Is Mac Making the Most of Jets Money?

[JetNation]

Free agency is just a couple of days old and the Jets have handed out new contracts to nine different players with financial terms available on seven of them.  As any fan knows, free agency isn’t just about spending money, but spending it wisely.  Let’s take a look at each player who has been signed to this point, what their presence means for Gang Green and whether or not Maccagnan paid “market value” or spent a bit too freely.

QB Josh McCown, 1 year/$10 million: Poor Value

While the term “overpay” is a subjective one as a player’s value is truly determined by what a team is willing to pay on the open market, this still looks like a bad deal.  The Jets were likely bidding against themselves here and there’s a very real chance McCown won’t break camp as the starter.  $10 million for a guy who is likely to spend the season on the bench is a bit steep.

QB Teddy Bridgewater, 1 year/$5 million: Fair Value

Bridgewater was said to have multiple suitors but made a wise choice in coming to the Jets.  Even if Gang Green were to take a quarterback at the top of round one, Bridgewater was willing to bet on himself given the Jets unsettled quarterback situation.  If healthy, Bridgewater should have little trouble beating out McCown, and if the Jets take another project at QB such as Josh Allen, it’s another candidate Bridgewater stands a good chance against.

Isaiah Crowell, 3 years/$12 milion: Excellent Value

Crowell’s power running style brings a dimension to the Jets offense that they’ve been missing for several years and is an upgrade over the retired Matt Forte.  Over his past two seasons in Cleveland, Crowell has racked up 1,805 yards on 404 carries (4.4 YPA) to go along with 68 receptions for 501 yards.  Crowell’s addition means the Jets got younger and better for less than what they were paying the player he’s replacing.

C Spencer Long, 4 years/$28 million: Fair Value

Long isn’t a top-ten center and he’s not being paid like one either.  Per overthecap.com, this deal will put Long at around 12th or 13th in the league, depending on what other centers command.  We don’t have the guaranteed portion of the contract and that will go a long way in getting a more accurate assessment.  Long is better suited for the zone scheme the Jets will run than Ryan Jensen who many fans were clamoring for, so in considering what similar players are making, the tremendous upgrade he’ll bring over Wesley Johnson and scheme fit, this looks like a fair deal.

ILB Avery Williamson, 3 years/$22 million: Good Value

The equation here is pretty simple.  The Jets get younger with Williamson who is three years junior to the departed Demario Davis and the early numbers look as if he’ll be $1 million cheaper.  Throw in the fact that most analysts chiming in see Williamson as being as good as, if not better than Davis, and it’s a quality signing.

CB Trumaine Johnson, $15 million per yr: Fair Value

$15 million a year is a lot of money.  There’s no getting around that.  However, when you’re a top player at a premier position, teams are going to have to cough up some serious cash if they want to strike a deal and this is exactly what the Jets have done.  Johnson’s addition is easily the biggest upgrade on the roster and his presence is expected to go a long way in fixing what was a broken cornerback position last year.

CB Morris Claiborne, 1 year/$7 million: Fair Value

The thought of giving Claiborne a long-term deal was cringe-worthy for a player who has played 10 or more games just 3 times in his 6 year career.  Going with another 1-year “prove it” deal with a downgrade from CB1 to CB2 and it changes the whole dynamic.  Claiborne won’t be asked to do as much as he was last season, and the one-year deal puts the Jets in position to target a CB at the top of the draft next season.

The Jets have also come to terms with safety Terrance Brooks and K Cairo Santos, but terms of the deals are not available at the time of publication.

 

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[joewilly12]

McCown contract was a failure paid way too much for a loser NFL QB Ryan Fitzpatrick II 

[RoadFan]

Offensive line was most important place to spend $$$ IMO.  Protect the new QB.  In that respect, the Jets did not succeed unless Spencer Long becomes Kevin Mawae.

I am not sure the Jets roster is a whole lot better than it was last season as of right now.

This off-season will be judged on Trumaine, Spencer, Teddy, and most importantly... whatever QB they draft at #6 or higher.

