Jets Bring in Cowboys RFA WR Miles Austin
Dave Hutchinson writes in the Star-Ledger that the Jets are looking at Cowboys restricted free agent Miles Austin. Austin is a Jersey boy who played collegiately at Monmouth and has the size (6-3 216) to be a large target for the Jets. Austin was signed to a second rounder tender, meaning that the Jets would have to give up a second round pick if they bested the Cowboys offer. Hutch concludes that
By bringing in Miles for a visit, the Jets must feel that he’s better than any receiver they could draft in their first-round pick (17th overall).
Umm … no. I see what he’s doing but I just don’t think that’s a totally fair statement.
In Hutch’s mind, he’s saying that signing Austin means there’s no need for the team to draft a WR in the first round, but it’s a logical leap to compare signing Miles Austin and giving up a second round pick directly to a potential first round receiver like Darius Heyward-Bey or Jeremy Maclin.
The team might well draft a WR in the first or second round, so in my mind, it means that the team is doing it’s homework and trying to figure out if Austin might be better than a receiver the team could draft in the second round, guys like Brian Robiskie, Hakeem Nicks, Louis Murphy and Derrick Williams. It has nothing to do with a first round receiver.
What else do I think it might mean?
It might mean that Brad Smith should probably be a little bit worried that they are interested in a special teamer of similar size.
It also might mean that the team is considering how much they value their second round pick … since standing at #17 likely means the team would miss out on Michael Crabtree or Jeremy Maclin, would they trade that second pick to move up to get one of those guys should they slip to 10?
The Jets have until April 17th to make a final decision on Austin, the day that RFA tenders must be finalized.
Filed under: Main Page
Miles has had his moments in Dallas, but I would consider him a big threat @ receiver. I would look @ Braylon Edwards who was being shopped for a 2nd rounder. I mean he has had a case of the dropsies, but he is a more legitimate threat @ the wide receiver position.
* wouldn’t
That’s really messed up. A second round? What kind of fruit basket rubric or system are the Cowboys implementing? Dude barely gets playing time. It’s not like he was a former first round pick with marginal production. Are you kidding me? It’s nowhere near the case of DT Al Montgomery (RFA) in Washington… when healthy a very solid big body (6-6 320).
Second Rounder? AWW Come on There are plenty of other big time receivers available for a second round pick.
If the Jets are going to give up a second rounder, they should go get Torry Holt, or see if Chad Johnson can be pried from the grips of the Bengals.
just an article I saw…..Nothing is official, but the rumor mill is spinning regarding a Cincinnati Bengals’ future without Chad Johnson.
The oft-headlined receiver has spent his entire career with the orange-clad team, and speculation is running rampant that the Bengals could look to part with the charismatic receiver.
After an injury-shortened season in 2008—and a media frenzy surrounding his surname change—it is assumed that Johnson (or Ocho Cinco) could be had by a team seeking the services of a proven, primary receiver.
This is exactly where the Jets factor into the equation. If Johnson is made available by the Bengals, they definitely won’t be the only team vying for his services. But it’s an opportunity the Jets simply cannot ignore.
With Randy Moss ruling as the best WR in the AFC East and Terrell Owens now claiming residence in Buffalo, the Jets could use a five-time Pro Bowler to make their passing game more threatening—no matter who the quarterback is.
It would be a bold move to keep pace with the competition in the division.
When Laveranues Coles was released—and subsequently signed by the Bengals—sixth-year receiver Jerricho Cotchery received his long overdue promotion to become the Jets No. 1 target.
But the significant lack of experienced depth behind Cotchery makes the situation an unfavorable one for whomever is eventually named as the team’s starting quarterback.
Despite the upcoming NFL Draft, acquiring Johnson would be the safest and smartest move for the organization.
With the 17th pick, the Jets are expected to be heavily involved in the wide receiver market. But they are expected to be too far away to choose either of the highest-rated prospects in Michael Crabtree and Jeremy Maclin.
