Link: Don Banks Burning Question on the Jets
Don Banks writes about the big questions facing each of the AFC teams today, here’s his thoughts about the Jets:
Are the Jets in for another offseason of high-profile moves like last year?
Obviously not if there’s no free agency and trading period to speak of. But let’s assume both avenues of personnel acquisition will be open to them. In terms of keeping their own house in order, the Jets clearly are making the retention of inside linebacker David Harris a top priority. He’ll be franchised if that tag winds up being available. New York also wants to re-sign receivers Santonio Holmes, Braylon Edwards and Brad Smith, but getting something done with Holmes and Smith likely ranks ahead of Edwards returning.
If there is no Edwards, couldn’t you just see New York taking a one-year flier on either Randy Moss or Terrell Owens? And here’s one more juicy supposition: How about the Jets being the landing spot for Redskins defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth? New York can’t count on Kris Jenkins any more, and if anyone can get Haynesworth to buck up and play nose tackle in the 3-4 defense, it’s Rex Ryan. Half the league claims to want to play for Sexy Rexy, and Big Albert might be among that number.
I could definitely see them making a play for a risky free agent or trade. I can’t believe I’m saying this, but Owens seems like a sensible option when paired up against Randy Moss. I do think that if they were to make a play for Haynesworth they’d have to adjust their defensive strategy somewhat to make Haynesworth happy. Playing Nose Tackle is not what Haynesworth wants to do. He wants to play Tackle and End in a more traditional 4-3 scheme.
I do firmly believe that if anyone can get Haynesworth to play in a 3-4, it’d be Rex, but I just think that there’d have to be some compromise on the Jets part if they were to make a play for the big fella.
72 Responses to Link: Don Banks Burning Question on the Jets
-
-
man, I still can’t believe he blew that knee in Game 1. A healthy Jinx would’ve been scary. If we can keep him on the cheap I say do it and give it a go. But have a very decent back-up plan in place.
-
-
Haynesworth wouldn’t have to play NT, he would be this defense’s Ngata, disrupting things from 3-4 DE, 4-3 DT positions. DeVito & Pouha can hold down the middle much like Gregg does for Baltimore.
If Haynesworth is cut, I’d be very interested and would like to see if Rex’s magic could work on Fat Albert.
-
What justification could there be for saying the Jets are more interested in getting something done with Smith than Edwards? When was the last time the Jets ever put any significant value on a kick returner? Morton, Leon, Miller, etc…were all pretty good and all told to hit the road.
-
None of those three players were all-around Special Teams players like B.Smith is now. You could argue Leon had a bigger role b/c of offense, but Smith gives you versatility in that he’s an elite KRer, a solid #4 WR, a weapon in the Seminole or at the very least a threat of being a weapon, plus some very good defensive special teams play alla Wallace Wright. I don’t want to break the bank to keep him, but his value would be sorely missed. Braylon’s departure would hurt less if we re-sign Holmes. But if no to Holmes, then Braylon has to have priority over Smith. There’s no sugar-coating it; we need to re-sign one of them or else its a huge step back.
-
kirk says:
Very true Jason but remember Smith also runs the Jets version of the wildcat and I think that if they would ever let him throw a few passes they’d have more success with it.
-
-
Could we really afford Haynesworth though? And I’m definitely on board with TO, I’ve been on board with adding TO since he left the Eagles. He is a serious player and makes lots of receptions.
-
I’m assuming this would occur if he was cut. I don’t think the Jets would (if they even could, with the CBA ish going on) trade for him under his current price tag.
-
-
Who is shelling out a big contract for this guy? He openly quit on his last team & coach (a HOF coach). He was selfish, isolated, and unapologetic.
His deal is going to be incentive laced and nowhere near what he was making on his previous deal.
-
But we don’t even have enough to resign the guys already on the team, and Haynesworth isn’t going to be playing for $1m. Incentives or not, we can’t afford to pay him. What if he achieves those incentives and his contract gets up to $10m?
-
Bent says: As long as they’re “not likely to be earned incentives” the cap hit would bite the following year if he met them. Since he had a down year, it would be easy to have achievable incentive that weren’t met in the previous year that would lead them to be NLTBE.
Of course, that’s still a problem you have to deal with the following year, but at least it doesn’t wreck your season.