 

[Joe W. Namath]

Beside the bridewater signing which is a total waste cause the guy is done, he has been pretty good this offseason.

But none of it matters.  The only thing thst matters is getting a franchise qb in this draft. If Mac nails that, he is a hero.  If he doesnt, hes done.

[Jetscreen]

I suppose he's spending the money responsibly, but the moves he's making are not getting this team into the playoffs, certainly not building toward a SB.

[FidelioJet]

3 minutes ago, Jetscreen said:

I suppose he's spending the money responsibly, but the moves he's making are not getting this team into the playoffs, certainly not building toward a SB.

The moves are making the team better and certainly building toward a playoff caliber roster.  I wouldn't be surprised at all if this team makes the playoffs next year.

First of all - we're still 2 days into FA's and the Jets still have plenty of money, Second - this rebuild wasn't going to happen in a year.

There's now a ton of young talent on this defense - Add in Honey Badger and this will be a VERY good defense.

Draft a QB, sign a quality WR and TE - draft a RB and Edge rusher - and if the QB hits -

You better damn believe this is a superbowl capable team.  Not this year, but 2019 and 2020 they'll have a window.

Yes, a lot has to happen - but Mac's certainly building toward it.

[MDL_JET]

I mean....10-6 at the LEAST. 

[MDL_JET]

2 minutes ago, FidelioJet said:

The moves are making the team better and certainly building toward a playoff caliber roster.  I wouldn't be surprised at all if this team makes the playoffs next year.

First of all - we're still 2 days into FA's and the Jets still have plenty of money, Second - this rebuild wasn't going to happen in a year.

There's now a ton of young talent on this defense - Add in Honey Badger and this will be a VERY good defense.

Draft a QB, sign a quality WR and TE - draft a RB and Edge rusher - and if the QB hits -

You better damn believe this is a superbowl capable team.  Not this year, but 2019 and 2020 they'll have a window.

Yes, a lot has to happen - but Mac's certainly building toward it.

Draft should be QB - Center - RB - pass rusher x3

[Sonny Werblin]

41 minutes ago, joewilly12 said:

McCown contract was a failure paid way too much for a loser NFL QB Ryan Fitzpatrick II 

The difference is you could see that Fitz sucked despite his record setting season. It was all smoke and mirrors with lots of completed jump balls to Marshall, plenty of dropped interceptions, and just dumb lucky plays. I think Mac knew this but succumbed to pressure to sign Fitz since the Jets had just won 11 games and barely missed the playoffs.

McCown's good performances (lets not forget his handful of clunkers) seemed more the product of a guy who knows what he is doing and also knows what he can, and can not do, on the football field. So, I don't think it is Fitz II, but we did overpay because he is a good leader (not a goof like Fitz), and we are asking him to sign on to a situation where the "plan" is to replace him with Bridgewater or a Rookie. Most contending teams would welcome McCown's competence as a security blanket back-up QB. So, while we did pay above market for McCown. That is the price of keeping him from exploring signing on with a team with a shot at a SB as the back-up and agreeing to take the helm of a bad team with the intent of replacing him during, or before, the season.  

 

[prime21]

I think McCown is worth the money only for the Jets.  HE brings leadership and is a guy who understands the writing on the wall.  He could be one our coaches next year or simply our backup.     However, unless someone was close to signing him, they could have waited a bit.

[Thai Jet]

47 minutes ago, RoadFan said:

Offensive line was most important place to spend $$$ IMO.  Protect the new QB.  In that respect, the Jets did not succeed unless Spencer Long becomes Kevin Mawae.

I am not sure the Jets roster is a whole lot better than it was last season as of right now.

This off-season will be judged on Trumaine, Spencer, Teddy, and most importantly... whatever QB they draft at #6 or higher.

 

[Thai Jet]

1 minute ago, prime21 said:

I think McCown is worth the money only for the Jets.  HE brings leadership and is a guy who understands the writing on the wall.  He could be one our coaches next year or simply our backup.     However, unless someone was close to signing him, they could have waited a bit.

