New York Jets general manager Mike Maccagnan has his work out out for him this offseason. With the team enduring a disappointing 2016 campaign, immense changes will undoubtedly be made. The question is, in which direction will the team proceed?
The Jets have a number of aging veterans, bearing undeniably questionable contracts. The decisions the Jets make regarding these players will shape the team’s identity not only for 2017, but for the future as well. Making it even more difficult for Maccagnan is the fact that he’ll be faced with potentially discharging all-time Jets great. For each player in limbo, the verdict will be either to keep or drop him.
Assessing Key New York Jets Personnel Decisions as 2017 Looms
Darrelle Revis
The signing of Darrelle Revis just two summers ago was met with overwhelming praise and gratitude. After all, the greatest cornerback in Jets history was back, fresh off a championship season and yet another elite campaign. Yet just a year and a half later, the mood surrounding Revis has turned decidedly sour. Revis has declined far faster than many predicted, and continues to be paid a king’s ransom. No disrespect to one of the greatest to ever play, but the signing looks like a disaster. The question now is whether the Jets should continue to pay him fully, restructure his deal, or cut him completely. To give up on Revis after one season of mediocrity would be rash. Plenty of declining cornerbacks have made the switch to safety seamlessly, and Revis has the intangibles to do the same. However, if the Jets are to retain Revis, they will need to restructure his contract. If he agrees to take a pay cut, and the Jets move him to safety, I believe he will be an effective player in 2017. If not, it’s time to move on.
Verdict: Restructure his contract and keep him.
David Harris
For the past decade, “Hitman Harris” has manned the middle for the Jets. Yet as the old adage goes, all good things must come to an end. Harris’ time as an elite linebacker appears to be over. Most importantly, he is a liability in pass coverage, and his weakness has been exposed an overwhelming number of times throughout the season. Furthermore, first-round pick Darron Lee has preformed admirably, and appears primed to become an every-down linebacker next year. If Harris chooses not to retire, the Jets should cut him, saving the team over $5 million.
Verdict: drop him.
Nick Mangold
Nick Mangold is in a similar predicament to his longtime teammate, David Harris. Like Harris, Mangold is a player whose glory days are surely behind him. Football is a physically taxing game, and asking Mangold to keep producing at the same level as 2008 is simply unrealistic. Nevertheless, Mangold has been plagued by both injury and inconsistency, and his clearly not worth his $9 million dollar cap hit next year. Wesley Johnson has played a fair amount, and has shown to be a serviceable center who will only improve. The Jets should cut Mangold, and save a whopping $9 million.
Verdict: drop him.
Brandon Marshall
The future of Brandon Marshall shouldn’t even be a discussion, but the persistent rumors have forced my hand here. Despite Marshall saying he wants to retire a Jet, and the fact that he’s emerged as not only an elite receiver but a team leader, there have been whisperings of cutting the six-time Pro Bowler. Granted, Marshall has not put up huge numbers in his sophomore season with the Jets. But much of that can be attributed to incompetent quarterback play, and increased defensive attention after the loss of Eric Decker. Marshall is one of the Jets best players, and can still be effective for at least another three years. The Jets should undoubtedly retain him.
verdict: keep him
Overall Verdict
The trio of Nick Mangold, Darelle Revis, and David Harris is a generation-defining unit for the New York Jets. But it’s not 2010 anymore. At some point, the Jets will must inevitably usher in a new era. And now, at a crossroads following a disappointing season, it is as good a time as any. The Jets should let go of Harris and Mangold, and begin to prepare for life after Revis Island.
