The New York Jets have a ton of decisions to make this offseason. But they can’t afford to make the same old mistakes again.
New York Jets fans are infatuated with the endless possibilities of this upcoming offseason. And they should be. The offseason is the thing most fans, myself included, most look forward to. It’s what really tests the mettle of a general manager and franchise.
General managers have to make big-boy decisions. Sometimes they’re financially driven and sometimes they’re long-term driven, but the Jets have to avoid making those sentimentally driven decisions.
Mike Maccagnan has had highs and lows during his time with the Jets. He signed Muhammad Wilkerson to a juicy long-term deal which has clearly backfired. Magic Mike did avoid signing Ryan Fitzpatrick to a long-term deal, but even the one-year deal Fitz returned on turned out to be toxic.
Which brings us to Josh McCown. Maccagnan deserves credit for bringing him in and it’s easy to understand why it would be tantalizing to bring him back. Not only was he statistically impressive, but his leadership qualities were a pleasant surprise. It really galvanized the 2017 Jets.
But McCown is going to be 39 by the start of next season. Would the Jets again invest in a past-his-prime talent at the game’s most important position as they’ve done so many times in the 21st century?:
- McCown (2017)
- Fitzpatrick (2015-16)
- Brett Favre (2008)
- Vinny Testaverde (2000-01, 2005)
If it’s up to McCown, he’d be back in a heartbeat. He says that the sentiment would remain even if the Jets bring in a young quarterback.
Josh McCown said he wants to play for the Jets in 2018. Has no problems being a bridge for the next QB.
— Calvin Watkins (@calvinwatkins) February 2, 2018
But here’s the thing, I don’t want the Jets to get complacent. It’d be easy to say “Well McCown played pretty well last year and he’d be relatively cheap to bring back, let’s keep the band together.”
To that, I say this: Stop the madness!
I love McCown, but remember, the Jets initially brought him in as a backup quarterback. Let’s emphasize the first of those two words—backup—because that’s what McCown should be—a backup plan.
If things don’t work in free agency with Kirk Cousins, then sign McCown. I doubt there’s going to be a bidding war for his veteran services unless you include AARP as a potential suitor.
Insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results. The Jets need to stop the cycle and try something new.
The same holds true elsewhere on the roster, as running back Matt Forte wants to be a part of Gang Green in 2018.
No offense grandpa Matt, but the Jets need to get away from the retirement home and get closer to a college campus. Forte was one of the most versatile running backs in NFL history. Was.
Forte has struggled to stay healthy, and when he does play, he’s nowhere near as effective as he used to be. As at quarterback, it’s time for the Jets to truly invest in the position. It wouldn’t be a bad idea to invest in a balanced offensive attack this offseason, one that’s centered around youth.
So sorry Gen Xers, it’s time for the Jets to hit CTRL+ALT+DEL on the past and get ready for the future. The dawn of a new age at 1 Jets Drive is upon us. Or at least it should be.
