Is CJ2K ready to bolt to New York?

The Jets are loaded up on cap space and primed to make a big free agent signing if they wish.  Throughout free agency to this point,  Idzik has been deliberate and slow-moving to be polite.  Many people have been critical of his approach to thus point and a possible signing of Chris Johnson could help turn around his image to the Jets' fan base.  Currently Bilal Powell and Chris Ivory are the feature backs in offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg's offense.  Both backs are north-and-south runners that run hard through the middle, but lack the explosiveness to rattle off big plays in the rushing game.  A player of Chris Johnson's skill set can be a perfect fit with the Jets' offense.

                            Jets' fans are all too familiar with running back Chris Johnson's home run ability

Yes, it is true that Chris Johnson has slowed down substantially since posting his 2,000 plus yard rushing season in 2009.  Since his breakout campaign in 2009, Johnson has posted 4 consecutive seasons of 1,000 plus rushing yards.  In fact, in his career Johnson has never produced anything less than 1,047 yards on the ground.  This shows steady production from the speedster.  A major concern for Johnson however, is his timidness while running the football and his failure to find holes at times. Part of this can be contributed to a poor offensive line in Tennessee, mixed with a combination of Johnson trying to always hit the home run ball rather than settling for singles.  Durability is a plus with Johnson, as he has played in all 16 games every season , with the exception of his rookie season in which he played in 15 contests.  Johnson has slowed down ever so slightly but still possesses unheralded speed and jaw-dropping lateral quickness.  A player with a skill set like Johnson has will immediately take the Jets' rushing attack to another dimension.  Johnson is also a good receiver out of the backfield which the Jets certainly lack with their current roster at running back.  The versatility Johnson offers makes him a perfect fit for the Jets at the right price.  The "right price" however may be hard to obtain with a GM like Idzik who always seems to be bargain shopping in free agency.

Chris Johnson's Career Rushing/Receiving Statistics

Will Johnson be released by the Titans?  Johnson may or may not be released but sources say he will not be a member of the Titans by the start of OTA's next week, meaning he will be traded or released.  After losing Donald Brown to the Chargers in free agency, the Jets were making a strong stealthy pursuit of Brown, and MJD recently singing with Oakland, the Jets are in serious need of bolstering their backfield.  Assuming Johnson is released, why would he not end up like the other free agents the Jets have unsuccessfully recruited.  With a stingy GM not likely to shell out the kind of money Johnson is looking for and Johnson likely not wanting to be part of a 2 or 3 man rotation at running back, do not expect him to sign with the Jets.  The Jets will likely continue on the "Idzik-ian" approach and draft running backs in the later rounds of free agency.  As unexciting as they may be to some fans, the Jets are loaded with picks come May and are primed to have a stellar draft.

UPDATE: D-Jax

ex-Eagles' Wide Receiver DeSean Jackson

DeSean Jackson's rocky road in Philadelphia finally came to an end.  After spending his first 6 seasons in the NFL with the Eagles, the organization decided to part ways with their franchise receiver.  The release of Jackson did not come as a surprise to people monitoring his situation in Philly and there were valid reasons for the release.  First off Jackson did not "buy in" to head coach Chip Kelly's scheme.  Coach Kelly and his staff were anything but happy with Jackson, as the star receiver would routinely miss meetings and spar with the coaching staff.  Jackson was also due $10.5 million dollars this season and refused to restructure his contract after being asked by the Eagle's organization.

All of this aside, the most important reason for Jackson's release was his off-the-field concerns.  Jackson was rumored to be involved with gang-members, as well as having several gang-affiliated members in his friend circle.  The Eagle's decided that they did not want DeSean on the team anymore, but were in a tough situation.  If they decided to trade Jackson to another team and his off-the-field concerns came to a head with his new team, the Eagles would be responsible for trading him.  Because of this, the Eagle's decided to release Jackson instead of moving him to another squad in exchange for draft picks.  The fact that the Eagle's released DeSean shows that their concerns for Jackson span way beyond anything the public originally knew.  This article from NJ.com explains the Jackson situation in a new light.