There’s no telling how significant the drop-off in talent is going to be after Crabtree and Maclin come off the board, but the common belief amongst analysts is that collegiate receivers take at least three seasons to fully acclimate to the pace of the NFL.
Not everyone can be Calvin Johnson.
The Jets already have some intriguing youth who can develop into quality receivers, but pairing up too much inexperience without adequate veteran support is a recipe for disaster.
David Clowney has been a darling of fans since his explosive performances in the 2008 preseason, and Chansi Stuckey has shown great hands and clutch ability in high-pressure situations. Behind them are collegiate QB-turned-receiver Brad Smith, and special-teams ace Wallace Wright.
How many times can the Jets afford to roll the dice with the offense?
The front office did the right thing when they declined to piece together a devastating compensation package for Jay Cutler.Going into 2009 with faith in the men on the roster is the right decision, but it is absolutely necessary to find appropriate talent who can bring them along smoothly.
At 31 years old, it may be unreasonable to expect Chad Johnson to remain a 1,300-yard receiver. But with New York, he’ll find himself in a familiar offensive situation.
There’s no Carson Palmer, of course, but Cotchery’s ability as a possession receiver can rival the performances of Johnson’s former teammate, T.J. Houshmandzadeh.
In fact, an argument can be made in favor of Cotchery as a better possession receiver than Houshmandzadeh. Cotchery is younger, and has averaged 12.5 yards per reception over his career, whereas Houshmandzadeh lingers around the 11.4-yard mark.
Johnson would be more than a stop-gap receiver, and—if healthy—will prove to be a substantial upgrade over Coles at this point of his career.
The last time the Jets had a receiver go for over 1,200 yards was with a young Laveranues Coles in 2002. Compare that to Chad Johnson, who in a complete 16-game season, has only had less than 1,200 yards once.
Ocho Cinco’s abilities will help the Jets keep stride with the competition while the team’s youth adjusts to the complexities of the professional game. If you’re going to have a veteran play ahead of the incumbent youth, shouldn’t it be a player who’s performed at a top-level for the majority of his career?
Johnson is not a trouble-maker, nor a team killer. His name change only backfired on him. He doesn’t get arrested outside of night clubs, he doesn’t fail drug tests, and he’s not going to the press to voice his every complaint.
He’s a player who wants to win, wants to be great, and wants to have fun in the process. There hasn’t been much winning in Cincinnati, and he looks like he’s having a lot less fun, too.
Rex Ryan wants the Jets to be a run-first team, and they’re certainly built for that at the moment. Maybe someone like Chad Johnson can keep the opposing defense honest in the process.
The logic behind bringing Chad to New York almost makes too much sense.
If the deal can be made the same way the Patriots stole Randy Moss from Oakland, then it should be a no-brainer for the Jets’ front office.
The receiver prospects aren’t looking particularly phenomenal, so you can’t blame the Jets for snooping around. In theory, beyond Crabtree, Miles Austin gives us everything we’d want in a receiver. He has the size, speed, and character that’d make him attractive to us. Plus, he’s from Jersey. I trust that if they did in fact decide to try and sign him to an offer (and again, there’s no guarantee the Cowboys wouldn’t re-sign him), we’d see something special in him.
I would definitely like to see the jets make a run at chad johnson… The ny media scares me with him though but I feel like if he is happy we should not have a problem…
One question tho wats up with his shoulder I hear he didn’t get surgery? Was it necessary?
Austin is an excellent deep threat WR who got to shine some in a backup role. He could be a stud waiting for the chance to start. I can see us getting a name for the PSL sales
Not interested if the cost is # 52 pick. Maybe a second day pick…..Maybe!
I like your point about how they’re using it to judge the value of their 2nd rounder.
I would love for the team to get Austin, but I go to Monmouth, so my opinion is a little distorted.
