NYJ's Upcoming Free Agents

[Tony MaC]

As a lot of you know the Jets have quite a bit of cap space next year-something around 70-80 million give or take depending on what we carry over from this year. While it might be fun to speculate over which big name we can potentially sign next March some of that cash is probably earmarked to be spent on in house talent. This season is pivotal for many Jets coming into the last year of their contracts. Here's a list of some of those players hitting free agency with their ages going into the 2018 season and onward in parenthesis.

 

Sheldon Richardson (27)- The 2013 Defensive Rookie of the Year may not be long for the Green and White. A lot of his most recent low production can blamed on him being played out of position but in some ways that's the least of the reasons as to why the Jets might move on. With Williams and Wilkerson locked up for a few years, his off field antics and apparent issues in the locker room (granted we'll never know the full story there) and the rumors that he's on the trading block it wouldn't be surprising if the Jets decided to let Boss Hog hit free agency. It doesn't help that he's not going to be cheap and the Jets only have but so much money they'll want to allocate to the D-line. It might take factors beyond his control, like a poor season from Wilkerson, for Richardson to stay on the team.

Morris Claiborne (28)- After a disappointing five years Dallas let their 2012 first round pick hit free agency and now he's the Jets new top CB on a one year prove it deal. The best way to describe him is that he's a good press corner when he's healthy- which isn't very often. He's never played all 16 games in a season in his five year career, it would be a bit of a miracle if he managed to do it here. The before the re-sign conversation can begin with him needs to prove he's worth even a limited guarantee extension by staying healthy and playing to his potential.

Wesley Johnson (27)- The former 5th round pick from the Steelers received a vote of confidence from the Jets in the form of a second round tender and he is now the team's presumed starting Center. He's got the unenviable task of replacing Nick Mangold, his apparent mentor and the man he spelled last year with mixed results. If he can take the next step and play commander to the offensive line with few lapses in judgement then he'll have played his way into a long term contract. Otherwise he's just a stop gap player who might get a one or two year deal out of the team as they look for something permanent.

Austin Seferian-Jenkins (25)- The Buc's 2014 second round pick has failed to live up to his draft status. Issues with injuries and alcoholism prompted Tampa Bay to waive him last year and the Jets, starved for talent at Tight End, decided to take a flyer on him. He's being given a chance to be the team's lead Tight End on an offense that wants to emphasize the position again. So far he's taking this chance seriously, he's gotten sober and looked good in spring practice, but it remains to be seen whether or not he can provide a service in the fall or earn a multi-year deal.

Demario Davis (29)- In 2016 The Jets let Davis walk after he proved not to be worth the investment at WILL. Now after a trade he's getting a chance to try again with Gang Green, this time trying to replace former teammate David Harris at MIKE linebacker. Its tough to tell whether a different role would give him a better chance at sticking around or a worse one, but either way he's got his work cut out for him to show why he should be re-signed this time.

Marcus Williams (27)- As an undrafted player Williams has done very well for himself. 2015 was a career year for him; leading the team with six picks is a great way to extend your career. But now his "rookie" deal is up and despite his ball hawking ways he was kind of exposed as little more than a dimeback/back up corner in 2016. So his upside is limited and he's going to be costing at least a few million more than he used to. This season is about showing the jets he has enough to him to not be replaced by a younger CB with a cheaper contract and more upside- or perhaps show a new team why he's worth a moderately bigger payday than the Jets might be willing to give him. (which I couldn't imagine is much more than his current tender)

Quincy Enunwa (26)- I'll include him, but keep in mind he's a Restricted Free Agent and will likely be on the team next year. The only stand out player from the 2014 class, Q is now being tasked with being the biggest threat on the largely inexperienced Jet offense. So far he's proven he's worth some kind of new deal, the question is for how much and how long. With the pressure on him more than ever this season will be his ultimate test. 

 

Which of these players sees a second contract coming from the Jets?

[HighPitch]

Q for sure

Johnson and jenkins if they have a solid year maybe

 

The rest NO

[HighPitch]

God this is the worst time if the year. Cant wait till camp starts