However, the Jets don’t generally like highly incentivized deals for non-rookies.
Also, I’m assuming the NLTBE system won’t change in the new CBA. I’m also not disputing your point that if he’d require high level incentives, that’s tough to fit under the cap.
-
-
-
-
-
forget TO. just remember the problems he caused in Dallas under Parcells.
-
-
I’d rather get Randy than TO. I can’t stand TO when he opens his mouth. As far as Big Al – Brendan is right. He would play Ngata’s role and be a beast. I could see that working.
-
Hali, Bailey, Aso, Haynesworth, Rogers, T.O, R.Moss, S.Moss, Prater will all be Jets… Lol.. No they won’t, but who knows maybe we get a couple.
-
I cannot believe I’m saying this but I’d rather have TO than Ocho or Moss. Ocho is a self promoting distraction regardless of Rex and his proven success of handling big egos. I know your laughing. Yes, so are TO and Moss but for some reason I just feel that deep down inside that TO wants a ring more than the other two. And out of that three, that’s why I would go for TO.
-
“Ocho is a self promoting distraction”
….you can’t say this about Ocho and not TO, they have a show on versus together!
-
Read the rest of my post. I said that. What I really mean is that Ocho cares more about self promotion than a ring, superbowl that is. We all saw what TO did in the Superbowl and how badly he wanted it.
-
I don’t agree at all. For all of Ocho’s flair, he’s never let it impact his performance. I think it’s unfair to confuse Ocho the performer (off the field) and Ocho the player.
-
(Namecalling deleted) Do you agree with that??
Sorry, no namecalling allowed here. Thanks, TJB
-
-
-
-
Ocho makes no sense if we keep Holmes. Holmes is a better version of Ocho’s skillset. Braylon and Holmes impact came because they are both dynamic in different ways. TO could replace the physical Braylon, but either way it’d be downgrade. We must stay away from Randy Moss at all costs. If he had a chance for another big payday it would be worth the risk, but there’s just no incentive for him to clean his act up.
-
I agree with everything you said except TO being a downgrade from Edwards. He has the off field issues, yes, I get that. But on the field TO is an animal. Owens has 10 pounds on Edwards and Edwards has had one year with more than 7 TDs. TO has had 11 seasons with more than 7 TDs. Obviously TO has been around longer, but it’s not even close. TO is a better receiver than Edwards hands down.
-
Correction, TO WAS* a better receiver than Edwards, hands down.
Next year, I would say Edwards is the better WR. Thats all I’m saying.
-
Since 2005, Edwards first year, Owens has made 409 receptions for 6,162 yards and 58 TDs. While Edwards career numbers are 326 receptions for 5,142 yards and 39 TDs. TO has outplayed Edwards in every single year of his career, except 2007, when they were practically dead even. Owens had 100 more yards and Edwards had one more TD. Not even close, TO is on a completely different level than Edwards.
-
TO was with great qbs. Who has Edwards had? He’s a solid player and at this point in their careers of take Edwards over TO. But Edwards will cost more.
-
I don’t disagree TO has been the better WR up to this point. I do disagree that will continue. TO is 37, Braylon 27. enough said.
-
Eh, TO hasn’t really shown any signs of decline yet. 72 receptions and 9 TDs in 14 games while splitting catches with Johnson and Carson Palmer as the QB is pretty impressive to me.
-
No question he surprised many with his strong performance this year. He was still good with Buffalo, just under utilized.
All things equal, I want Braylon Edwards over TO next year, the year after, and the year after that (obviously TO would probably be a 1-year deal).
I think Braylon improved dramatically this season with his concentration and we saw that with very minimal drops and some big clutch catches. I think he’s ready to take that next step at being a consistent all-around WR like TO has proved throughout his career. He will cost a lot more though than TO. I just feel there is so much more value with Braylon than with “hoping” TO can keep it up at 37, no pun intended.-
I don’t really think it’s hoping with TO though. Until he shows he can’t do it anymore, he can do it. And I think it’s pretty much a forgone conclusion that we can’t afford to bring Edwards back. I feel the best way to replace him is by signing TO to a one year deal and replacing him in the draft either in the later rounds this season or the earlier rounds next season. TO is definitely a better run blocker as well.