If Jets give up any picks for a WR, I have a feeling fans better prepare themselves for them picking QB with #17 ( sorry Kyle)
When we begin to talk about Chad, Braylon Edwards, and Torrey Holt, Bent comes in and reminds us that all of these players have cap implications, and were talking about 8 million dollars a year for all these guys.
Miles Austin, the first question is how much ?, the second question is what is the value of our second round pick. The Jets have done this before, remember Justin McCarin, ugh, that didn’t work out that well.
The good news is that he may be a perfect compliment to Cotchery adding much needed size and speed, to the WR position, has gone through the learning curve of the WR position and is ready for some very productive years, you will not get the productivity from any other receiver in the draft, other than possibly Maclin or Crabtree in 2009 and 2010.
How much ? Jerry will match anything big time after the loss of TO. Jets could possibly do a 4million a year contract, after that it is nutZ, and Jerry is gonna match. But at 4 million ita nice cap match.
The bad news on Miles Austin , is that he has been hurt a lot, he really hasn’t done anything, battling for a time at the third WR spot, he has those triangle numbers and that potential, but so far no productivity.
When you talk about the second round, there is a magic point in the middle of the round where the talent takes a big dive, the Jets at 53 are on the wrong side of that point.
I can see the Jets doing this, but I remember Justin McCarins, and the optimism I had with that guy, it is too painful to remember.
The jets r not going to take a QB in the first round..wait until 2010 for a muchv better group of QBs
re-334
If they sign a WR and don’t pick up Leftwich, you watch um.
I read somewhere that the Jets were one of the teams the Bengals called to inform them that Chad Johnson was available.
Here we go:
Cleveland send Braylon Edwards to the Giants for a first round and a fifth. Th Jets Sign Miles Austin sending a second (52) to the Cowboys. The Jets send Brad Smith , a Mangini favorite, to the Browns for a fourth round pick (104)….
It would be interesting to see what the Cowboys cap situation is , the Jets wait until this time to look at Austin, because the Cowboys could possibly have a very tight cap situation right now…
JD,
Leftwich is a wash redskin..oops
Don’t think he signed yet 334. Was offered league minimum.
Miles Austin is the reason they let TO go….. I assume jerry Jones would do a lot to keep this guy
I thought he signed already…my bad. Do you really think Leftwich is a better QB than Ratliff and Clemens will become? His release of the ball is slow and easy for DBs to read. His mobility makes Farve look like Carl Lewis. Maybe as a backup, but we should give clemens and Ratty a chance, pick up a FA WR who can help a young QB, and if itb doesn’t work out look for a franchise QB in the 2010 draft…MUCH more talent in 2010.
As long as Chad 85’s shoulder isn’t a risk, he might have a resurgence like Corey Dillon had with the Pats…Get out of Cincy and be extremely productive for the Jets.
I like Austin more than Matt Jones that a lot of people have been posting about on here. He’s big and fast and probably could have unseated Pat Crayton in Dallas last year had he not gotten injured early in the year.
Chad Johnson will wear a star on his helmet since as an earlier poster pointed out he’s not overly cancerous, doesn’t carry illegal weapons and frequent strip clubs. You’ll have to waste a number one to get a receiver (or bundle / mortgage the future) and then there’s still the matter of not having a QB. Third out of 4 in the AFC East but you were lucky to miss out on Cutler, he’s not going to give Chicago a big shiny trophy. Brady will.
334
Definitely think he’s better than KC, don’t know about Ratliff. He IS very deliberate with his passes, but he throws a hell of a ball. His numbers are not at all that bad.
I’m not crazy about signing QB with first pick but I am starting to think that is the way it is going to pan out.
Number one ? Hope you dont mean first round pick.
PS
That’s IF we give up draft pick for WR.
Not that this means anything: But many of the updated mocks I’ve checked out have Maclin still being on the board at 17 and the Jets snagging him. Have I missed something ? I thought he was supposed to be long gone.