Exactly right. McCown's a tremendous team 1st locker room presence and team leader. He's not going to cause a riot by whining about "I should be the starter" etc. Good value.

 

[rangerous]

35 minutes ago, Jetscreen said:

I suppose he's spending the money responsibly, but the moves he's making are not getting this team into the playoffs, certainly not building toward a SB.

not likely that any team will get to the superbowl via free agency.  the thing is they have to spend up to a certain level of the salary cap and the best value will come from the draft.  with the 3 first and second round picks they should be able to get 3 starters.  hopefully he goes oline and qb in those rounds.

[Jetmech]

Would be nice if they could find some sleeper OL in the draft.

Sent from my XT1650 using Tapatalk

[SenorGato]

He hasn't resigned anyone but McCown, Enunwa, and the solid role player Josh Martin. That's a huge deal for me. Avoiding their own FAs was as much a priority as getting in Cousins and Burton, which he failed to do obviously. Guys like Jensen and Burton made most sense if they landed Cousins anyway.

I don't have any animosity for the McCown deal. The non-Cousins alternatives in FA did nothing for me neither does sending a pick to someone. I foolishly expect a QB or two through the draft. The Bridgewater signing probably never amounts to anything on the field but everyone loves that guy so it's not exactly a negative vibes move and they have to spend the money anway.

Avery Williamson fills a thumper need at LB, but if they don't get more athletic at LB this draft with some solid prospects this one gets boring fast.

No real issues with Spencer Long...He's boring but the superstar OL schtick of the Jets got old the second time it failed and no name guys like Jonathan Goodwin (Mawae's backup here! Multiple SB starts!) and Jason Kelce have started for Super Bowl winners. I expect them to be on at least one of the top non-Nelson IOL prospects - Ragnow, Daniels, or Hernandez.

Looks like QB and OT will be the top draft priorities...

[Warfish]

Is our offense materially better today than it was before FA?

I would say "nope". 

The O-line change is a wash.  The RB change is a wash with a side order of cop killer wishes.  QB is literally the same guy (McCown) and a flier on a guy who may never play at a pro level again (remains to be seen).  We lost our #1 TE (too expensive, I agree).  No help at WR.  

So no, he's not using our money well IMO since he has done nothing to make the offense competitive at an NFL level.

But hey, we got the best CB and we might sign some form of Badger I hear, so moar Defense for the Defense Gods.

But the O today still reeks and lines up as one of the bottom 5 offenses in the NFL.

 

[UntouchableCrew]

If you were hoping for difference makers on offense this has obviously been a disappointing FA period, but other than that it's hard to be overly upset. The only really significant contract is the Trumaine Johnson one -- they're paying a ton for a premium position in FA and they need that deal to work out. Nobody else has significant guaranteed money.

The most questionable contract to me is honestly Crowell. I just don't understand paying that money to a RB when it's one of the easiest positions to find an instant (cheap) contributor via the draft... And this draft is stacked at RB.

Paying 10 million for 1 year for McCown is totally fine, IMO. He's a bridge for the rookie and may not even be the starter if Bridgewater pans out. Neither guy is the long term answer and everyone knows that.

[FidelioJet]

7 minutes ago, Warfish said:

Is our offense materially better today than it was before FA?

I would say "nope". 

The O-line change is a wash.  The RB change is a wash with a side order of cop killer wishes.  QB is literally the same guy (McCown) and a flier on a guy who may never play at a pro level again (remains to be seen).  We lost our #1 TE (too expensive, I agree).  No help at WR.  

So no, he's not using our money well IMO since he has done nothing to make the offense competitive at an NFL level.

But hey, we got the best CB and we might sign some form of Badger I hear, so moar Defense for the Defense Gods.

But the O today still reeks and lines up as one of the bottom 5 offenses in the NFL.

