Legal Tampering Period Starts Today; Who Should Expect to hear

[JetNation]

The NFL’s “legal tampering period” in which teams and free agents can finally negotiate new deals (legally) is now just hours away.  With more cash to spend than any other NFL team with over $90 million, the Jets figure to be active right out of the gate.  Who should they prioritize when the signing frenzies begin?  Let’s take a look at a few options, both big names and small.

QB Kirk Cousins: This is a no-brainer, but countless credible sources have indicated Cousins will be heading to Minnesota to sign with the Vikings with one rumor this morning saying the number they’ve settled on is $27 million per year.  It’s a number the Jets can beat, but Cousins small town guy who may be looking for the serenity of Minnesota over the chaos of the New York/New Jersey area.

QB Teddy Bridgewater: The Jets should definitely kick the tires on the promising young QB who missed almost two full seasons with a knee injury.  If the Jets are looking to take a QB in round 1, Bridgewater could be the perfect option as he may be looking to sign a one or two-year “prove it” deal.  He’s shown a penchant for making clutch throws and many Jets fans were upset when the team didn’t draft him years ago.

RB Jeremy Hill: Just because the Jets have the money to spend doesn’t mean they should recklessly throw it away on every high-dollar player available.  Hill could sign for small money to re-establish himself after suffering through some injuries.  The Jets should be looking to add a back through the draft so spending big on a back such as Carlos Hyde shouldn’t be necessary, but they could use a punishing runner on the roster and Hill could fit that bill.

RB Orleans Darkwa: Already rumored to be a Jets target, Darkwa is another power runner who averaged 4.4 YPC behind one of the worst offensive lines in the NFL last season.  In terms of a depth/power back, you could do a lot worse.

FB Zach Line: The Jets had Line in for a visit last off-season and talks progressed to the point that rumors began to surface stating Line and the Jets had come to terms.  That proved false as Line looked elsewhere and landed with the Vikings but he’ll be a free agent again this season.

WR Allen Robinson: Robinson should be one of the Jets’ top targets with so many questions at the wide receiver position.  Nobody knows what the future holds for Robby Anderson or Quincy Enunwa, leaving a pair of gaping holes at the position.  Robinson is one of the most dynamic young receivers in the NFL, having scored 14 touchdowns two seasons ago despite having Blake Bortles under center.

WR Jordan Matthews: After putting up over 2,600 yards to go along with 19 TD’s in his first three pro seasons, the 6′ 3” Matthews fell off the map after joining the Buffalo Bills last season.  He’s proven that if used heavily in the slot in the right system, he can be a very productive player and may not carry a hefty price tag.

WR John Brown: Two years removed from a fantastic season in which he posted a career-high 1,003 yards with 7 TD’s, Brown has struggled as the Cardinals have played musical chairs at the quarterback position since.  Brown has excellent speed (4.34 40 time) and can serve as a punt returner in a pinch.

TE Trey Burton: The Jets have a void at tight end that may not be filled with one of their own if Austin Seferian-Jenkins doesn’t reduce his asking price of $7 million per season.  Burton played well for the Eagles last season when filling in for Zach Ertz and will likely be one of the top tight ends on the market.

TE Luke Wilson: Far from a prolific tight end, Willson has been a solid blocker while playing second fiddle to Jimmy Graham in Seattle.  He could likely handle an expanded role on offenses if given an opportunity.

LG Andrew Norwell: Arguably the best free agent on the market, Norwell is reportedly set to sign with the Giants, who will make him the richest guard in league history.  James Carpenter struggled in 2017 but could be back for the final season of his four-year deal.

OL Justin Pugh: Pugh battled injures last season but prior to that was a very effective guard who has also played some tackle.  Should the Jets decide that they do in fact want to move on from Carpenter, Pugh is a better fit in what should be a zone-heavy offense in 2019.

C Weson Richburg: The top center in free agency would be a perfect fit for Gang Green but concerns over his missing 12 contests with a concussion last season, along with what will be a hefty price tag, could scare the Jets off.

C Matt Pardis: No word on whether or not the Broncos have tendered Paradis who is set to be a restricted free agent, but he, like Richburg, would be a perfect fit with the Jets.

