The latest news regarding New York Jets wide receiver Robby Anderson makes the position a top need for the green and white.
The New York Jets have a ton of needs heading into the 2018 offseason, to put it lightly. That list just got longer with the latest Robby Anderson news.
In case you missed it, Anderson got into some more trouble with law enforcement in Florida. Although this time around, it appears the charges are a lot more serious (Robby Anderson update).
The Jets released a statement on the situation, saying, “We are aware of the situation. This is a pending legal matter and we will have no further comment”, per ESPN Insider Rich Cimini.
Statement from the Jets on the Robby Anderson arrest: "We are aware of the situation. This is a pending legal matter and we will have no further comment." #Jets
— Rich Cimini (@RichCimini) January 19, 2018
It’s still unclear what punishment will come of this for Anderson because the legal processes must take their course.
Although it’s important to note, this could be a double-dip situation. The Jets can do an internal investigation and discipline Anderson accordingly, while the NFL will do their own internal investigation and could also punish Anderson for his actions. As we’ve seen in the past, Anderson could be relieved of all charges and still be disciplined under the NFL’s personal conduct policy.
With that being considered the Jets wide receiver position looks a lot different:
Anderson’s status is now uncertain with all his legal troubles. Quincy Enunwa is coming off of neck surgery and nothing is guaranteed with his future. Beyond that, there are several unproven commodities on the depth chart as well (career stats):
-
- Chad Hansen: 9 receptions for 94 yards
- ArDarius Stewart: 6 receptions for 82 yards
- JoJo Natson: 2 receptions for 18 yards
- Lucky Whitehead: 9 receptions for 64 yards
The only certainty left on the depth chart is Jermaine Kearse. Although his $5 million cap charge can be completely saved if he’s released, I’d imagine that with the uncertainty of the rest of the position, the Jets would keep Kearse.
Originally it seemed that any additions to the wide receiver position would be a luxury this offseason, but considering the current state of affairs, it’s no longer a luxury; It’s a necessity to improve the position.
So let’s go chronologically through the NFL calendar. Here are the top available options at the wide receiver position expected to reach free agency:
- Terrelle Pryor, WR, 28 years old
- Mike Wallace, WR, 31 years old
- Sammy Watkins, WR, 24 years old
- Eric Decker, WR, 30 years old
- Allen Robinson, WR, 24 years old
- Jarvis Landry, WR, 25 years old
- Donte Moncrief, WR, 24 years old
With the Jets are expected to have north of $100 million, they could certainly dip into those funds to solidify the skill positions on the roster.
But if the Jets want to go with a more cost-effective method, the 2018 NFL Draft is always an option. You can’t find any cheaper labor and, with a slew of draft picks, it would make sense for the Jets to go that direction.
Here are a few names in the college ranks to keep an eye on:
- Calvin Ridley, WR, Alabama
- Courtland Sutton, WR, SMU
- Christian Kirk, WR, Texas A&M
- Equanimeous St. Brown, WR, Notre Dame
Regardless of which direction the Jets end up going, it has become painfully obvious that this team needs some security at the position. While the Jets’ 2018 starting quarterback is shrouded in mystery, whoever it is will require weapons to throw to if the Jets ever want to compete.
