Harrison can return to the defense as one of the game’s best nose tackles.

The math makes sense. Wilkerson in another uniform could actually help those wearing green next year.

[Raideraholic]

MUHAMMAD WILKERSON is going to get paid. There’s no denying that. Fractured leg or not, the impending free-agent defensive end is due for quite the raise before the start of the 2016 season.

Should the Jets be the ones to pay him? Well, that question just isn’t one very easily answered.

In a perfect world, New York would ink Wilkerson, who’s just 26, to a nice five- or six-year extension to keep the Pro Bowler in green for the foreseeable future. After all, Wilkerson is one of the game’s best 3-4 defensive linemen. He has the size and strength to be a force against the run, but is quick and agile enough to rush the passer. All of that was on display throughout the course of this season.

In his contract year, Wilkerson put together a career year in 2015. The 2011 first-round pick recorded 64 tackles tackles, two forced fumbles and set career marks in sacks (12) and passes defensed (7). The only 3-4 defensive end to record more sacks was Houston Texans all-pro J.J. Watt.

It’s not like the Jets don’t want Wilkerson back, in fact, prior to the season, the team made a decent effort to extend him. Just no deal was ever agreed on. After being hired last January, Maccagnan made it known it was a priority for New York to get something done with Wilkerson. The issue was simply that neither side could agree on a financial number.

RELATED:

How can the Jets create more cap space?

The Jets wanted to give Wilkerson a raise, but not nearly to the amount the defensive end was looking for. According to multiple reports, Wilkerson wanted a contract similar to Watt’s six-year, $100-million extension he signed two years ago.

The deadline to get a deal done with Wilkerson was continually pushed back. Instead of holding out until the Jets showed more money, Wilkerson elected to play. He bet on himself, and that bet paid off.

So, with the deadline to extend Wilkerson fast approaching, what do the Jets do? Well, there are a few options.

The team can simply let him walk for free as an unrestricted free agent. They can cave and give Wilkerson the $15 million a year it will cost to bring him back. They can franchise tag him, a move that will have Wilkerson play on a one-year deal that pays him the averaged amount of the top five at his position (will be roughly $15 million).

Or, they can do the most logical thing. The Jets can franchise tag Wilkerson, place him on the trade block and ship him off to the highest bidder.

If the Jets choose to part with Muhammad Wilkerson, the money saved can be used on other free agents, like Damon Harrison

See, here’s the thing: While Wilkerson is arguably the Jets most talented defensive player, the team really doesn’t need him. With Leonard Williams and Sheldon Richardson already under contract, if Wilkerson were to be extended, the Jets would have, as they did this year, three 3-4 defensive ends. While yes, all three players would start for any other team that runs a 3-4 defense, getting them all on the field at the same time is a bit of a challenge.

The Jets messed around with it a bunch this year. The team tried a 4-3 front that had Williams, Wilkerson, Richardson and Damon Harrison all with their hands in the dirt. That just didn’t work. Then, the team went back to a 3-4, and put Richardson as a pass-rushing outside linebacker. It wasn’t unsuccessful, and Richardson wasn’t horrible, but he wasn’t the same difference maker as he’d been as a defensive end.

If the Jets were to bring Wilkerson back, they’d in a way be making their defense stagnant, or no better than they were a year ago. In fact, with Harrison scheduled to be a free agent as well, Wilkerson’s return will all but assure Harrsion’s departure.

But that $15 million Wilkerson would command? It can easily be spread out to improve the team, along with whatever draft compensation New York gets back in return.

Here’s a hypothetical situation: Say the Jets agree to trade Wilkerson to, again, hypothetical speaking, the Indianapolis Colts. In exchange, the Jets get the No. 18 pick in the NFL Draft.

That $15 million can be spread out in free agency. Some of it can be used to retain New York’s own, like Harrison, Chris Ivory or Bilal Powell. Believe it or not, for $15 million, all three could be brought back and enough would be left over to bring in a pass-rushing outside linebacker in free agency (RE Bruce Irvin).

That first-round pick? It can be used on an offensive guard/offensive tackle combo player. One that can slide in at right guard for the Jets, or replace right tackle Breno Giacomini if the team decides to part ways with him. Maybe that first-round pick, along with the Jets own first-round pick, is packaged together to move up in the draft to select a true difference maker.