-
You said all thing being equal, you’d bring back Edwards. That’s just it the money isn’t equal, Edwards will demand more money, and for another run at a superbowl, TO is the guy I want out of all the other FA receivers mentioned (ie moss or ocho, not talking about our own WR FAs)
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
I think Haynesworth would be a mistake as would letting Braylen go while hanging on to santonio. Santonio’s skill set is more common and his pea-brain needs to go…. I just can’t get past the Punt return against Indy. As far as Moss and TO, God I hope not
Haynsworth would be great if he decided he wanted to play for once but I’m not sure he will even for Rex. His contract would have to be heavy with incentives because the Redskins got screwed this year.
What about Nmadi? I think it’s doable especially if Cromartie isn’t sticking around. Would much rather have him than Haynsworth and all his baggage
-
They wouldn’t give Albert a contract that would hurt them if he simply didn’t try, Tanny’s not that dumb.
And Holmes’ skills are not that common, he’s one of the best receivers, skill-wise, in the NFL. His combination of speed, quickness, route-running ability, toughness, hands, body control, and feel for the dramatic don’t just fall into your lap every year.
-
Right on point regarding Holmes.
People had questions about Jinx’s dedication when he came here and the jets put in weight-incentives into his contract to make sure he stayed in shape. Any criticism of Jinx was obviously over-blown as he’s been a great leader and teammate, but he did have alcohol and weight issues in Carolina.
I just can’t get a read on haynesworth. He’s set for life, so it’s tough to say if he has that competitive edge and that dying need for a trophy. 3-4 vs. 4-3 is overblown as rex would obviously make it work and is typically pretty even in deploying both sets (correct me if I’m wrong). I see that edge out of Braylon now and don’t want to give him up so easy.
-
Braylon’s competitive fire was ignited like matches dipped in gasoline. That’s what happens when you play on a winner. I think the same could potentially happen with Haynesworth (Braylon was never talked about to the degree Haynesworth is in regards to negative attitude, but it was discussed a ton). It’s unlikely to go down, but if it does I think Rex is the one guy who can reach Albert the best on a personal level.
-
No question Rex is the guy. Hell, I’d say even Belichick could be the guy. And I keep forgetting Haynesworth is only 29. If we did make a play I have full confidence in Rex and Tanny getting the most out him simply because no one would make the move without some form of a commitment. But, a $21 million off-season bonus wasn’t enough to motivate him last year, so it’s a tough call. Either way there is no denying I think he could be a force with us.
-
I just think Shanahan was the wrong coach to pair with Haynesworth. Shanny is an old-school guy, a hardass, and someone who won’t bend his ways for a player. Not that any of that is a negative, it’s just the wrong coaching psychology to use to motivate Haynesworth.
I think Rex would appease his desire to move from the NT spot, but eventually generate enough goodwill and trust with Haynesworth that Rex could move him to any D-line spot. Imagine a line of Jenks at NT, Haynesworth at DE, and Pryce/Ellis/Potty at the other DE on passing downs. We wouldn’t even need an edge rusher (but get one anyway, Tanny, hell, get two of them).
-
-
-
-
-
-
I can’t agree with Santonio having a common skill set…Lot of teams out there would like a receiver like him.
-
Taking risks on in-their-prime players like Cro, Holmes, and Braylon is very different than trying to re-ignite the passion in a coasting, disruptive Haynesworth or past their prime, no contract-year incentive (b/c they are past their prime) veterans like Moss, TO, or Ocho. TO is actually a very good football player, as is Ocho, but they are both on the decline and just not worth saving a few millions from passing on braylon. That said, if Holmes AND Braylon walk, then there will be a HUGE need for a decent WR. I just don’t see it coming to that.
-
-
Regardless of any of my previous comments, I agree with your’s completely so long as we don’t let Holmes AND Braylon walk.
-
#85 is no better than a dependable J-Co. I don’t see that much of an upgrade with the big mouth’s baggage.
-
-
If we let either Holmes or Edwards go we’re nuts. Probably the top two FA receivers on the market.
-
Haynesworth is a dog!!!
I have gained respect for TO and would have no problem with him as a Jet. -
Forget Haynesworth. He’ll never be the player that he was when he was on the Titans. He’s his own worst enemy. Just forget about him.