DL Kony Ealy: Ealy played well for the Jets last season and won’t command a huge pay day.  The Jets have expressed interest in bringing Ealy back.

DL Mike Pennel: See: Kony Ealy

LB Demario Davis: Coming off of his best pro season last year with the Jets, Davis and Gang Green are rumored to be several million dollars apart in their per year numbers.  With so few established veterans on the roster, retaining Davis should be a priority.

CB Bashaud Breeland: An underrated cover man, Breeland has held up well playing opposite Josh Norman in Washington and the Jets are rumored to have interest.

CB Kyle Fuller: Fuller was hit with the transition tag, meaning the Bears will be able to match any offer, but for a corner of the caliber, the Jets should make an offer that scares the Bears off.

CB Trumaine Johnson: Johnson will finally hit free agency after being tagged by the Rams who have moved on by trading for multiple corners in the past two weeks.

CB Patrick Robinson: The Jets don’t have a quality slot corner on the roster and Robinson had a career resurgence when the Eagles put him there this past season.

CB Rashaan  Melvin: Buyer beware for this possible one-year wonder, but given his play in 2017 and length, the 6′ 2” Melvin could be just what Todd Bowles is looking for.

CB EJ Gaines: Why list so many cornerbacks?  There are a lot of good ones and the Jets don’t have any, so this is a position where they need to be aggresive.  Gaines played excellent football for the Bills last season and the Jets may be the team to keep him in the AFC East.

It should be a wild few days and weeks, folks.  Hang on for the ride as legal tampering kicks off in just a few hours.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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[usanyj]

Finally the offseason starts. Looking forward to getting some of this stuff settled, mainly cousins 

[Jetscreen]

The great thing about and FA starting is that the Jets have holes EVERYWHERE. They could use help in just about every single unit offense, defense, and ST's. Mac has set himself up to go after only the BPA available. He doesn't have to go with what's available in FA at a given position. He can target anyone he pleases and thinks will come at the right price.

Now the flip side to that is the Jets suck and are 5-11 for consecutive seasons now. It's time for Mac to get the show on the road........ 

[FidelioJet]

 

It's on!

Not the year to be scared - go get it.

[Ohio State NY Jets fan]

Interesting and sad that Sheldon (4) and Mo (19) are the top ranked FA's from the 2017 Jets

Claiborne (42), McCown (46), ASJ (54) and Davis (59) are guys they want to resign...

Time to get to work Mac

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000917412/article/top-101-nfl-free-agents-of-2018-kirk-cousins-tops-the-board

[TuscanyTile2]

So will we start hearing about signings today?  (though they won't be finalized until I think the 14th?)

[JetFanatic]

Today is going to be a fun day.  I really hope management has a Plan A, B, and C ready to go.  I hope they're set up for a potential disastrous situation where Cousins signs with Minnesota and the draft goes Clev-Darnold/NYG-Rosen/Ind-Chubb/Clev-Barkley/Den-Mayfield...

That's the scenario I want them to be prepared for.  What's the move then?? 

[Mike135]

Just now, JetFanatic said:

Today is going to be a fun day.  I really hope management has a Plan A, B, and C ready to go.  I hope they're set up for a potential disastrous situation where Cousins signs with Minnesota and the draft goes Clev-Darnold/NYG-Rosen/Ind-Chubb/Clev-Barkley/Den-Mayfield...

That's the scenario I want them to be prepared for.  What's the move then?? 

Easy.  Allen.

[New York Mick]

There’s some talent on that list hopefully they can walk away with a few pieces. 

[FidelioJet]

21 minutes ago, New York Mick said:

There’s some talent on that list hopefully they can walk away with a few pieces. 

Honestly, I think we have to.  Mac has to - He needs to come out of FA with at least of the top players at positions of need.  With this type of money and the clearning house last year - filling holes with all Jags just simply isn't acceptable.

[Sarge4Tide]

[prime21]

Let’s do this Mac!