If all parties stay healthy, the Jets, theoretically, could get better by letting their best defensive player go.

The money can go to a pass-rushing outside linebacker to pair with Lorenzo Mauldin, Leonard Williams and Sheldon Richardson can both play their natural positions, Harrison can return to the defense as one of the game’s best nose tackles.

The math makes sense. Wilkerson in another uniform could actually help those wearing green next year.

Tell me what do the Jets do if they can't move Muhammad Wilkerson in a trade.  He signs that tender they can still trade him , but they are on the books for 16 million dollars .      D Harrison will be already gone , as the Jets can tag only one player.

 

m Wilkerson asking  price just went up after having 12 sacks, and his first pro bowl. Not to mention N Suh situation(Dolphins probably have regrets giving him that much ) Might effect the Jet's ability to trade Wilkerson.( teams would be giving up a lot more than the Dolphins did- Picks + plus Suh type of money)

m Wilkerson( assuming they can't find someone willing to trade for him) that 16 million dollars eating up their cap space.  How do they sign their own free agents, and up grade the other holes they have.

The Jets should have done something with Muhammad Wilkerson last year when they had so much money to play with in free agency.   ( either signed him long term or traded him).   That was The Jets GM  first mistake as a Gm.

Playing that game now when you have little cap space is a dangerous game.( Teams aren't stupid- they can out wait the Jets).    Let's see how your Gm recovers from this.

[Patriot Killa]

Tell me what do the Jets do if they can't move Muhammad Wilkerson in a trade.  He signs that tender they can still trade him , but they are on the books for 16 million dollars .      D Harrison will be already gone , as the Jets can tag only one player.

 

m Wilkerson asking  price just went up after having 12 sacks, and his first pro bowl. Not to mention N Suh situation(Dolphins probably have regrets giving him that much ) Might effect the Jet's ability to trade Wilkerson.( teams would be giving up a lot more than the Dolphins did- Picks + plus Suh type of money)

m Wilkerson( assuming they can't find someone willing to trade for him) that 16 million dollars eating up their cap space.  How do they sign their own free agents, and up grade the other holes they have.

The Jets should have done something with Muhammad Wilkerson last year when they had so much money to play with in free agency.   ( either signed him long term or traded him).   That was The Jets GM  first mistake as a Gm.

Playing that game now when you have little cap space is a dangerous game.( Teams aren't stupid- they can out wait the Jets).    Let's see how your Gm recovers from this.

he had 12 sacks... that's production for us. How was it a mistake to keep him?

[varjet]

The Jets are better managed than they have been, but the number of free agents they currently have, and who they are, is a bit frustrating given the money they handed out last year.    The money spent on Harvin and Cromartie could have been spent on Wilkerson or even Ivory.

[Raideraholic]

he had 12 sacks... that's production for us. How was it a mistake to keep him?

Yes that 12 sacks is production, but his asking price just went up also.( he bet on himself and won)    If M Wilkerson had a bad year, you might have been able to keep him at more reasonable contract.  

 

The Jets had to make a decision last year( when they had the cap space) to either trade him or sign him to a long term contract.( they elected to take care of other team free agents first, and push this decision down the road)

Now with limited cap space they can't afford to franchise tag him, and not be able to trade him.( the damage to the other positions will be too great).     

You think every team doesn't know the Jets intentions with Muhammad Wilkerson( tag and trade) . Every team knows where the Jets stand cap wise.  That isn't dealing from strength.    Jets had last year cap space, they easily could fit 16 million , and play their hand.

The Dolphins mistake signing N Suh( just ridiculous money) isn't going to have an effect on Jets ability to trade M Wilkerson.( a team has to pay him Suh, money and draft pick to boot.) teams have to be leery of making that mistake themselves.

Lets see what happens with Wilkerson, but it's not out of the realm of possibility they don't tag him.( to lose your best player under those circumstances is inexcusable).

[Patriot Killa]

Yes that 12 sacks is production, but his asking price just went up also.( he bet on himself and won)    If M Wilkerson had a bad year, you might have been able to keep him at more reasonable contract.  

 

The Jets had to make a decision last year( when they had the cap space) to either trade him or sign him to a long term contract.( they elected to take care of other team free agents first, and push this decision down the road)

Now with limited cap space they can't afford to franchise tag him, and not be able to trade him.( the damage to the other positions will be too great).     

