As Rich Cimini of ESPN.com observes, the Jets are second in the league with roughly $25MM of cap space, and they will still be in good shape after signing their top four draft picks (which will result in a $9.1MM cap charge). That $25MM figure does not include the cap savings the team will realize from guard Alex Lewis‘ recent paycut, and New York could create still more room if it’s able to hammer out an extension with franchise-tagged safety Marcus Maye. Even if that doesn’t happen, GM Joe Douglas will have a ton of flexibility.
However, Cimini gets the sense that while Douglas may acquire a veteran or two to fill a specific need, he will not make any major moves. Instead, Douglas will be perfectly content to roll the bulk of his unused dollars into 2022. And if the cap takes the massive spike that was recently reported, the Jets could be armed with around $80MM to attack the first wave of free agency next year. Douglas would obviously love to see his club take a step forward in its rebuild in 2021, which might allow him to be more aggressive next offseason than he has been to date.
Cimini’s report is not terribly surprising, as there just aren’t many big-money additions to be made at this point in the league year. The Jets are not in the mix for the top two trade candidates at the moment, Aaron Rodgers and Julio Jones, and while another edge rusher like Everson Griffen might make sense, such a transaction won’t have a major impact on the team’s cap.
Cimini does believe the club must add a cornerback. New head coach Robert Saleh might be interested in reuniting with Richard Sherman, though Cimini believes that is highly unlikely to happen, which leaves Steven Nelson as the best FA option at the moment. Of course, a player could always become available via cut or trade.
A veteran QB is also a must-add, in Cimini’s estimation. The Jets did make a run at Brian Hoyer before he elected to rejoin the Patriots, and like several of his fellow Jets beat writers, Cimini thinks a post-June 1 trade for Bears QB Nick Foles makes plenty of sense.
‘However, Cimini gets the sense that while Douglas may acquire a veteran or two to fill a specific need, he will not make any major moves.’
Why not make a major move? Why settle on another losing season? I don’t follow the team closely, but it seems they need DB’s and OL trade for one.
I think Douglas is probably content to let the new HC test drive the team this year and get a feel for how he wants to proceed. Lots of needs as you mentioned so a “quick fix” approach probably won’t work anyway.
Because not single player or no two players make this team a .500 or better team! 80mil the next season opens the door to better players and a chance at 6-10 or 8-8!
How do you not understand this?
Because no single player or two players will make this team a .500 team! 80mil the next off season allows them to add more talent and maybe get to 6-10 or 8-8!
How do you not understand this?
Arty,
As a lifelong Jets fan, such a move you recommend would be beyond stupidity, The team is rebuilding again from the ground up and will most certainly earn a high draft pick in 22.
The Jets ownership seems to have come to their senses,and are allowing management to set forth a plan for improving the team.
Acquiring worn out players with high salaries does not fit their narrative.
It funny to see everyone write that basically the Jets shouldn’t try this year. I cringe at the notion. In draft placement theory, they have a great LT & QB. Average group of WR’s, so bolster that group. Doesn’t everyone agree one of the main problems Darnold had was no help around him, so try it again w/ the new guy?
I generally agree with you that sitting on a pile of cash is not a great strategy but spending when there isn’t real value available is also a bad idea. Any specific players you think the Jets should be throwing money at?
Go get Julio. How many HoF’ers have gone through their doors recently? How many of their 2nd round picks have panned out? Try something different than waving the white flag in May at least.
Lol.
Trade ARod there. Hahaha
Well, the cap is rising +30M. Lot of teams will have cap space. In fact I believe half the league will have over 30M in cap space and 4-5 teams have 65M or higher. So Jets won’t be unique.
It’s the smart move. No reason to drop $$$ on players that will help but not put them over the top. Build through that draft and as you near putting together that competitive team, then plug the FAs and dollars to round it out.