It’s been an incredible offseason for the New York Jets. On this episode we look at how the organization has done everything this offseason to help with Sam Darnold’s growth. We break down all the moves the Jets have made and how each transaction could benefit the Green and White in 2019.
NFL Offseason
Jets need Mike McCarthy to be their next coach
With reports that the New York Jets will interview former Packers head coach Mike McCarthy for their next head coach it’s clear that he’s the best choice for the job. I go through all the reasons why he should be the organizations first choice and why he’s the perfect coach for Sam Darnold.
Denver’s Next Sanchize Quarterback? Broncos trade for Mark Sanchez
According to NFL.com the Denver Broncos have traded for Eagles quarterback Mark Sanchez sending a 2017 conditional draft pick to Philadelphia. While it still appears that the Broncos are still actively pursuing San Francisco 49er quarterback Colin Kaepernick, but have at least added depth with the addition on Sanchez whose cap hit for 2015 will be $4.5 Million.
The fifth overall pick in the 2009 NFL Draft by the New York Jets, Sanchez has had an up
Sanchez is most remembered for the infamous “Butt Fumble”
and down career. His most famous moment on the field was the infamous “Butt Fumble” when he ran in Brandon Moore’s backside. In his NFL career Sanchez has started in 72 games throwing for over 15,000 yards with 86 touchdowns and 84 interceptions. In those 72 starts Sanchez is 37-35 but has a 4 -2 career playoff record.
While Sanchez may not be the best answer at the quarterback position for the Broncos, he at least provides an option for the moment and could be a reliable backup if the Broncos do add another signal caller.
Mo Money Mo Problems for New York Jets
Wilkerson’s contract could become a concern for the Jets
When the New York Jets selected USC defensive end Leonard Williams with the sixth overall pick in the NFL Draft two things instantly became apparent. The Jets would have a dominant defensive line and now a contingency plan for star defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson.
Since being drafted by the Jets in 2011, Wilkerson has emerged as one of the best 3-4 defensive ends in the NFL. In four seasons Wilkerson has started in all but four games for New York and has been the stalwart of the defense tallying 145 tackles, 24.5 sacks, and seven forced fumbles. His reputation in the trenches has earned the admiration of his peers as for the second straight year Wilkerson has made the NFL Top 100 players list.
With that track record in mind the defensive end is looking to cash in. Wilkerson could look seek a deal that would pay him at least $ 10 Million per year after J.J. Watt received his $16 Million per year contract. While Wilkerson will earn $ 6.49 Million this season, this will be the first time he has earned $ 1.5 Million for a season. By most standards Wilkerson has been underpaid and at the age of 25 is ripe for a long-term deal. However, Wilkerson finds himself in a difficult situation with the depth on the defensive line for the Jets when it comes to negotiating a new contract.
Sheldon Richardson is emerging as a superstar at defensive end earning the defensive rookie of the year in 2013 and following up with a sophomore campaign where he had 8 sacks. With Leonard Williams now in the fold after New York selected him in the First Round of the Draft, the Jets now have a surplus of young talented defensive ends.
Leonard Williams could form a tremendous trio with Wilkerson and Richardson. However, he also gives the Jets leverage and a backup plan if a deal with Wilkerson cannot be reachedWilliams in the fold, a prospect that most scouts felt was the best defensive prospect in the 2015 Draft, Wilkerson does not have the leverage with the Jets for a mega deal. While the Jets have reported that they want to keep Wilkerson, and would be a better team in 2015 with Wilkerson on the field, if the contract becomes too rich, New York may decide to move the star defensive end.
Don’t get me wrong the Jets would be a better team if they could keep Wilkerson. While the team will play a base 3-4, new head coach Todd Bowles has been known to adjust his defensive scheme for an opponent and handled a similar situation with getting talented defensive linemen on the field in Arizona. There have even been times where Bowles will play five defensive linemen and given their versatility it would not be surprising to see the three talented ends play different positions along the line for New York.
However, considering the Jets depth at the position if another team gives the Jets a great trade offer, Wilkerson may have played his last down as a Jets.
One team to keep an eye on for Wilkerson could be the Cleveland Browns. Mike Pettine was Wilkerson’s defense coordinator under Rex Ryan and could use Wilkerson’s versatility in his defense.
The only thing for certain is that this will be the biggest story that surrounds Florham Park this offseason.
Michael Vick From Eight to Great?
Mystery solved! Today Michael Vick announced that he will wear the number 8 for the Jets next season. With Geno Smith already owning number 7 on the Jets, Vick has said that he choose the number 8 as tribute to one of his favorite players, Hall of Famer Steve Young. Vick has lofty expectations, and sounds like he believes that not only he will beat out Geno Smith in training camp, but get the Jets to the Super Bowl. He posted “I want to see everybody in there MV8 jerseys this year. I appreciate all the fans that helped. Fresh start..new me! #JetsNation #GangGreen #V8”. While his confidence is there, Vick still has a one way to go before the season. Even if he doesn’t beat out smith for the starting job, he has put himself in the perfect position to become the newest spokesman for V8. Will 8 be great? The Jets sure hope so.
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