You think every team doesn't know the Jets intentions with Muhammad Wilkerson( tag and trade) . Every team knows where the Jets stand cap wise.  That isn't dealing from strength.    Jets had last year cap space, they easily could fit 16 million , and play their hand.

The Dolphins mistake signing N Suh( just ridiculous money) isn't going to have an effect on Jets ability to trade M Wilkerson.( a team has to pay him Suh, money and draft pick to boot.) teams have to be leery of making that mistake themselves.

Lets see what happens with Wilkerson, but it's not out of the realm of possibility they don't tag him.( to lose your best player under those circumstances is inexcusable).

we are playing to strength. This guy named Leonard Williams fell in our lap last year.

[bitonti]

my problem with trading Wilkerson for draft picks and cap space is that in the NFL quality is usually better than quantity.  He's a known commodity. Tag him and play him or just pay this man his money. Signing Ivory, Snacks etc is a bunch of complementary players but they aren't Mo Wilkerson. 

[Raideraholic]

we are playing to strength. This guy named Leonard Williams fell in our lap last year.

Yes when you drafted Leonard Williams you were probably saying goodbye to Muhammad Wilkerson.( you have him at fraction of the cost it would to sign Wilkerson. Defense line would still be a strength.

The question do the Jets try and roll the dice by tagging him, and than trying to trade him.  There is no guarantee someone going to be willing to trade for him at that price money and draft picks,(franchise Qb yes- Defenseline not necessarily).

Jet franchise tag him , M Wilkerson signs his tender, and nobody wants to trade for him at those prices= Jets are stuck paying him 16 million.( severly limited how many of their own free agents they can bring back, and outside fa they can go after.

Again Jmo there is a chance the Jets don't tag Wilkerson, and sign Snacks .    

[Savage69]

Yes when you drafted Leonard Williams you were probably saying goodbye to Muhammad Wilkerson.( you have him at fraction of the cost it would to sign Wilkerson. Defense line would still be a strength.

The question do the Jets try and roll the dice by tagging him, and than trying to trade him.  There is no guarantee someone going to be willing to trade for him at that price money and draft picks,(franchise Qb yes- Defenseline not necessarily).

Jet franchise tag him , M Wilkerson signs his tender, and nobody wants to trade for him at those prices= Jets are stuck paying him 16 million.( severly limited how many of their own free agents they can bring back, and outside fa they can go after.

Again Jmo there is a chance the Jets don't tag Wilkerson, and sign Snacks .    

Maybe they tell his agent to shop him to see what the market is??

[Larz]

lets pay snacks instead, lol

[JohnnyLV]

my problem with trading Wilkerson for draft picks and cap space is that in the NFL quality is usually better than quantity.  He's a known commodity. Tag him and play him or just pay this man his money. Signing Ivory, Snacks etc is a bunch of complementary players but they aren't Mo Wilkerson. 

Disagree completely. Paying Wilkerson is idiotic for this Jets team, Snacks an $9 million is worth 10X what Wilkerson is worth alone.

[JohnnyLV]

Yes when you drafted Leonard Williams you were probably saying goodbye to Muhammad Wilkerson.( you have him at fraction of the cost it would to sign Wilkerson. Defense line would still be a strength.

The question do the Jets try and roll the dice by tagging him, and than trying to trade him.  There is no guarantee someone going to be willing to trade for him at that price money and draft picks,(franchise Qb yes- Defenseline not necessarily).

Jet franchise tag him , M Wilkerson signs his tender, and nobody wants to trade for him at those prices= Jets are stuck paying him 16 million.( severly limited how many of their own free agents they can bring back, and outside fa they can go after.

Again Jmo there is a chance the Jets don't tag Wilkerson, and sign Snacks .    

Tag amount has nothing to do with what a team pays him of they trade for him

[Shadetree]

The Jets have had a sub par pass rush for a few years now. Now we're discussing getting rid of the guy that had 12 sacks?

Ya gotta sign Mo. The Jets inability to rush the passer is the reason they are not a playoff team, IMO.  Ya gotta sign Mo.

Also, not signing Mo kinda means the team is putting their trust in that ass-hat, Richardson. I hope the team does not put their trust in him. 