The bottom line is, should the Jets take a chance on Jackson and sign him via free agency?  As stated in my last article, I gave many reasons as to why the team should sign Jackson.  Of course, none of his physically prowess and elite skills have declined since my earlier post arose.  But what has arose since then is the news of DeSean's possible involvement in gang activity.  If it were me calling the shots for the Jets, I would go ahead and take my chances by signing Jackson.  His impact on-the-field is way to great to pass up for the Jets.  Jackson would immediately make an impact, possibly turning the Jets dismal offense into one of the top-10 threats in the league.

John Idzik's opinion on Jackson however seems to be polar opposite of mine and the majority of the fan bases.  Idzik has moved extremely slow and deliberate to this point in free agency and don't expect him to be any different with DeSean.  Idzik is not sold on the idea of bringing Jackson and all his baggage into the organization.  To this point in the Jackson sweepstakes, the Jets have not even made a play on the the receiver.  Nine teams have contacted the embattled Jackson and two are said to be in "serious" negotiations at this point.  Of course anything can happen and we will see how things unfold, but to expect DeSean Jackson in green and white would be nothing short of wishful thinking at this point in time.

DeSean Jackson to the Jets?

First off, to answer the question that everyone is asking, is it realistic wide receiver DeSean Jackson could become a Jet?   Yes, it is realistic DeSean Jackson could become a New York Jet.  Yes, Jets' owner Woody Johnson is a fan of Jackson and would like to see him in green and white.  However, that being said it is unlikely the Jets will give up the asking price the Eagles are seeking in a trade for the dynamic wide receiver.  It is much more likely that, assuming DeSean is released from the Eagles, he signs with the Jets as a free agent.  When asked about Jackson, Jets' owner Woody Johnson had this to say, "We're looking at a number of players, including DeSean," Johnson said. "He's a very good player. We're looking at a number of them. Trade's not our primary operating motif right now. We're trying to build through the draft. Building through the draft is something that is the way to build a successful team long-term."  Woody could not have been more clear on basically saying "we don't want to trade for the guy, but if and when he's a free agent we will not be afraid to make a move on him."

"We're always interested in talent.  If it's somebody that fits into our locker room and understands that he can fit into our culture at a price we can afford, that we feel is appropriate, then we'd do it." - Jets' Owner Woody Johnson on DeSean Jackson

The Jets have plenty of cap space to make the move happen and are in desperate need of a move that gets the fan base excited after losing out on so many free agents this offseason.  Johnson also recently has made it clear he is tired of being "patient" for a winner and wants to win now.  An omen that may not bid well for head coach Rex Ryan, but that is neither here nor there.  If GM John Idzik is able to bring in Jackson the fans must tip their cap to him.  Jackson has been one of the league's best receivers since entering the league in 2008.  For his career he has caught 356 passes for 6,117 yards and 32 touchdowns.  He also offers diversity in the running game and spreads the field like few others at the NFL level.  Also, not to overlook is his impact on special teams where the Jets also struggled last season.  DeSean would definitely offer a spark for the Jets in multiple facets of the game.  If Jackson is obtained, in one season Idzik would have completely turned around the team's weak receiving corps into possibly the strength of the offense.  A receiving tandem of DeSean Jackson and newly acquired Eric Decker would bode very well for the Jets for years to come.

DeSean Jackson's Career Numbers

Fear over Jackson is not that he cannot play, because he can and he has proved it year after year.  There are durability issues with Jackson, as he tends to get injured quite frequently.  There are also issues over his character on and off the field.  Jackson is also known to be like a "Darrelle Revis" type player, in the sense that he is a "mercenary" of some sorts, playing to make the most amount of money he can with little loyalty to his team.  A player like that should make the Jets weary, especially after dealing with Revis for years, but talent like Jackson possesses does not hit the open market often.  Will the Jets make a play for the talented receiver or let him pass?  Only time will tell, but I can guarantee this will not be the last time fans of gang green will hear of DeSean Jackson.

