For the New York Jets, the 2020 offseason was a critical one for GM Joe Douglas. This was the first offseason that he was able to be a part of because he was not hired as the next man in charge until last May. The goals for Douglas and the front office were simple, to create a stronger O-Line to better protect QB Sam Darnold and to sign an elite receiver. So far, he has been very successful but one can only wait until the Green and White take the field come September.
Throughout the course of free agency, necessary moves were made to obtain better players and to cut the ones that were not very productive.
March 9: $72.5 million bust CB Trumaine Johnson was cut. In his past two years, he has been very ineffective out on the field by not covering anybody and lacking discipline. Look for him to be replaced by the likes of Bless Austin, Brian Poole, or Arthur Maulet. Austin and Maulet each had terrific rookie seasons and would both rise to the challenge of become a starting CB. However, Johnson will still cost the Jets $4 million in dead cap space this year and $8 million in 2021.
March 16: TE George Fant, former TE from the Seattle Seahawks signed a 3-year, $30 million deal with $13.7 million guaranteed. Things could get very interesting at the TE position for the Jets this season. For one, Chris Herndon had a terrific 2018 season and became one of Darnold’s favorite targets but was injured for most of 2019. His injury caused Darnold to rely heavily on Ryan Griffin, who was tremendous and had a great blocking ability and rookie Daniel Brown who showed flashes of excellence. Throughout training camp and the preseason, it appears highly unlikely that the Jets will keep 4 tight ends on the team.
March 17: OG Alex Lewis signed a 3-year, $18.6 million deal with the Jets with $6 guaranteed. He was one of the few bright spots on the offensive line last year. In addition, probably the biggest news that Jets fans were waiting to hear all offseason was that Tom Brady would not be returning to the Patriots. Also, he won’t even be in the AFC East. He signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Yes, this means the Jets have a good chance at winning the AFC East this year or at least clinching a playoff berth. Finally, the Jets signed C Connor McGovern from the Denver Broncos in a 3-year, $27 million deal with $18 million guaranteed. While his main position is at center, it is possible that he could start at right guard for some games this season if there are injuries. That, of course, will be up to OC Dowell Loggains and HC Adam Gase.
March 18: CB Brian Poole signed a 1-year fully guaranteed $5 million deal. This is the second year in a row that Poole accepted a 1-year deal with the Jets. This goes to show that it is not all about the money for him and he is interested in playing the game to the best of his ability along with helping his teammates win.
March 19: RT Brandon Shell departed from the Jets for a 2-year, $11 million deal with the Seattle Seahawks.
March 20: Backup OT Brent Qvale departed the Jets for a better offer with the Houston Texans. In addition, the Jets resigned IL Neville Hewitt for a 1-year $2 million deal. He had the responsibility of starting 12 games last season due to the injuries of Avery Williamson and CJ Mosley. Finally, CB Arthur Maulet agreed to return to the Jets on a 1-year deal.
March 21: S/ST Marqui Christian, formerly of the Los Angeles Rams agreed to a 1-year deal with the Jets. This would be a tremendous boost for the Jets special teams unit. Special Teams Coach Brant Boyer will need to get his unit back to the way they were in 2018 by blocking field goals, punts, and creating better starting field position. In addition, the Jets signed C/G Josh Andrews who played for both the Indianapolis Colts and the Philadelphia Eagles last season. He is yet another versatile player who could be moved accordingly along the O-Line. Also, the Jets were able to free up $6 million by cutting CB Darryl Roberts (He ended up signing with the Lions on a one year deal). As a backup, he was a decent player but became largely ineffective once he was moved to a starting role. Finally, OG Greg Van Roten, former OG of the Carolina Panthers agreed to a 3-year deal with the Jets.
March 22: CB Pierre Desir, formerly of the Indianapolis Colts, has agreed to a 1-year deal with the Jets. In addition, LB Brandon Copeland has departed the Jets for a deal with the bitter New England Patriots.
March 24: DB Bennett Jackson agreed to resign with the Jets on a 1-year deal. In addition, ILB James Burgess also agreed to resign on a 1-year deal. Finally, LB Jordan Jenkins agreed to resign on a 1-year deal after weighing options from the New England Patriots and Baltimore Ravens.
March 25: WR Robby Anderson left the Jets for a 2-year, $20 million deal with the Carolina Panthers. The Jets just did not think he was worth all of that money. As a replacement for Anderson, the Jets snagged WR Breshad Perriman from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for a 1-year, $6 million deal.
Get excited Jets fans…Draft Day is only 20 days away and these new players should help tremendously. J-E-T-S, JETS, JETS, JETS!!!
-Jack Henry Cicio
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