Make the defense stronger by signing MO and signing a pass rushing OLB. This defense needs to get better and better if we want to tackle our hellacious schedule next year. 

Sign Mo....and then sign MORE defense!! 

 

[neckdemon]

The Jets have had a sub par pass rush for a few years now. Now we're discussing getting rid of the guy that had 12 sacks?

Ya gotta sign Mo. The Jets inability to rush the passer is the reason they are not a playoff team, IMO.  Ya gotta sign Mo.

Also, not signing Mo kinda means the team is putting their trust in that ass-hat, Richardson. I hope the team does not put their trust in him. 

Make the defense stronger by signing MO and signing a pass rushing OLB. This defense needs to get better and better if we want to tackle our hellacious schedule next year. 

Sign Mo....and then sign MORE defense!! 

 

it's because we need linebackers. 

[kelly]

With each passing week of the NFL playoffs, more and more teams' seasons come to an end. On Sunday, Seattle's season concluded in Carolina, so the Seahawks won't play in the Super Bowl for the third straight year. 

As they enter the offseason, one of their biggest questions involves Bruce Irvin, an outside linebacker in their 4-3 defense. He is a pending free agent, because Seattle last offseason declined to pick up the fifth-year option in his rookie contract.The Jets just so happen to have a major need at outside linebacker/edge rusher. Even though coach Todd Bowles' base defense is a 3-4 scheme, Irvin could be a fit, with his 22 career sacks. But it's not clear if Irvin will even hit free agency. If he does, would the Jets be able to sign him, presuming they want to? (More on those uncertainties in a bit.) 

You'll remember Irvin from the 2012 NFL Draft. Seattle picked him 15th overall, one spot ahead of where the Jets drafted Quinton Coples, a defensive end whom they converted to a rush outside linebacker — with little success.The Jets cut Coples during the 2015 season. Their strong-side linebacker, Calvin Pace, is a 35-year-old pending free agent. And their weak-side inside linebacker, Demario Davis, is a pending free agent who underwhelmed in 2015. So the Jets might just let him walk in free agency. 

You can see why the Jets could be interested in Irvin if he becomes available. But will he  ? 

Irvin told reporters in Seattle on Monday that he'd be open to taking a hometown discount on his next contract, to stay in Seattle. Irvin said head coach Pete Carroll and general manager John Schneider asked him Monday if he'd be willing to give the Seahawks a discount. Irvin's short answer: Yes. "I was asked that," Irvin said. "Pete and John asked me that when I met with them. If it came to that, I would definitely come back. $3, $4 million? $3, $4, $5 million? I would definitely come back because I'm established here. These are my brothers. I would definitely come back if they matched or if it was a little less. I would definitely come back to Seattle."

So even if Irvin, 28, does become a free agent in March, and doesn't re-sign with Seattle before the free agency period begins, it sounds like he's willing to give the Seahawks an initial leg up in the process.For teams like the Jets, Irvin won't come cheap this offseason, considering his accomplishments. 

He has three career interceptions, four forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries, to go with his 22 sacks. Pro Football Focus rated him 15th among 4-3 outside linebackers in 2015, including 19th as a pass rusher, ninth in coverage (a weakness for Jets linebackers recently), and 16th against the run. Irvin is a valuable player who is about to get paid. And salary cap space will be an issue for the Jets this offseason.Overthecap.com currently projects the Jets with $10.6 million in cap space, based on a $150 million team cap estimate for 2016. Seattle, meanwhile, is at $26.2 million in cap space for 2016, according to overthecap.com. The Jets can create more cap space by cutting tight end Jeff Cumberland ($1.9 million cap savings) and wide receiver Jeremy Kerley ($1.3 million savings).

Cornerback Antonio Cromartie is due to count $8 million against the cap in 2016, and the Jets can either ask him to take a pay cut, or release him. The latter option would save them an additional $8 million against the cap.But even if the Jets boost their cap space to about $21.8 million by cutting those three players, the organization can't just use that all on outside free agents.The Jets want to re-sign defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson and quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick. Running backs Chris Ivory and Bilal Powell are also pending free agents, as is nose tackle Damon Harrison. 

