Free Agency Recap

As the initial wave of free agency comes to an end, and the draft quickly approaches, let's look back at the Jets signings and assess where the roster has improved and what holes are left to be filled.

Returning to the Jets are players such as Alex Lewis, Brian Poole, Bennett Jackson, Neville Hewitt, Jordan Jenkins, James Burgess, and David Fales.

New additions include Connor McGovern, Breshad Perriman, Noah Fant, Pierre Desir, Greg Van Roten, Josh Andrews, and Patrick Onwuasor.

Overall, the Jets should be graded out at B- with the moves they have made so far. It all starts with the Jets breaking the previous tendency to overspend and reach for players past their prime, trying to make the splashy moves to fill the front page of The NY Times. Previous regimes have tried to make headline moves like signing Le’Veon Bell, CJ Mosley, Darrell Revis 2.0, Mo Wilkerson, and the list goes on and on.

I do not have to remind Jets fans of Trumaine Johnson, a recent cut after two nightmare seasons.

You have to love what Joe Douglas did to address the offensive line, bringing in multiple players to help fill voids left by Mike Maccagnan. But are those players who were brought in and brought back really going to improve this roster?

Let’s take a look...

Alex Lewis​, G: Deal: 3 years, 18.6 million, 5.6 mil guaranteed Grade: B

In his best season, he still missed time due to injury. Injury prone, but one of the most consistent lineman last year. Will help provide some continuity along the Offensive line. A Douglas favorite. Should be the starting LG this year.

Brian Poole​, CB: Deal: 1 year, 5 million, 4.5 mil guaranteed Grade: A

The second best signing for the Jets. After a career year, he was one player the Jets couldn’t afford to let go. He was arguably a top 3 nickel corner last year. He is looking to show he can do it again and cash in next year when the salary cap goes up.

Bennett Jackson​, S: Deal: 1 year, $725,000, $100,000 guaranteed Grade: C

Special teams player and depth signing. Potentially the 3rd safety in packages.

Neville Hewitt​, LB: Deal: 1 year, 2 million, 1 mil guaranteed Grade: B-

Another depth signing to the ILB group. He too showed to be productive in a bigger role. Key contributor on special teams as well.

Jordan Jenkins​, OLB: Deal: 1 year, 5 million Grade: B+

After having a spike in sack production the last two seasons, he tested the market and ultimately came back for another chance to prove himself. Is known as more of an edge setter and run defender. He is still very young and can continue to develop as a Robin to an eventual Batman.

James Burgess​, LB: Deal: 1 year, $875,000, $100,000 guaranteed Grade: C+

After showing he can be productive in game time action last year, he was rewarded with a new contract and a chance to prove himself in a bigger role. Solid depth piece and could further indicate the team moving on from Williamson.

David Fales​, QB: Deal: 1 year Grade: F

You guessed it, the F is for Fales. This is not the guy you want backing up your young QB who has injury concerns. If we are lucky, he will never see the field outside of the preseason.

Connor McGovern​, C: Deal: 3 years, 27 million, 18 mil guaranteed Grade: A+

Top Free Agent Signing award goes to, this guy. He was clearly the top Center on the market. A wise investment for a team that has been nightmarish at the position since Mangold was holding down the fort. Known for his high IQ, excellent pass blocking, and minimal penalties. He is the biggest upgrade on the line.

Breshad Perriman​, C: Deal: 1 year, 6.5 million, 6 mil guaranteed Grade: B+

After failing to bring back Robby, the Jets pivoted and quickly added Perriman. Cut from the similar cloth as The Sun God, he’s actually younger than Robby. If he is able to produce similarly to his last quarter of the season in Tampa Bay, the Jets got a steal. Unfortunately, his track record is very inconsistent and at best is a WR2, most likely better as WR3.

Noah Fant​, OT: Deal: 3 years, 27.3 million, 13.7 mil guaranteed Grade: B-

A younger, more athletic, less experienced Kelvin Beachum. Has struggled the last two seasons with injuries which have prevented him from starting previously in Seattle. He was their swing tackle. With what the Jets are paying him, expect him to be the starting tackle, which side is to be determined.

Pierre Desir​, CB: Deal: 1 year, 5.5 million, 3.25 mil guaranteed Grade: B+

Struggled last year with an injury. Is considered a late bloomer, but was super productive in 2018. If healthy can be a steal for the Jets to help in the secondary. A much needed upgrade over Darryl Roberts.

Greg Van Roten​,G: Deal: 3years,10.5 million, 3.25 mil guaranteed Grade: B-

Solid depth piece, but ultimately a journeyman who has had durability concerns. A slight upgrade over Winters, but barely. Grew up a Jets fan and can become a fan favorite. Known for committing minimal penalties which should help. Known for being a better pass blocker than run blocker. Will compete for the RG spot.

Josh Andrews​, OL: Deal: 1 year, $887,500, $337,500 guaranteed Grade: C+

Depth piece with ability to move across the OL and play multiple positions. Should be a quality depth piece for the Jets.

Patrick Onwuasor​, LB: Deal: 1 year, 2 million fully guaranteed Grade: B

Personally, I like this pick up a lot for the Jets. He’s a versatile, young linebacker who has experience playing next to CJ Mosley. I believe he’s an upgrade over Hewitt and Burgess. He has a tendency to create turnovers and he gives the Jets a viable option next to CJ after the preseason when they shop Williamson or cut him.

Overall, the Jets started the offseason with a lot of holes and as the draft approaches still have major holes to fill. The Offensive line still needs more talent, WR group is scary and not in a good way, Edge rushers are non-existent, and corner is still missing a piece. There are more free agency moves to be made but those won’t occur until after the draft. Keep an eye on players like Vinny Curry, and Prince Amukamara as potential additions while players like Brian Winters and Avery Williamson can be cap casualties.

#TakeFlight