JD,
You are right about his arm strength..he does throw a mean ball, and we have the OL to protect him so he doesn’t have to scramble in slow-mo. Maybe u r right..if his price is right..either way I am excited about the upcoming season
I like austin allot. Want him. But I agree with those here that say a 2nd is to high. Counter with a third, and dump Smith for a fourth to Mangina as someone suggested above.
Duh. Can’t counter because of the tender, so we have to pass.
Great story, and I like Miles Austin, but for the life of me, I can’t figure out what this has to do with Jay Cutler?
:-)
(sorry…couldn’t resist it..)
Miles Austin for a second round pick is NUTS. They guy has had 18 CATCHES IN THREE SEASONS…. enough said….
verrrrrrrr-eeeeee funny Bubby
miles tender with the cowboys is 1.5 million or something… if we sign him to an offer sheet which the cowboys dont match and we end up getting miles, COWBOYS WOULD GET OUR SECOND ROUND PICK… so that means rex will be tempted to go lineman in the first round like he was planning to in the second with gilbert.. i can see the broncos taking tyson jackson at 12 and rex taking gilbert at 17, dont be surprised if that happens…
I think this shows the the Jets will be going RB in the first round.
Leftwich better then KC, no, Kellen lacks judgment, and you would to with less then 3 seconds to throw the ball, Defenses had a field day with that line, he is now gun shy because of it, he has the tools to be good, really good, look at any of his college games, he had flashes of that during the Baltimore game, I do like Ratty, allot as everyone else but the front office is not going to concede that KC is a bust, he will get the shot this season, and if he can manage the ball not turn it over he is going to put the QB competition to rest, but if he falters early with multiple ints and doesn’t build chemistry with WR’s , he is gone next season and Ratty will get his shot.
Wells in the first, or a DE worth a first round money, if both are gone, trade the first round pick away for multiple picks including a 2nd and a 4th or 5th.
The last time that we gave up a number 2 for a WR it was for the always sure-handed McCareins. Be careful what you wish for.
I like his 21.4 yards per catch average and he showed in the return game that he can be a playmaker. Young, big, fast, cheap (for now)…but unproven. Stuckey had more than twice as many catches last year. And I also think the Cowboys will match. This might be a great move though, if it does pay off.
Jet Orange – I have pointed out the cap costs of getting these guys, but I was always being prudent with my figures. I was surprised at how many of the guys they got that eventually signed for the minimum (and the Jets were able to claim the veteran’s exception in respect of all of these, saving a bunch of cap money). The biggest news is that the LTBE adjustment actually provided the Jets with 1.28m of additional cap space, rather than reducing the cap space available as I had feared (and the attitude of guys like Lombardi and Florio to the Jets cap position had led me to believe might be the case). Basically this means that the Jets were less excessive with incentives last year than anticipated, so they do probably have the space to add a guy like Torry Holt, or put in a decent offer for Austin that the Cowboys won’t be able to match (or maybe make an offer to Matt Jones). I maintain that it was still unrealistic to throw names like Cutler, Boldin, Peppers and Braylon out there, because these are all guys that may end up earning close to or in excess of $10m a year – in Chad’s case he already has three years and something like $25m on his deal, so that would have been tight. Essentially, though, if you want to make a deal you couldn’t otherwise afford, the possibility of an uncapped 2010 season gives you an opportunity, until you know for sure though, you are taking a big risk.
The other thought I had is that if 2010 is uncapped, then teams with cap space left over will not be able to do what they often do and move cap space into the following year, because there’s no point in increasing your cap room in a year when there is no cap. So, the Jets have a chunk of available cap space (somewhere around 6m once you account for rookie contracts) which there is nothing to be gained by NOT spending. That doesn’t mean they should give someone a long term deal just for the sake of it, but it does mean they have a bit of flexibility to maybe advance money to the RBs or get another player – although I would still expect them to want to retain this flexibility until they know for sure whether 2010 will be uncapped.