 

2 days of FA.  we have a ton of money left.  Let's wait to see how it plays out.  Right now he has wisely spent the money - he needs to finsish the job and pick up a WR and TE.  He will get one of each, let's see who and what those contracts look like.

[MDL_JET]

3 minutes ago, UntouchableCrew said:

If you were hoping for difference makers on offense this has obviously been a disappointing FA period, but other than that it's hard to be overly upset. The only really significant contract is the Trumaine Johnson one -- they're paying a ton for a premium position in FA and they need that deal to work out. Nobody else has significant guaranteed money.

The most questionable contract to me is honestly Crowell. I just don't understand paying that money to a RB when it's one of the easiest positions to find an instant (cheap) contributor via the draft... And this draft is stacked at RB.

Paying 10 million for 1 year for McCown is totally fine, IMO. He's a bridge for the rookie and may not even be the starter if Bridgewater pans out. Neither guy is the long term answer and everyone knows that.

Paying that money to a RB? The contract is probably the best one out of all them. It's nothing. 

Outside of Allen and Watkins there's not many difference makers so I can't get too upset about it. You can get those home run hitters in the draft. If they actually do that is another story.

[Warfish]

6 minutes ago, FidelioJet said:

2 days of FA.  we have a ton of money left.  Let's wait to see how it plays out.

Oh, absolutely, long way to go still indeed.

 

[BCJet]

1 hour ago, RoadFan said:

Offensive line was most important place to spend $$$ IMO.  Protect the new QB.  In that respect, the Jets did not succeed unless Spencer Long becomes Kevin Mawae.

I am not sure the Jets roster is a whole lot better than it was last season as of right now.

This off-season will be judged on Trumaine, Spencer, Teddy, and most importantly... whatever QB they draft at #6 or higher.

 

Not better then last year.

We lost Wilkerson who didnt try, Demario, Forte who was terrible  and ASJ

We brought in an elite CB, upgrade over Demario, Bridgewater who is better then petty, Crowell who is better then forte, and Long who is better then wesley johnson.

But yea - we arent better.

[UntouchableCrew]

17 minutes ago, MDL_JET said:

Paying that money to a RB? The contract is probably the best one out of all them. It's nothing. 

Outside of Allen and Watkins there's not many difference makers so I can't get too upset about it. You can get those home run hitters in the draft. If they actually do that is another story.

Alvin Kamara and Kareem Hunt will make less in four years than we pay Crowell in one. JAG running backs just aren't worth money.

[ScarletKnight89]

I think besides the McCown contract he's done a good job. I like how he's gone after younger players this time around and is paying for what should be their best years.

And to be fair, even though I didn't like giving McCown $10 million he got him, Teddy, and Mo Claiborne on 1 year deals so they don't have long lasting effects if the deals dont work out. And Crowell signed a very team friendly contract as well.

[Warfish]

When did overpaying for 1-year deals for guys we don't want to be tied to and don't fill a long term need and aren't generally very good become a GOOD thing, just because it's a one-year deal?

[Patriot Killa]

47 minutes ago, SenorGato said:

He hasn't resigned anyone but McCown, Enunwa, and the solid role player Josh Martin. That's a huge deal for me. Avoiding their own FAs was as much a priority as getting in Cousins and Burton, which he failed to do obviously. Guys like Jensen and Burton made most sense if they landed Cousins anyway.

I don't have any animosity for the McCown deal. The non-Cousins alternatives in FA did nothing for me neither does sending a pick to someone. I foolishly expect a QB or two through the draft. The Bridgewater signing probably never amounts to anything on the field but everyone loves that guy so it's not exactly a negative vibes move and they have to spend the money anway.

Avery Williamson fills a thumper need at LB, but if they don't get more athletic at LB this draft with some solid prospects this one gets boring fast.

No real issues with Spencer Long...He's boring but the superstar OL schtick of the Jets got old the second time it failed and no name guys like Jonathan Goodwin (Mawae's backup here! Multiple SB starts!) and Jason Kelce have started for Super Bowl winners. I expect them to be on at least one of the top non-Nelson IOL prospects - Ragnow, Daniels, or Hernandez.

