The New York Jets got some new members on the flight crew. Here’s how some of the more notable additions will fit on the team.
The New York Jets added some necessary replacements to their team after letting a few free agents go.
One of the biggest needs for the Jets was the center position and they hopefully found another successful replacement in Spencer Long. Here’s a fun fact: The Jets have had a long, successful run of centers over the years and they kept passing the torch to each other.
#Jets hoping Spencer Long can add stability to center position that had been one of franchise's most consistent spots for many years:
-Joe Fields (1976-87)
-Jim Sweeney (1988-94)
-Kevin Mawae (1998-2005)
-Nick Mangold (2006-2016). pic.twitter.com/HZv9sEheuI— Dennis Waszak Jr. (@DWAZ73) March 14, 2018
Granted, there’s a year gap between Mangold and Long, but you still get the picture.
Now if only they could be that successful as it pertains to quarterbacks. A man can dream, can’t he?
Speaking of, the Jets traded up to the No. 3 pick and will be hopefully drafting their franchise quarterback for the next 10-to-15 years. Hones, ly I’m just excited to potentially enter an offseason next year knowing who my starting quarterback will be.
It’s the little things, really.
The Jets officially welcomed Teddy Bridgewater to the team on Sunday. For those fans still confused about why the Jets signed Teddy and Josh McCown and traded up to the top of the draft to take another passer, let me give you the scoop.
Teddy's coming to the Big Apple hungry to get things back on track. #1T1G pic.twitter.com/NtzHX2nrGm
— New York Jets (@nyjets) March 18, 2018
McCown has never started a full season from start to finish in his career. Bridgewater hasn’t had a meaningful snap since 2015. Let’s call the signings insurance policies.
But wait, there’s more! This is also a calculated move for the Jets.
While McCown is the old guy who can mentor young quarterbacks, Bridgewater brings a different element to the equation. He’s young (25) but he does have that injury history. Who’s to say if he’ll ever fully recover and recapture his previous Pro Bowl form?
This was a low-risk move with—potentially—a very high reward.
If Bridgewater wins the Comeback Player of the Year Award next year and shows he’s a franchise quarterback, then the Jets have a great problem on their hands. Besides, having these two veterans almost insures the Jets are willing to take the slow methodical approach as it pertains to developing a young quarterback, which is a nice change.
Although that’s not a guarantee.
The Jets could also have a Matt Flynn/Seattle situation on their hands. Flynn was brought in as a prized free agent and was supposed to be the guy. But someone forgot to tell Russell Wilson, who was drafted in the third round and won a quarterback competition that wasn’t even supposed to be a real competition. Of course, the rest is history.
The Jets soon to be No. 3 pick could develop for a year and then take over the team next year (McCown and Bridgewater are only signed to one-year deals). Or he could impress and win the quarterback battle in training camp. Regardless of what happens, it’s a win-win scenario for the Jets. Hardly a situation that they’re used too.
The other big signing for the Jets was getting younger at the linebacker position by signing Avery Williamson away from the Tennessee Titans.
Pen to paper! #JetUp pic.twitter.com/HI65l3LX1a
— New York Jets (@nyjets) March 18, 2018
While he was only a two-down linebacker with the Titans, the Jets are going to give him a chance to be a three-down backer in their 3-4 scheme. He certainly has a chance to be as good, if not better, than the departed Demario Davis.
I know it’s hard for Jets fans to believe, but the moves the Jets have made could actually help the team’s long-term future for the first time in a long time.
