The New York Jets are continuing to shop veterans left on the roster. There’s one move they could make that could change the narrative.
I spoke about the possibility of building around Sheldon Richardson earlier this week and I still believe that should be an option. But if the New York Jets front office doesn’t, it won’t really matter.Earlier this year, I noted that the Jets should move Richardson only if the price was right. Maybe the Jets have moved on their demand for a first round pick?
If you put the draft compensation aside for a moment, I can see a trade that makes sense in terms of bringing a player back in.
I’m not a Jermaine Kearse guy, but players are going to become available before the season. Kearse won’t be the first nor will he be the last. Spoiler alert, the Jets need to acquire a veteran wide receiver.
First off let’s explain why and then we’ll get back to WHO. A quarterback can’t be properly evaluated with crap at the skill positions. For lack of a better term.
So don’t worry in this game of ring-around-the-rosy, everyone will get a chance to try out this Jets starting quarterback gig. But when these young guys get their turn at the carnival, it would behoove the Jets to surround them with at least basic grocery supplies.
Bryce Petty looked good in limited preseason action and Christian Hackenberg was more so on the Ferris Wheel with his ups and downs.
Here’s the worst kept secret in the NFL. Come closer. The New York Jets are drafting a quarterback next year.
With that being said, the Jets still want to kick the tires and do their due diligence on the guys they already invested a second and a fourth round pick in, respectively.
So now let’s get to the all important WHO part of this examination.
Jets fans: “But Paul, why don’t we just wait and scoop the leftovers next week for free after teams make roster cuts?”
Well, Jets fans, why scoop leftovers when you can be proactive? Instead of getting someone’s trash, why not get someone’s discarded treasure?
Here’s a list of guys and a quick bio on the players I’m talking about.
Michael Crabtree
- 29 years old
- Three years left on deal (average of $7m)
- Reliable target who’s a good possession receiver and red zone threat
- The Oakland Raiders could use another pass rushing presence and Richardson fits the attitude of the defense.
Randall Cobb
- 27 years old
- Two years left on deal (average of $8.6m)
- The perfect complementary receiver who could fit perfectly in the Jets offense. While he’s not a No. 1 receiver, he’s an effective security blanket for a quarterback.
Allen Hurns
- 25 years old
- Four years left on deal (average of $7.5m)
- One of the most intriguing options available for the Jets. Just signed a new contract last season and the Jaguars are already putting Hurns on the block.
- He’s not a true veteran in the obvious sense of the word, but he’s a talented playmaker that would be affordable.
All of these players would be great options for the Jets that certainly won’t be cut ahead of the season. Packaging Sheldon Richardson and a draft pick, or in some cases just Richardson should do.
In exchange, the Jets would get a reliable target and someone they can have for the future. Cough, cough, a rookie quarterback next year who can have some pieces to work with perhaps?