It is highly unlikely the Jets will keep all of those guys. Fitzpatrick is a priority re-sign. General manager Mike Maccagnan would love to get a long-term contract finalized with Wilkerson. Those two players alone would occupy a bunch of cap space.So all of that could hinder the Jets' ability to sign a top-notch outside linebacker/edge rusher like Irvin. When you look at the top pending free agents among 3-4 outside linebackers, you're talking about guys like Von Miller, Tamba Hali, Aldon Smith, Nick Perry, and Courtney Upshaw. What does a successful outside linebacker generally cost? Based on 2016 salary cap hits for outside linebackers, you're looking at about $7 million to $10 million. That's not the entire value of the contract. Just a ballpark figure for what the 2016 cap hit could be.

And with the NFL's cap going up again — from $143.28 million in 2015 to the $150 million neighborhood in 2016, and probably well beyond that in 2017 — you can probably bet the yearly outside linebacker price tag will skew toward the higher end of that $7 million to $10 million range. 

>   http://www.nj.com/jets/index.ssf/2016/01/jets_seahawks_bruce_irvin.html#incart_river_index

[Raideraholic]

Maybe they tell his agent to shop him to see what the market is??

let's see March 1 is the last day to designate the franchise tag or transitional tag on your unrestricted Fa.( M Wilkerson signs that tender  . yes the Jets can still trade him, but they are guaranteeing to pay him 16 million dollars in 2016 . ( that's what they are responsible for if they can't  find a trade partner- would kill most of the Jets cap space.

March 9 is start of freeagency, and when you can official trade a player.     So you have 8 days to figure out what your doing . You have to know if You should sign snacks ( if Wilkerson going to be moved in a trade).     S Richardson, Snack, Leonard Williams.   you sign Snacks for 6 million, and assume you're going to be able to trade Wilkerson(16 million) , but you can't and now added 22 million to your cap.( start making cuts to positions you didn't want to make)

Btw - M Wilkerson is going to have to agree to a long term contract with trading team, or no ones trading for him.( maybe he doesn't want to play in that city).

It's isn't as easy decision to make whether to tag Wilkerson or not.( that it appears to be).  The Jets absolutely took Tampa bay to the cleaners with that Revis trade( Idzik best move as Jet Gm).    To count on that stupidity from any team again ,( Muhammad Wilkerson trade) is gambling big time .    ( this move can potentially back fire on the Jets- not good when you have limited cap space this year).

[jetscrazey]

the only position groups it really makes sense for the Jets to pay top dollar for are LB or OL.

[kelly]

Six NFL teams that could be bidding against the Eagles for Sam Bradford in free agency

Sam Bradford is going to make a lot of money this offseason. The 28-year-old quarterback is set to be a free agent in March and he's arguably the best option of a weak market. The Philadelphia Eagles might try to sign Bradford to a contract extension before then, but it's hard to believe Bradford would accept any deal. He has no reason not to test the open market and get the most money he can. The Eagles could always franchise tag him to prevent him from getting to the open market. But if they don't, there could be up to six teams (other than the Eagles) interested in bidding on Bradford. Let's take a look at his options.

~ ~   New York Jets

Ryan Fitzpatrick is set to be a free agent. The Jets had success with the 33-year-old at the helm in 2015, but does he really qualify as a franchise quarterback? I'd think New York re-signs him, but Bradford might be on their radar if they're looking for a more long-term option.

Bradford's next contract currently projects to be worth over $18 million per year. Looking at this competitive market, I think that figure might be low. Teams are not going to be shy to overpay for a quarterback. If the Eagles want to keep him, it's going to be very expensive. Is Bradford really worth all that money to the Eagles? And even if he, is he going to want to re-sign in Philly  ?

rest of above article :

> http://www.bleedinggreennation.com/2016/1/22/10813608/eagles-sam-bradford-nfl-free-agency-teams-contract-rumors-texans-49ers-browns

[kelly]

Seattle left tackle Russell Okung is representing himself as a free agent this offseason, and his agent’s first job is updating teams on his physical condition.

According to Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com, Okung sent an email to all 32 teams today to tell them about his physical status after he was injured in the Seahawks playoff loss to the Panthers.Okung informed teams he’s having surgery to have his dislocated shoulder repaired, and will be ready in five months.