Sent from my iPhone using JetNation.com mobile app

[varjet]

50 minutes ago, JetFanatic said:

Today is going to be a fun day.  I really hope management has a Plan A, B, and C ready to go.  I hope they're set up for a potential disastrous situation where Cousins signs with Minnesota and the draft goes Clev-Darnold/NYG-Rosen/Ind-Chubb/Clev-Barkley/Den-Mayfield...

That's the scenario I want them to be prepared for.  What's the move then?? 

It will be worse than that.  The Colts will trade to someone to pick Mayfield.  

If to the Jets, they can still get Chubb.  

[Warfish]

In Before the Jets spend 30 mil a year for an injury ridden TE and a middling FA Olineman while letting Cousins go to Minny uncontested at a low # like 27 mil.

[Pointdexter]

I like Bridgewater, Tres Burton, and Jordan Mathews on that list.  All reasonable contracts and guys who are young with upside. 

With Bridgewater, you can still draft Mayfield/Allen and let them battle it out. Teddy is not a guy you put all your eggs into his basket, but he's a darn good B.

[joewilly12]

None of those players on that list will turn us into a Super Bowl contender.

[sourceworx]

12 minutes ago, Warfish said:

In Before the Jets spend 30 mil a year for an injury ridden TE and a middling FA Olineman while letting Cousins go to Minny uncontested at a low # like 27 mil.

Agreed. If the Jets really want Cousins (and I believe they do), then they can blow away Minny's $27 million offer.

My gut feeling is he's going to be a Jet.

[nycdan]

5 minutes ago, sourceworx said:

Agreed. If the Jets really want Cousins (and I believe they do), then they can blow away Minny's $27 million offer.

My gut feeling is he's going to be a Jet.

I am so torn on this.  I wouldn't hate it.

But I still believe that Cousins' agent and MIN's GM are chatting away on their cell phones right now saying "do you think 10am is too soon to call it in?"

[sourceworx]

2 minutes ago, nycdan said:

I am so torn on this.  I wouldn't hate it.

But I still believe that Cousins' agent and MIN's GM are chatting away on their cell phones right now saying "do you think 10am is too soon to call it in?"

I think Cousins' agent is playing this beautifully. I believe all of the leaks about the Vikings and $27 million is all being done to get someone (like us) to blow that offer away. I wouldn't be shocked one bit if the Jets (or another team for that matter) makes an absurd offer that Cousins won't be able to turn down.

[Mike135]

Free Agency 

2 olinemen, WR1, TE, 2 CBs, DE, and a backup vet QB

Draft

QB, RB, then best available talent

[jetscrazey]

What about Claiborne?

[Joe Jets fan]

Mac will ether solidify his job or lose it today and April 26th.   Today is huge for him

[JetFanatic]

1 hour ago, varjet said:

It will be worse than that.  The Colts will trade to someone to pick Mayfield.  

If to the Jets, they can still get Chubb.  

I pray we move up to get one of the top 3 And.  Hopefully with the Giants or Colts.  Miami or Buffalo is a huge threat to trade up ahead of us

[JetFanatic]

1 hour ago, Mike135 said:

Easy.  Allen.

Isn't he Hackenberg 2.0?

[Warfish]

35 minutes ago, sourceworx said:

Agreed. If the Jets really want Cousins (and I believe they do), then they can blow away Minny's $27 million offer.

My gut feeling is he's going to be a Jet.

My feeling is quite the opposite, that the Jets perhaps made more of an effort to let the MEDIA know they "wanted Cousins" than actually working to GET Cousins.

i.e. damage control PR only.  Macc doesn't really want him at the going rate.

After all, why spent 27 mil a year on a 4,000+ yard passer when you could instead spend the same amount to get a QB who hasn't played a meaningful snap in two years due to a horrific knee injury, and the added bonus of a TE who is "far from prolific" and an O-lineman for whom there are "concerns over his missing 12 contests with a concussion last season, along with what will be a hefty price tag".

Overpaying for risky QB's, nobody TE's and injured O-linemen, the Jets route to mediocrity!

[LAD_Brooklyn]

2 minutes ago, JetFanatic said:

Isn't he Hackenberg 2.0?

Hack wished he had as much potential. He can be the next Big Ben as his ceiling with Jake Locker as his floor. 