Looks like QB and OT will be the top draft priorities...

He got Claiborne under contract.

[Jetscreen]

1 hour ago, rangerous said:

not likely that any team will get to the superbowl via free agency.  the thing is they have to spend up to a certain level of the salary cap and the best value will come from the draft.  with the 3 first and second round picks they should be able to get 3 starters.  hopefully he goes oline and qb in those rounds.

But that's the problem and what you don't understand. You say the best value will come from the draft? What Value? many of those picks have been considered BPA and there fore good value. But that isn't what determines good value. What determines good value is their play on the field. Not a single draft pick he's made has played up to their draft spot. Williams was supposed to be a superstar, so was Adams? I don't see any superstars. Not one as a matter of fact. Are they decent players? SURE. But I do not see ANY superstars. And BTW, that's what will build this team into a SB contender.

[C Mart]

Jason_OTC‏ @Jason_OTC 

With all the cap space the #Jets have I'm not sure I really get this structure that they used for Trumaine Johnson unless they still have something big planned

For Johnson and the #Jets its the biggest signing bonus, highest first year cash payment, 2nd in APY, and 3rd in three year new cash of all the current corners in the NFL.

For those asking about #Jets cap space Id make a rough guess at about $45M but thats just going off estimates for guys like Claiborne, Williamson, Bridgewater and nothing concrete.

[CTM]

I've not followed most of the deals but I think I saw atleast 3 1 year contracts. That to me is someone that is at least attempting to load up for a run in 2-3 years.

 

 

[Jetscreen]

49 minutes ago, Warfish said:

Is our offense materially better today than it was before FA?

I would say "nope". 

The O-line change is a wash.  The RB change is a wash with a side order of cop killer wishes.  QB is literally the same guy (McCown) and a flier on a guy who may never play at a pro level again (remains to be seen).  We lost our #1 TE (too expensive, I agree).  No help at WR.  

So no, he's not using our money well IMO since he has done nothing to make the offense competitive at an NFL level.

But hey, we got the best CB and we might sign some form of Badger I hear, so moar Defense for the Defense Gods.

But the O today still reeks and lines up as one of the bottom 5 offenses in the NFL.

 

The OL improved from being flat out garbage. However, that's not saying much. We lost our TE and really have an issue at TE as a result. The need for a #1 WR still exists and hasn't gone away. IF the badger happens to sign with the Jets then I'll start to pay praise. Until then, this is pure speculation by posters on a message board. Have we improved? hard to say really? depending on health, they MIGHT have improved from 5-11 to 6-10? However, that is still garbage in any league I can think of?

[CTM]

7 minutes ago, Warfish said:

When did overpaying for 1-year deals for guys we don't want to be tied to and don't fill a long term need and aren't generally very good become a GOOD thing, just because it's a one-year deal?

Well overpaying for a 1 year deal frees up the cap space in subsequent years and takes advantage of all the extra space we have this year.. If the QB got a 3 year deal with a 9M signing bonus and 2M per, he'd potentially count 6M against next years cap even if not here. It's only overpaying if you don't think of the 1 year deal as signing bonus + salary

[rangerous]

9 minutes ago, Jetscreen said:

But that's the problem and what you don't understand. You say the best value will come from the draft? What Value? many of those picks have been considered BPA and there fore good value. But that isn't what determines good value. What determines good value is their play on the field. Not a single draft pick he's made has played up to their draft spot. Williams was supposed to be a superstar, so was Adams? I don't see any superstars. Not one as a matter of fact. Are they decent players? SURE. But I do not see ANY superstars. And BTW, that's what will build this team into a SB contender.

while you are right that no draft pick has played in the nfl before being drafted all players come from somewhere. my point is free agency has never ever been the place to build a team from.  the draft is where the best players will be found.

as for the superstars, there aren't many positions that don't require the impact of another player to make one look like a superstar.  it's a team game and teams will create their own superstars.  right now adams appears to have the tools and attitude to be a really good player.  leo? a lot of what he does depends on the scheme that is played and it's possible he doesn't have to play at a really high level to perform his job effectively.