-
Until the Skins say they are not getting rid of him, or he gets traded to another team, that’s never going to happen.
-
-
I love the combination of Holmes and Edwards. Their abilities compliment each other and they are both gamers. I think the Jets will try to sign both but, if they had to take one, I would take Holmes, because of his all-around ability. Everybody is down on Randy Moss but, if used properly, he is a beast. In addition, he would probably want to show up the Patriots. We should have got him, when Chad Pennington was our QB, as Chad was his college QB. There is nothing like a huge receiver, to build confidence in a QB.
I have wanted Albert for years but, his attitude now scares me to death. Incentive laden contract only.
-
TO, Moss, and Ochostinko….I want no where near my 3rd year QB. Those guys are locker room killers and none of them can play anymore….
-
Chad is not a locker room killer. This is the most unfair rap on a player that isn’t true. He’s a great teammate.
-
-
Im ok with getting Ocho or TO…only if we lose Holmes im ok with Ocho and only if we lose Bray Bray then im ok with TO…They are not cancers or bad team mates as ppl make them out to be, these guys are serious competitors and i think they are very hungry for a ring knowing they only have a few more years left in the tank.
As far as Fat Albert, i think rex can work some magic with this guy and will definitely make our defense alot better! he is a force to be reckoned with!
-
Braylon is the only sticking point to this team. He was great last year, and the year before that he made some amazing plays as well. I think the amount of star WR’s coming off the books this year only helps our chances at retaining him. Hopefully the market for him is weaker than it normally would be and teams don’t offer him higher contracts than we would. If he decides to leave, then we can just sign Ocho, Owens, Moss, or possibly even trade for Steve Smith. Braylon is a priority, and i’d love to keep him, however if he decides to want too much there are suitable 1-2 year replacements available. Same goes for Santonio. He can’t be unreasonable with his demands either. He’s one boneheaded move away from being suspended for a year. If he wants too much then I wouldn’t mind going after Vincent Jackson or someone instead.
Haynesworth is a bigger predicament. He was a major part of the success of that 10-0 Titans team 3 years back. However, I believe the Titans are notorious for being a very dirty team in general. I don’t know if that’s the mindset Rex is trying to establish here. I know Bart certainly doesn’t appreciate dirty players, and I’d be very surprised if Ryan doesn’t share the same sentiment. To even further complicate matters, Haynesworth was very vocal in his final year with Tennessee about getting the big contract he deserved. He got it with Washington, was asked to earn that money last season, and refused to comply with his head coach. Haynesworth seems to me like he thinks he’s above his team mates and even the concept of a team in general. He wanted the money, he got the money, instead of being humbled he created a circus. I know Ryan is an amazing defensive mind. I know Haynesworth under him would likely be downright scary. I know Haynesworth next to Jenkins, would be even scarier. However, Ryan isn’t a miracle worker. If there’s anything about Rex it’s that he wants a particular type of player on his team. He looks for the same mold in each of his players which ultimately establishes the Jets identity. Unfortunately, Haynesworth doesn’t fit that. I know I know, i’m salivating at the concept of a healthy Jenkins and a healthy Haynesworth side by side, however, Albert doesn’t fit this team’s mentality. He’s selfish and unwilling to sacrifice for the team. I would expect the Jets to avoid Albert, even if he was cut, unless by some bizarre change of attitude he proves to be a changed player, ready to buy into the team concept.
-
sorry, david harris, my ADHD wouldn’t allow me to read through your entire post…
Do you want Albert Haynesworth…yes or no?
LOL
-
-
I guess like other people I would have a little caution about Albert because of his desire and drive to play and not care about the money, but I truley believe that this team is a type of team that many players have said they would like to play for the Jets. Rex could get Albert playing well again. I would be all for it…give it a shot, we need a pash rush any way we can get it. But as Brendan said before just imagine our Dline with Alber and Big J on it…hell that could be our line…lol. The Jets would only go after him if he was cut right? Which would make sense because there is no way anyone would take on that contract. How much is left on it anyway?
-
Well in my opinion the top priorities are Braylon and Holmes. Smith will demand somewhere in the 4-5 million range, which for a Special Teamer and sometimes a QB/WR is to much. I understand he is a game changer with his return abilities but Westoff can work wonders with anyone, and I think McKnight who has speed can use returning as a spring board to get some more game time if he isn’t ready to play more at RB. So I think Smith is the odd man out, because Sanchez has good chemistry with Braylon and Holmes already and that is more important than a kick returner.