Thanks Bent. After reading your last paragraph, my mind started spinning , like a little boy looking at the Sears Christmas Wishbook, about all the guys we could get…
…oh, dare to dream….
a second rounder for an unproven wide out is ridiculous. plus, we would have to beat Dallas’ offer, which would almost certainly mean we would overpay
i remember watching “hard knocks” and this guy got a lot of camera time. and i love the fact he is from monmouth. but trading the rights to select the 52nd best player in the draft?? i will pass
I don’t think they are serious about this because to give up a 2nd rd pick for a INJURY PRONE 4th string WR is just stupid. I would’nt offer them more then a 5th rd pick. Not after The Pats got Moss for a 4th
I heard the news today that Jets were bringing Miles in, so I popped over here to see what the comments were like.
My 2 cents on Miles:
First off, he’s absolutely every bit worth a second round pick, especially one as low as #52 overall (I’m surprised how overvalued draft picks are). Anyone you grab at that point is going to be just as much a risk, and require development time. Contrast to Miles who has three years of development and has shown flashes with the time he’s been given to play.
Touching on that last point, just busting out his stats isn’t going to give you the complete picture. He was hot in camp (again) last year but got hurt – and try to remember he’s had guys like Owens, R. Williams, Glenn and Crayton ahead of him on the depth chart his whole career – hard to crack a starting lineup with guys like that one the team no matter your potential. The fact that they’ve practically anointed him the #2 ahead of Crayton and let Owens go should say something.
Third, this guy is just silly fast.
Fourth, he’s young and has worlds of upside (unlike “pretty good” players like Crayton who you know pretty much is what you’ve got). He used to have problems with holding on to the ball but seems to have taken care of that.
In the end though I think it’s a moot point, it would have to be a pretty high Jets offer for us not to match it because the guy is probably starting this year. Unless you have a clear line to Crabtree in the draft, or can trade for a Johnson or Boldin (all of which will cost you high #1 WR money, by the way), you’re not likely to find a better option.
4 or 5 million a year I think is probably what the guy’s worth if Dallas had to match an offer. I mean you can basically start him today and he can return kicks. He’s an “emerging player” so of course he could become a Justin McCareins type, but he could become a Housh just as well from what I’ve seen of the guy.
I mean I understand the “don’t overpay the guy” philosophy just fine, but I think some of you are overestimating the real risk vs reward for a mid second-round pick. I mean here are the WRs picked in the second from ‘05-’07: Reggie Brown, Mark Bradley, Roscoe Parrish, Terrence Murphy, Vincent Jackson, Chad Jackson, Sinorice Moss, Greg Jennings, Sidney Rice, Dwayne Jarret, Steve Smith (the OTHER Steve Smith). Looks pretty hit-or-miss to me.
But just the same, I’d be perfectly happy to keep him in Dallas. I know I and a lot of other fans can’t wait for this guy to get on the field, so long as he can stay healthy. The guy is a bolt of lighting with hands and has a good attitude.
I am a cowboys fan and would love it if you guys took Austin for a 2nd round pick. Please take him! He is a free agent who can’t crack the line up. He is fast with average hands, doesn’t brek many tackles..with two second rd picks we might be able to move up to a late 1st rounder or early second. Expect about 30-35 catches. If you’r happy with that take him. Pleaaaaase!
Darrius Heyward-Bey, hes 6′3 and runs a 4.3 enough said
I’d take Austin over anyone we’d be able to get with our 2nd rounder in a heartbeat, if the price is right. He’s not NFL proven but then neither are any of these rookies. Other than the top 3 or 4 in the draft none of them look any better than he does anyway.
He’s got all the measurables, speed, height, and looks okay to me. It’s not like he’s some washed-up old player or a bust, he’s just some small-school kid who wasn’t drafted and earned his way onto the team for 3 years. He even made the team after getting hurt in camp, and now they’re starting him? Given our WR situation I think maybe we can take a risk on the guy.