Goodbye Sanchez, Hello Vick

Once again the Jets made headlines in the media for their recent decision to cut former 5th overall pick, quarterback, Mark Sanchez and sign free agent Mike Vick to replace his spot on the roster. New York is known for their brash decisions at the quarterback position since they traded up to draft Sanchez in 2009 and brought Tim Tebow onboard in 2011, in what turned out to be a disaster for the team. Although the recent past has been rocky for the team, bringing in a veteran quarterback, in Vick, with real skill to start in the NFL is a major thumbs up for the Jets. After a rookie campaign in which he struggled mightily, Jets' QB Geno Smith still has a lot to prove. The Jets do remain confident in Geno and hope he can eventually become a reliable starter for the team for years to come. However, Mike Vick adds much needed insurance to the position and will surely compete for the starting job.

Geno Smith's 2013 Numbers

Here is how the New York Jets would like the 2014 season to pan out.  Geno Smith, under the tutelage of backup Mike Vick, grows into a viable option at quarterback next season showing much improvement.  Geno starts week 1 and finishes the season as the starter.  Vick happily accepts his role as a backup and pushes Geno to the "next level".  The Jets make the playoffs and ride off into the sunset.  That is all well and good but the reality of next season for the Jets may very well be strikingly different from what the team envisions.

Vick and Smith will both receive a fair shot at obtaining the number 1 spot at quarterback for the New York Jets.  If Vick wins the job chances are Geno will still be needed, as an aging Vick never known for his durability, will either likely get injured allowing Smith to start or be replaced due to ineffectiveness.  The same holds true for Smith, as if he wins the starting job it is very likely Vick will be needed at some point to step in for the younger either due to poor play or injury.

There is little need to worry Jets' fans for a "Tebow-like" repeat situation, as Geno and Vick have clearly had their roles laid out for them and seem to embrace them with open arms.  Smith was even quoted after the signing of Vick as saying, "Awesome, man. Vick's my guy.  We needed to find a guy that was legitimately a guy that could come in and play. I think that's what we did.  Mission Accomplished."  Geno seems to be in good spirits, as does Vick with these comments he made after signing with the team, "I know what I came to New York to do. First and foremost, I came to compete and be there for Geno. I know he has a long way to go, but we both talked and we both agree we're going to push one another and make each other better."  All comments from both players are very good signs to thus point and seem to show a friendship forming between the veteran and youngster.  Let us hope that come December, these two players remain friends and not enemies.

"I know what I came to New York to do. First and foremost, I came to compete and be there for Geno." - QB Mike Vick's comments on the starting job for the Jets

2014 Draft Poll

Who do you want the Jets to draft in the 1st round? (Assuming they select at 18th overall)
	Brandin Cooks (WR - Oregon St)
	Odell Beckham Jr. (WR - LSU)
	Marqise Lee (WR - Southern California)
	Darqueze Dennard (CB - Mich St)
	Other Player
pollcode.com free polls

Why Calvin Pace Was a Great Re-Signing

After going out and signing Eric Decker to be a key pass catcher and Breno Giacomini to replace Autin Howard's services at offensive tackle the Jets were still inept at pass rusher.  Coming off a career high 10 sack season, Calvin Pace was a great re-signing for the Jets.  Although 33 years old and toward the end of his career, Pace will provide leadership and tutelage for the youngsters on the roster.  Pace will also offer viable services as a pass rusher to hold the team over until a replacement is ready.

Assuming the Jets take a pass rusher in the upcoming draft, Pace will only have to play a limited role for the next 2 season at most.  Jets' GM John Idzik not know for brining on older veteran players made an exception with Pace.  For a 2 year deal worth 5 million dollars, brining back Calvin and his services was a much needed wise move for gang green.

Rodgers-Cromartie and the Jets Cornerback Crisis

New York Jets' head coach Rex Ryan's frustration level is at an all time high, and rightly so.  Coach Ryan's defense relies heavily on elite cornerback play in order for the proper execution of his blitz schemes.  As of now the roster at cornerback for the Jets features second year player Dee Milliner, former first round bust Kyle Wilson, and anything but spectacular Darrin Walls and Johnny Patrick.  This comes after the Jets showed no interest in signing Darrelle Revis, other then Rex, and cut their best corner in Antonio Cromartie due to cap reasons.  The culmination of events that have led the Jets to be baron at cornerback must be rectified, and rectified quickly.  There is still hope of landing an elite-ish cornerback to bolster the Jets secondary and keep Rex from having a heart attack.

