After an initial hot start, Sam Darnold has been having a pretty rough rookie year. He has the most interceptions in the league with 14, and a lot of his struggles are explained by inconsistent and injured receivers. Upgrading the receiving corp is a top priority for the Jets this offseason, and GM Mike Maccagnan has said he will be extremely aggressive this offseason. As for their current receivers, the team will likely bring back Robby Anderson and Quincy Enunwa and let Jermaine Kearse walk in free agency, according to Brian Costello of the New York Post.
This makes sense, as it was reported earlier today the team was in extension talks with Enunwa. Costello points out that there are pretty weak free agent and draft classes coming up for wide receivers, so he thinks the best course of action is for Maccagnan to “[work] the trade market.” The Jets did trade for Brandon Marshall a few years back and it worked great at first, so perhaps they explore something similar here. Whatever they do, they must upgrade Darnold’s weapons.
Here’s more from around the league:
- Speaking of AFC East receivers, the Patriots will also have some interesting decisions to make. Josh Gordon, Chris Hogan, Phillip Dorsett, and Cordarelle Patterson are all set to be free agents after the year. While the Patriots are widely expected to keep Gordon, a restricted free agent, in New England, the rest will be unrestricted. Of the remaining three, Hogan is the most likely to be back next year, according to Doug Kyed of NESN.com. He also writes that it’s “possible none of them” return, which given the annual weapons turnover for the Patriots, wouldn’t be that big of a surprise.
- Lions offensive lineman T.J. Lang has always been one of the best guards in football when he’s healthy, but has had another injury plagued year this season. He was recently placed on injured reserve with a neck injury, and Detroit “won’t bring Lang back at his current salary”, according to Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press. Lang is scheduled to make $8.25MM in the final year of his deal next season, and isn’t worth the injury risk already into his 30’s.
- In case you missed it, the Giants are still planning on giving Kyle Lauletta a shot later this season even with Eli Manning‘s recent strong play.
Cordarelle Patterson doesn’t rate bold text or a link so we can assume the Patriots will let him walk.
This year’s WR draft class seems pretty strong though..?
To everyone who says “Brady isn’t producing anymore,” how the heck does this weak receiving corps that constantly gets turned over is suppose to produce year in, year out. Freaking training new people every year while Gronk and Edelman miss half the year. Grinds my gears.
Every team has to deal with coaching changes, new player personnel and injury adjustments. Success can be come a teams worst enemy because it raises fan expectations to unreasonable levels.