The New York Jets had a dire need in the backfield and they just filled it by signing Isaiah Crowell.
With Matt Forte’s retirement, the New York Jets were in desperate need of a true bell cow on offense. That question was answered before free agency even kicked off with the signing of Isaiah Crowell.
Isaiah Crowell intends to sign a 3-year deal with the NY Jets, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 13, 2018
Prior to signing Crowell, the Jets had a few rotational pieces in Bilal Powell and Elijah McGuire. Neither capable of handling a full workload, now neither of them have too.
This is the first skill position player the green and white have signed during the free agency period. While Crowell has never run for over 1,000 yards, he has been a consistent force since breaking into the league with the Cleveland Browns in 2014.
Over the last four years, he has increased his carries every season. While he does most of his work up the middle, he has developed his receiving ability over the last two years accumulating 68 receptions.
The Jets are investing in a young talent (25 years old) who hasn’t reached his full potential. This feels very similar to when the Jets brought in Chris Ivory. Crowell is not nearly as physical as Ivory was, but he’s a guy who can pound the rock for the team and offers more versatility offensively.
Now the team needs to continue to surround the starting quarterback with as much talent as possible.
Speaking of who the starting quarterback will be, it seems like Josh McCown will be that guy, per Calvin Watkins of Newsday. He’s fragile and hasn’t started a full season in his entire career. The more balance offensively for the Jets, the better.