As for Haynesworth, he is not worth it, nor should we go after him. Jenkins may not make it through next season but we also have Riopati Pitoitua who was injured last year who is a DE who can very well play NT. We need to get younger in key areas and cheaper in key areas. But the priority is Edwards, Holmes, Harris and Cromartie before anything else. I think Clemens is gone too as he may demand more money for his time in the league. Plus Taylor may end up retiring and Pryce may come back for the veteran role.
-
36% of all players who rupture their achillies tendons never play again.
100% of players who rupture their achillies tendons are never able to return to the same form they were before the injury.
Don’t count on Pitoitua being a savoir.
-
+1 people around here act like this guy is going to come in and light people up. he had 1 decent camp / preseason. if he could fit into the DL rotation, that would be great. but hoping or expecting anything else is wishful thinking
if i were Mr T, my sole focus would be on retaining players. braylon, santonio, smith, cro, harris, and ellis all should be brought back. it will be tough to get this under the cap but Mr T is the guy for the job. with these players, and hopefully some DL and passrush help through the draft, this team will be a title contender. no need to mess with guys like TO, Ocho, and fat albert. if you listen to Rex, it is clear that he is all about the decal. his players need to play as a unit, and you have to be able to be accountable to the guy next to you. sorry, but that rules out fat albert and TO. these are 2 selfish guys who openly quit on their teammates. no way Rex would let one of them wear the green & white. Ocho is not selfish on the field, but i think the act he puts on is, and the bottom line is that he is a distraction and a player in decline. no thanks, i will take braylon or santonio.
this team is right on the cusp, and a marginal advancement from sanchez will get us there. no need for these other clowns.
-
-
-
As Tony Montana Would Say… Make some moves, A mill here a Mill there….Sign Fat Albert, Rodgers or keep Ellis, Ocho, Owens on the cheap…let Cro Harris, Smith, LT, JT go and resign plays like a Jet Braylon and then…….get Asomugha somehow… Lets see, pass rush beasts and the two best corners in the game….hard to not be favorites
-
Chad is the better personality fit but IMO is not an upgrade from Cotchery
TO can still be a top-flight receiver but has is not worth the potential grief
Hayneworth sounds like too much a head case and could be a locker-room killer
-
The Jets shouldn’t think about TO, Moss or Ocho, they need to find a way to keep both Edwards and Holmes. With the improvement in Sanchez this past year and Holmes missing 4 games if they can get a back like Bradshaw to share with Greene and McKnight that offense would be explosive with those receivers, those backs and Keller and Cumberland at TE.
-
-
-
Holmes is NOT a team player. He proved that when he took himself off returning. A team player does ANYTHING he can to he his team win whether he likes it or not.
If you can’t keep both Holmes and Edwards, than keep Edwards and shop the used WR market for one of the retreads being mentioned and hope for the best.
-
hey bent what would be the chances Holmes takes less money to stay here? everyone thinks Edward would do that but what about Holmes? also do you think there is a shot Richard Seymore would come here to spike the pats?
-
Bent says:
Less money than what? He’s expected to ask for 7-8m which is already lower than his value might be without the off-field stuff. I would be very surprised to see him sign for less than that.
Seymour is still a very good player. He might just take a big contract and stay where he is.
-
-
Achilles Tendon Rupture Ends Many NFL Careers
An Achilles tendon rupture sends more than one third of National Football League (NFL) players to the sidelines permanently, according to a new study published in Foot & Ankle Specialist. NFL players who do return to the playing field after having suffered an Achilles tendon rupture experience about a 50 percent reduction in their power ratings.
http://www.emaxhealth.com/1275/2/35136/achilles-tendon-rupture-ends-many-nfl-careers.html
-
Moss, Ochocinco and Owens are all living on reputation. Please don’t bring them in. Jason Taylor sort of worked since he was willing to take a diminished role. He is/was way past his prime but he knew it. These clowns will be throwing Sanchez under the bus the first time he doesn’t throw the ball his way.
Jinx will blow his knee again and hanesworth won’t play cause he is upset about jinx being ir