A June return date should ostensibly give him plenty of time to recover before a training camp.

Of course, one of the dangers of not having an agent is that he’s setting teams up for a tampering charge if they respond to his email. He’s still technically under contract to the Seahawks until March, so any interested team should not reply to his message.

Then again, it would be tampering if a team were to contact an agent about him now anyway, but the league has shown little interest in policing the kind of communication that happens between teams and agents in the barrooms of Mobile or the hallways of Indianapolis prior to free agency.

>   http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2016/01/27/russell-okung-tells-32-teams-hell-be-ready-in-june/

[SenorGato]

I feel like I've read his name around here often enough - so can someone explain to me why Trevathan is a thing? Seems like a decent player, but paying a FA LB with no potential as a pass rusher? Pass...Irvin or better yet, the younger Nick Perry....I also like Nigel Bradham as a guy to buy a little low on and throw at ILB.

[SenorGato]

BTW: Cutting D'Brick, Cumberland, and Cromartie can get the Jets close to 30 million in cap space and almost $60 million for next year. Trade Richardson and they might get there, though correctly resigning Wilkerson and Fitzgerald should eat more than half of that.

[Lupz27]

let's see March 1 is the last day to designate the franchise tag or transitional tag on your unrestricted Fa.( M Wilkerson signs that tender  . yes the Jets can still trade him, but they are guaranteeing to pay him 16 million dollars in 2016 . ( that's what they are responsible for if they can't  find a trade partner- would kill most of the Jets cap space.

March 9 is start of freeagency, and when you can official trade a player.     So you have 8 days to figure out what your doing . You have to know if You should sign snacks ( if Wilkerson going to be moved in a trade).     S Richardson, Snack, Leonard Williams.   you sign Snacks for 6 million, and assume you're going to be able to trade Wilkerson(16 million) , but you can't and now added 22 million to your cap.( start making cuts to positions you didn't want to make)

Btw - M Wilkerson is going to have to agree to a long term contract with trading team, or no ones trading for him.( maybe he doesn't want to play in that city).

It's isn't as easy decision to make whether to tag Wilkerson or not.( that it appears to be).  The Jets absolutely took Tampa bay to the cleaners with that Revis trade( Idzik best move as Jet Gm).    To count on that stupidity from any team again ,( Muhammad Wilkerson trade) is gambling big time .    ( this move can potentially back fire on the Jets- not good when you have limited cap space this year).

Aftet cuts, and restructuring of contracts the Jets will have well over 30 million in cap space, and a TON more in 2017.  It's very easy to get contracts worked out with young guys you plan on signing long term to only count minimal to the cap with signing bonus that gets prorated throughout whole contract.  Wilkerson could get 7 for 100 million for example (just an example not saying I'm giving that contract to him) 51 million guaranteed, with a signing bonus of 21 million, and a 1 million year 1 salary, so he makes 21 million in 2016, but only counts 4 million in cap space, 15 million in 17, and 18, and then you could cut him with an ugly 12 million in dead money in 19, but thats the year he restructures so the Jets can sign Leo most likely.  So Wilkerson is done, and still have 26 million in cap space next problem please. 

Also projecting cap increase, cuts, and restructuring after 2016 season, and including picking up Richardsons 5th year option Jets have about 40-50 million available to them prior to this year's signings to help push money back to 2017 in some of these contracts they will want to get done this year, it's so easy to manipulate the cap, the Jets could find a way to sign Wilkerson, M Forte, E Berry, and S Bradford this offseason if they REALLY wanted to (hypothetical players other than Wilkerson) with the amount of space available, and created by them, and the astronomical projection of the salary cap increase the next 2 seasons.

[kelly]

fyi ;

~ ~  2016 NFL unrestricted free agents by team

>  http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000626245/article/2016-nfl-unrestricted-free-agents-by-team

 

[Mainejet]

Kelly is still sexy I see!

Would love to see the Jets grab a great linebacker that can run sideline to sideline. That for me was the big weakness for this defense. However, I must say a real good offensive lineman? RG? RT? Oh boy would I love that. Draft that Gronkowski FB, resign Chris Ivory. Oh boy would our running b

game suddenly explode. You think it's pretty good right now? Just see how good it could be if the Jets started to go all in with that strategy.

[kelly]

Kelly is still sexy I see!