That hope lies in Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, the cousin of ex-Jet corner Antonio Cromartie.  Rodgers-Cromartie is coming off an excellent season with the Denver Broncos but many wonder about his head.  DRC has always possessed the physical skills to be a top tier corner in the league but what's between his shoulders has been the issue.  He is known to take plays off and sometimes go as far as being the best and worst player on the field in the same drive!  Rodgers-Cromartie also struggled mightily in his 2012 campaign, just one year prior to his 2013 stint with the Broncos.  DRC also stated that he would have retired at the end of the 2013 season if the Broncos did in fact win the Super Bowl against the Seahawks.  All of that makes you wonder where his head is or if he's just after the dollars.

The positives are DRC owns good hands and his ball skills are no mistake, as he will make plays in the secondary.  His pure physical skills are enough for the Jets to take a chance on this guy.  With no other number 1 corners in the defense, you know Rex is lobbying for Idzik and the gang to go out and pay Rodgers-Cromartie.  Only time will tell whether he is signed or not, as many believe it is a bidding war between the Jets and their cross town rival Giants for his services.  One thing is for certain, Rex wants DRC in green and white and that's a fact.

Other cornerback options are Carlos Rodgers (cut by San Francisco) and Dimitri Patterson (cut by Miami).

2014 Free Agency: Days 1-4

Many, including myself, believe this offseason has been one of the craziest beginnings to the free agent signing period we have ever seen.  Numerous big-name players were either cut by their teams or could not come to agreeable new deals, including ex-Cowboy star DeMarcus Ware and one-and-done Darrelle Revis from Tampa Bay.  We saw Denver and New England decide that they were "all in" signing multiple veteran free agents that will benefit greatly short-term.  Denver signed linebacker/defensive end Demarcus Ware, safety TJ Ward, and cornerback Aqib Talib.  New England went out and nabbed elite cornerback Darrelle Revis to replace Talib's services, as well as signing another reliable cornerback in Brandon Browner.  On the surface these signings may "wow" you, especially the signings of Denver, but they doom the team's salary cap situation just a short 2-3 years down the road.  Take a look at the following graphics, as they show just how dominant the contracts of Ware, Ward, and Talib will be against the cap in the near future:

2014

2015

2016

The reason Denver would do this is because they are so close to getting to, and possibly winning a Super Bowl in the next 3 years.  With an aging star at quarterback, in Peyton Manning, loading up in free agency for the short-term gain makes much sense for the team.  The same applies to Tom Brady and his Patriots' squad, as well as other teams that are in "win-now" mode.

However, our beloved Jets are not in this "win-now" mode but rather a "win-soonish" mode to put a humorous spin on it.  One word to signify the Jet's free agency plan would be PATIENCE.  As hard as it is in a media market like New York, fans must remain patient.  New York Jet's General Manager John Idzik has been strict, deliberate, and precise in free agency throughout his first 2 years as the team's GM including this offseason.  This can be exemplified by the team being adamant to not sign Darrelle Revis upon his availability as a free agent, and also letting free agent tackle Austin Howard walk his way to Oakland.  Idzik, known to be a future oriented GM not afraid to make tough decisions, was said to "draw a line in the sand" with regard to Howard's contract.  Personally I am a huge fan of this approach from Idzik and his gang, and am a strong supporter of the "plan" the team's management has for the future.

The Jet's did show however they are willing to spend money going after numerous free agents, eventually signing the top wide receiver on the market in Eric Decker from Denver and Howard's replacement Breno Giacomini from the Super Bowl champion Seahawks.  Decker is a great start to bolster the receiving core and add weapons for quarterback Geno Smith.  Although it is likely the Jets will sign another veteran receiver to compliment Decker, expect them to draft a receiver in the first-round of the draft as well.  Also look for the Jets to try and make a strong push to sign ex-Bronco cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie to play aside 2nd year player Dee Milliner.  By not overpaying for free agents and giving "B" players "A" money, the Jets will be primed to make a run in the upcoming seasons as Geno matures and the offense and defense come together.

Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie

Eric Decker

The Answers You've Been Looking For to the Eric Decker and Michael Vick Questions

Eric Decker, the Jets new #1 Receiving Option?:
Simply put, the Jets must improve at wide receiver this offseason.  Assuming the team selects at least one receiver in May's upcoming draft, it is still highly likely a free agent will also be acquired at the position.  Jeremy Maclin, Philadelphia Eagles, was the guy I really wanted the Jets to go after.  Having familiarity with offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg's scheme made Maclin an almost instant fit in New York.  Unfortunately Philadelphia also saw the upside in Maclin, recently resigning him to a one-year deal, worth up to $6 million with $3.5 million in guaranteed money.  Free agent wide receiver Eric Decker could be the long-term answer at receiver for the Jets... Or is he?  On the surface what's not to like?  Decker is a big physical receiver, at 6' 3" 215 pounds.  He possesses the strength and hand size to go up and grab jump balls, as well as the speed and crisp route running abilities to be a force on the outside.  Although all of the measures and statistics look good on paper Decker remains a long-shot to be signed by the Jets this offseason.  With an asking price upward of $9 million dollars, his asking price is probably too steep for the Jets.  Many people believe Decker's stats could be severely inflated due to Peyton Manning and his high octane passing offense, making him an even bigger risk at such a high asking price.  The Jets are better off looking at a cheaper option at receiver, as well as building through the draft.

Vick in Green and White?:
Michael Vick, at age 34 in June, should be a no-brainer sign for the New York Jets.  First off, Michael is already familiar with Jet's offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg's scheme.  Mornhinweg and Vick also maintain a positive relationship from their time in Philadelphia.  Vick has openly said he is okay with mentoring a young quarterback and playing the backup role for a team if need be.  This is perfect for the Jet's current situation, as Vick would be an ideal mentor for Smith due to their similarities in skill sets.  Vick also is still a viable option as a starter in the league.  If Smith stumbles in his sophomore campaign and proves he is not the guy, the Jets would be able to plug in Vick at quarterback and still give themselves a legitimate chance to win games.  Lastly, Vick isn't commanding a big deal in free agency due to nagging injury problems and the insurgence of young gun QB Nick Foles.  At the absolute minimum Vick serves as a cheap, legitimate NFL quarterback that can push young quarterback Geno Smith in training camp.

UPDATE: Folk Gets Tag, Why Revis Still Matters

Folk "Hero" Receives Tag:
NY Jet's kicker Nick Folk received the team's franchise tag assuring he will officially remain a member of the team next year.  Folk was well deserving of the tag posting a 2013 campaign widely considered as the best season a kicker has ever had for the franchise.  Folk was 33 for 36 on kicks including three game winners in the fourth quarter or overtime.  Although Folk was looking for a long-term contract extension he will have to accept receiving the tag.  He is projected to receive around $3.56 million dollars, although the exact figure has not been released yet.  Keep in mind although Folk was a recipient of the franchise tag, long-term contract talks are still ongoing and a contract could still be signed.

                  Perhaps no kick was sweeter than this one for the green and white

Why Revis Still Matters:
Jets' fans are forced to hold our breath, once again, over Darrelle Revis.  After much speculation last offseason, Revis was eventually traded to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in exchange for a first-round pick (18th overall) and a conditional fourth-round choice that improves to a third-rounder if Revis is on the Bucs' roster for the third day of the 2014 league year (March 13th).  Although the odds are in the Jets' favor that Revis will remain on the Bucs', it is not impossible he could be traded.  Revis is guaranteed no money out of his six year, $96 million dollar contract he signed with the team last year making him moveable.  The asking price would obviously be steep for a player of Revis' caliber, but if he is shipped off to another team the Jets could end up being the biggest losers at the end of the day.

                            NFL Network Anchors Opinion On Revis Being Dealt