What a difference a year makes as newly minted New York Jets general manager Mike Maccagnan has resurrected a sad personnel grouping.
By Robby Sabo
Follow @EliteSportsNY
A year ago during the 2014 offseason, New York Jets fans everywhere couldn’t help but scratch their heads. Actually, they did more than scratch their heads, they cursed out the name of John Idzik.
The former Jets boss had up to $50 million in ridiculous cap space and didn’t fill any holes – especially the cornerback position. It led to an incredibly predictable situation that saw New York go 4-12 and see head coach Rex Ryan finally get the boot.
This offseason, newly minted boss Mike Maccagnan has not sat on his hands and knees.
“My heart has always been here.” 1-on-1 with @Revis24– http://t.co/UhYDuwezRv pic.twitter.com/XaawnZAbzg
— New York Jets (@nyjets) March 12, 2015
His first big move came in the form of Darrelle Revis, almost assuring he finishes his superstar years in a Jets uniform – signing him to a massive five-year, $70 million contract with $39 million guaranteed. Sure, will it hurt towards the end of the deal considering Revis is already 29? One would think so, but the brilliance of the deal is the fact that Revis is guaranteed none of that money during years four and five.
Maccagnan used his ability to spend with all the cap space provided to him. Assuring Revis makes bank the first three years was good enough for him.
The other two big free agent signings also came in the form of cornerbacks. Buster Skrine and another former Jet in Antonio Cromartie will complete one of the top cornerback trios in the league during 2015.
The re-signing of middle linebacker David Harris to a hefty three-year, $21 million deal with a ridiculous $15 million guaranteed will indeed bit Maccagnan in the ass. Harris is already 31-years old and while he’s excellent against the run, is known to be one of the worst pass defending linebackers in the league.
The moral of the story though is the Jets are spending the money necessary to field a legitimate squad. While Idzik’s philosophies weren’t far of base – to be financially responsible and build through the draft while developing, no team can execute that philosophy without over spending for some veterans as well.
Maccagnan’s true test will now come in a few years when a few of these contracts are terrible. Will the youngsters he drafts and collects over the next couple years develop into the solid players needed to replace the outgoing veteran cuts?
This is the NFL where one year turnarounds are as frequent as the next time Roger Goodell makes a huge blunder, or as common as another Bill Belichick cheating conspiracy.
That’s what Idzik could never fully grasp. This is not baseball. This is the NFL where one year turnarounds are as frequent as the next time Roger Goodell makes a huge blunder, or as common as another Bill Belichick cheating conspiracy.
Maccagnan has provided Todd Bowles with exactly the defense he needs to compete in 2015.
One edge pass rusher, a couple of offensive lineman and of course a franchise quarterback is what this franchise now needs to enter the elite of the sport.
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