The NY Jets could be in for some major changes with Todd Bowles taking over at head coach, as Jameis Winston could be a draft trade target, while names like Sam Bradford, Mark Ingram, Brian Hoyer, Ryan Fitzpatrick and CJ Spiller could be potential options on the free agent market, especially if Geno Smith is not the starter at quarterback for the 2015 season.
Bowles comes in after being the defensive coordinator with the Cardinals last season and one of the major questions for the Jets will be at quarterback. New York Post reporter Brian Costello writes that the Jets could look at veteran options to take over next year, as Ryan Fitzpatrick and Brian Hoyer will be available. The team also could look at Sam Bradford if he is released by the Rams, while Jameis Winston is a potential target but could be too far out of reach.
The New York Post report suggests that Bowles could go a number of directions on the quarterback situation, including picking a free agent option like Mark Sanchez or Brian Hoyer, while Sam Bradford could end up on the market if he is released by the Rams. Other suggestions include moving up in the draft for Marcus Mariota or Jameis Winston or keeping Geno Smith as the starter for the beginning of the season. Smith had a strong finish in the final game of the season, but he did not do enough in 2014 to earn the starting job outright with a new head coach.
The Jets could look at Spiller as an option, as the running back had some of his best performances when Chan Gailey was coach of the Bills. Gailey has long been connected with Bowles and he feels comfortable having him come in to run the offense. Spiller has already thrown his name out there as an option for the Jets and Gailey could look at bringing him in to boost the Jets rushing attack. Spiller also is very good out of the backfield as a receiver and that could be one area that Gailey tries to push with the offense in 2015.
According to Pro Football Talk, Spiller spoke highly of Gailey and he said he could be a nice fit in the Jets offense, as he is a free agent from the Bills. Spiller dealt with a shoulder injury last season and the Jets could look at him as an option, as he had his best overall season with 1700 total yards from scrimmage in 2012 under Gailey in Buffalo. Spiller was an explosive option out of the backfield and he could repeat that with the Jets moving forward.
The Jets decided to fire Rex Ryan and John Idzik and now they have a new general manager and coach coming in for 2015. Bowles is a defensive coach like Ryan and that is why he brought Gailey in to run the offense. While Gailey has been out of the NFL in recent years, he has had success on that side of the ball and a player like Spiller could be a very good fit with the team. Mark Ingram also could be an option, as he showed this season he can be a top option at running back and that he can be a dual threat out of the backfield.