[jetsons]

4 hours ago, usanyj said:

Finally the offseason starts. Looking forward to getting some of this stuff settled, mainly cousins 

As long as we don't get him it's all good.

[#27TheDominator]

I find it interesting that they list Pennel, Ealy and Davis + 38 CBs and don't list Claiborne.  Why not?  They were already supposedly setting up a deal.  Presumably Claiborne's people want to get other offers from the "8-10 interested teams."  

Matthews and Willson seem like the kind of lower tier signings that could really help.  I am bit scared about Richburg.  Concussions + the Giants seem to prefer the CFL guy Jones.  I don't like bidding up a guy in an "exploding market."  Good chance that Richburg would be too pricey for me.  

[jetsons]

2 hours ago, JetFanatic said:

Today is going to be a fun day.  I really hope management has a Plan A, B, and C ready to go.  I hope they're set up for a potential disastrous situation where Cousins signs with Minnesota and the draft goes Clev-Darnold/NYG-Rosen/Ind-Chubb/Clev-Barkley/Den-Mayfield...

That's the scenario I want them to be prepared for.  What's the move then?? 

Trade down & pick BPA.

[UnitedWhofans]

8 minutes ago, #27TheDominator said:

I am bit scared about Richburg.  Concussions + the Giants seem to prefer the CFL guy Jones.  I don't like bidding up a guy in an "exploding market."  Good chance that Richburg would be too pricey for me.  

INteresting that he was labeled the top c in the market. I thought that was Jensen

[Maxman]

1 hour ago, joewilly12 said:

None of those players on that list will turn us into a Super Bowl contender.

You are so negative.

[UnitedWhofans]

Just now, Maxman said:

You are so negative.

I would like to know who he thinks will

 

[UnitedWhofans]

22 minutes ago, Warfish said:

My feeling is quite the opposite, that the Jets perhaps made more of an effort to let the MEDIA know they "wanted Cousins" than actually working to GET Cousins.

i.e. damage control PR only.  Macc doesn't really want him at the going rate.

After all, why spent 27 mil a year on a 4,000+ yard passer when you could instead spend the same amount to get a QB who hasn't played a meaningful snap in two years due to a horrific knee injury, and the added bonus of a TE who is "far from prolific" and an O-lineman for whom there are "concerns over his missing 12 contests with a concussion last season, along with what will be a hefty price tag".

Overpaying for risky QB's, nobody TE's and injured O-linemen, the Jets route to mediocrity!

Here's the true question that you and we should have.

Should we make big splash moves or make medium moves and fill a bunch of holes?

[Warfish]

14 minutes ago, UnitedWhofans said:

Here's the true question that you and we should have.

Should we make big splash moves or make medium moves and fill a bunch of holes?

We should sign or draft a legitimate franchise QB.

That means either Cousins (the only legit franchise QB on the FA market) or "insert prospect of your choice here" since we can;t all agree on which prospect is legit or not.

Then, we should use our draft picks and FA $$$ to sign legitimate starter-quality talent at vital positions.

It does this franchise no good to do what Macc has done every year so far, take risky moves (with great contract right, because we can get out after two years of poor play!) on veteran stopgap FA's for lower salaries.

Draft players who have a future.  Sign FA's who will start for the next 4-5 years or don't bother.  No more god damn stopgaps.  Fill the position of need, or draft someone.  No halfassing it.

But QB first and above all else.

[UnitedWhofans]

19 minutes ago, Warfish said:

We should sign or draft a legitimate franchise QB.

That means either Cousins (the only legit franchise QB on the FA market) or "insert prospect of your choice here" since we can;t all agree on which prospect is legit or not.

Then, we should use our draft picks and FA $$$ to sign legitimate starter-quality talent at vital positions.

It does this franchise no good to do what Macc has done every year so far, take risky moves (with great contract right, because we can get out after two years of poor play!) on veteran stopgap FA's for lower salaries.

Draft players who have a future.  Sign FA's who will start for the next 4-5 years or don't bother.  No more god damn stopgaps.  Fill the position of need, or draft someone.  No halfassing it.

But QB first and above all else.

He did that his first year. Didnt work out well