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.
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