[MDL_JET]

27 minutes ago, C Mart said:

Jason_OTC‏ @Jason_OTC 

With all the cap space the #Jets have I'm not sure I really get this structure that they used for Trumaine Johnson unless they still have something big planned

For Johnson and the #Jets its the biggest signing bonus, highest first year cash payment, 2nd in APY, and 3rd in three year new cash of all the current corners in the NFL.

For those asking about #Jets cap space Id make a rough guess at about $45M but thats just going off estimates for guys like Claiborne, Williamson, Bridgewater and nothing concrete.

Not sure I understand that comment? What about the structure is weird? That it's paying big later and not front loaded?

[C Mart]

21 minutes ago, MDL_JET said:

Not sure I understand that comment? What about the structure is weird? That it's paying big later and not front loaded?

Sorry, I can't speak for Jason...I'm with you. To me it seems it's heavily front loaded, which makes sense since Jets have the cap space and really no big internal FA's to resign '19. Unless Jason thinks they should have structured it to have a bigger cap hit this season? Which now looking at Jason's site is what I think he means. 

This year his cap hit is $10m while it goes up to $12m next season to $18.5M in 2020. 

Contract Notes

Trumaine Johnson signed a five year, $72.5 million contract with the Jets on March 16, 2018. Per Ben Volin, $34 million of the contract is guaranteed at signing, including a $20 million signing bonus. Johnson's 2018 and 2019 base salaries are also guaranteed. There is an $11 million injury guarantee in 2020 which will become fully guaranteed if Johnson is on the roster on the 3rd day of the 2020 league year.

https://overthecap.com/player/trumaine-johnson/1355/

Ben Volin‏ @BenVolin

CB Trumaine Johnson got $34m fully guaranteed over his first two years with the Jets: A $20m signing bonus and base salaries of $6m and $8m. Monster deal

Johnson then has base salaries of $11m (gtd for injury only now, fully gtd if on roster third day of 2020), and $13m and $14.5m non-guaranteed in 21 and 22. Five years, $72.5m

[SR24]

Mac can win the offseason by trading up with the Colts. I know he might not have to because it's likely one of the top4 will be there at 6 but I don't think we should take the risk. There's a good chance Barkley and Nelson go 1-2 we could have our pick of the litter. Give me Darnold

[RoadFan]

1 hour ago, BCJet said:

Not better then last year.

We lost Wilkerson who didnt try, Demario, Forte who was terrible  and ASJ

We brought in an elite CB, upgrade over Demario, Bridgewater who is better then petty, Crowell who is better then forte, and Long who is better then wesley johnson.

But yea - we arent better.

Don't put words in my mouth.  I did NOT say the Jets aren't better.  I said "I am not sure they are a whole lot better."

Wilkerson didn't try.  Agreed.  Addition by subtraction there...

Crowell is an upgrade over Forte.  100% agreed.  I like Crowell, more than most.

Trumaine Johnson is an upgrade to what the Jets had, clearly.  But elite? I have my doubts on that one.  I saw the Rams defense get torched by mediocre offenses on a few occasions.  Not sure where TJ fits in to that equation, but I need to see for myself before deciding how good he is.

The new ILB an upgrade over Demario? Not sure about that either.  Appears to be more of a wash.  Like the Jets and Titans felt like they could find similar talent to fill the position and acquire some kind of late 2019 compensatory draft pick when their respective player signed elsewhere.

Long has to be better than Johnson.  Hopefully much better.

Bridgewater?  Also, has to be better than Petty. 

On paper, looks like you're right.  Ugrades everywhere.  But none of this takes into account potential regressions elsewhere, especially the OL.  The Offensive Line, in my opinion, is the most important unit to the success of a team.  I feel the Jets group overachieved last year, and still performed in the bottom third of the league.  Unless Long is the second coming of Kevin Mawae, I am not optimistic.