Would love to see the Jets grab a great linebacker that can run sideline to sideline. That for me was the big weakness for this defense. However, I must say a real good offensive lineman? RG? RT? Oh boy would I love that. Draft that Gronkowski FB, resign Chris Ivory. Oh boy would our running b

game suddenly explode. You think it's pretty good right now? Just see how good it could be if the Jets started to go all in with that strategy.

[Mainejet]

You love the compliments and you know it....

[kelly]

You love the compliments and you know it....

Go Jets ! !..

 

[JustInFudge]

I feel like I've read his name around here often enough - so can someone explain to me why Trevathan is a thing? Seems like a decent player, but paying a FA LB with no potential as a pass rusher? Pass...Irvin or better yet, the younger Nick Perry....I also like Nigel Bradham as a guy to buy a little low on and throw at ILB.

What ILB is a a great pass rusher? Besides, that's what Harris does here for this D and with that contract, he's not going anywhere.  What Trevahtan does that the Jets havent had in ages is his ability to cover TE's and the slot. And it's not like they really need him to rush the passer when they've got edge rushers galore.  So who knows, maybe he can get there if he's sent.

His 2 picks would have been 2 more than any ILB on the Jets.  His pick 6, would have been 1 more TD than the entire defense scored this season.

 

[JustInFudge]

Kelly is still sexy I see!

Would love to see the Jets grab a great linebacker that can run sideline to sideline. That for me was the big weakness for this defense. However, I must say a real good offensive lineman? RG? RT? Oh boy would I love that. Draft that Gronkowski FB, resign Chris Ivory. Oh boy would our running b

game suddenly explode. You think it's pretty good right now? Just see how good it could be if the Jets started to go all in with that strategy.

Is this my arch-nemesis from JI? 

The man who killed Bambi? 

[SenorGato]

What ILB is a a great pass rusher? Besides, that's what Harris does here for this D and with that contract, he's not going anywhere.  What Trevahtan does that the Jets havent had in ages is his ability to cover TE's and the slot. And it's not like they really need him to rush the passer when they've got edge rushers galore.  So who knows, maybe he can get there if he's sent.

His 2 picks would have been 2 more than any ILB on the Jets.  His pick 6, would have been 1 more TD than the entire defense scored this season.

Karlos Dansby....Derrick Johnson's pretty good at his best...Willis was really good....Ray Lewis could bring pressure pretty well....but anyway - your question is actually why to not pay a FA ILB, since pass rushing is a skill that lasts much longer than the speed to run with the league's TEs and WRs.

Give me Irvin, who is more scheme flexible, can also run with TEs and slot WRs today, and do all that while offering more potential to rush the passer. Or give me Nick Perry, a young freaky pass rushing athlete with potential to throw off or stop those passes to TEs and slot WRs.

ILB, like NT, is another position the Jets shouldn't be throwing tons of money at.

 

 

[kelly]

Is this my arch-nemesis from JI? 

The man who killed Bambi? 

yup !..

[JustInFudge]

Karlos Dansby....Derrick Johnson's pretty good at his best...Willis was really good....Ray Lewis could bring pressure pretty well....but anyway - your question is actually why to not pay a FA ILB.

Give me Irvin, who is more scheme flexible, can also run with TEs and slot WRs, and do all that while offering more potential to rush the passer. Or give me Nick Perry, a young freaky pass rushing athlete with potential to throw off or stop those passes to TEs and slot WRs.

 

 

 

 

 

Meh, Willis had 6 sacks his best ever season.  The rest were basically 4 a year.  Same with Ray Lewis.  Same with Derrick Johnson, except less.  

Trevathan had 2, 2 years ago.  Again, I'm sure if he's asked, he can do it.  But why have him leave the middle of the field with guys like Miller, Ware, Ray, and comp. going after the passer?  His job is too cover which is pretty damn valuable at ILB, especially in a division that faces Gronk twice a year, especially on teams that can generate pressure with their front 4 (like the Jets).

Sure Perry and Irvin are better pass rushers but they play a different position and dont cover like Trevathan.  And Irvin would have to switch schemes too.

 

[bitonti]

believe it or not David Harris averages like 4 sacks a year from the ILB position 

http://www.nfl.com/player/davidharris/2495621/profile