New York Jets Building Very Intriguing Roster in 2015
It hasn’t been quiet. In fact, it’s been rather loud in New York, but the Jets have been putting together an under-the-radar offseason that, in my opinion, looks pretty great on paper.
While firing Rex Ryan was a formality that had to happen, the Jets got things started with a strong bang by hiring Todd Bowles, which many believed to be the top coordinator-to-head coach hire of the offseason. As a head coach prospect, Bowles was well respected around the league, and he finally got a shot after showing what he’s capable of with the Arizona Cardinals.
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After hiring Bowles, the Jets got to work with their free agency prep, and they attacked the signing period in a big way. They started the offseason by trading for Bears wide receiver Brandon Marshall, giving up a late-round pick for a guy who could be a monster addition to an offense that last year signed former Broncos receiver Eric Decker.
The pair of former Broncos known more for their ability to work after the catch and as possession receivers rather than downfield threats, the Jets subsequently let go of Percy Harvin to pave the way for Jeremy Kerley as the slot man in New York. They also have Jace Amaro to help stretch the field as a tight end or slot man.
The Jets weren’t done after they added Marshall, however, making arguably the biggest move of free agency by signing cornerback Darrelle Revis away from the New England Patriots. Just a couple of years removed from his trade to Tampa Bay and winning a Super Bowl with the Patriots, Revis returns to New York established yet as one of the best cornerbacks in the league, and he brought some buddies with him.
Revis won’t need to be on an island, because he’ll be working along with Antonio Cromartie and Buster Skrine, both of whom are upgrades in the New York secondary, which already also features former first round picks Dee Milliner and safety Calvin Pryor.
To pair with Pryor, the Jets added former Chargers safety Marcus Gilchrist, who will be penciled in to start as of right now.
In addition to shoring up the secondary, the Jets signed guard James Carpenter, another former Super Bowl Champion with the Seattle Seahawks, who is a road grader in the running game and underrated in pass protection.
The Jets shored up the middle of their defense as well, albeit at a hefty price, by re-signing linebacker David Harris to a $21 million extension.
In a bit of an underrated move, they also traded for backup quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick, who will compete with Geno Smith for the starting gig, and when you add it all up, the Jets appear primed for a possible run at the playoffs if they draft well this year and get a couple of instant contributors.
Ironically, the Jets aren’t really being talked about in the national spotlight, but when you add up all the different moves they have made, it looks like they are going to be ready to compete sooner rather than later. That is, provided Geno Smith can figure out a way to step up over the course of an entire season.
The Jets need to make another move or two at the running back position, and they need some guys that can apply pressure off the edge. That said, they seemingly have everything else in place to at least make Tom Brady and the Patriots uncomfortable, even though the rest of the AFC East teams are making the best moves they can to also make that happen.
Maybe it’s time to start taking the Jets seriously again…