The NY Jets have a new regime in place with Todd Bowles and Mike Maccagnan at the helm and with major cap space the team could look to spend in free agency, as names like Demaryius Thomas, Darrelle Revis, Antonio Cromartie, Brian Hoyer and CJ Spiller could be potential targets and this comes as Percy Harvin could get released in a cap saving move.
The Jets cleaned house after last season and brought in Bowles to take over for Rex Ryan and Maccagnan was hired to replace John Idzik. The plan over the last couple years with Idzik did not work and Ryan was fired after four seasons of missing the playoffs. Ryan helped put the Jets back in the conversation with back to back AFC championship appearances, but he missed the postseason each year after that. Geno Smith may not be the answer and the team could look at Brian Hoyer as a free agent option along with names like Jameis Winston and Brett Hundley in the draft.
According to ESPN.com, Harvin could be a cap saving move for the Jets after his trade from the Seahawks, as he is making over $10 million next season. Harvin's salary is non-guaranteed and on top of that, he has draft compensation attached to him as part of the deal and that is why it's likely Maccagnan will get rid of him. Rich Cimini at ESPN New York writes that Harvin will cost the Jets a fourth round draft pick if he is on the roster in 2015 and a sixth round pick if he is not and the way the Jets are built right now, that's really no decision at all.
Cimini writes that Maccagnan puts major consideration into the draft and has a strong scouting background and that an aging receiver at that price is not worth losing a fourth round pick. This past season Harvin had 51 catches for 483 yards in 13 games with the Seattle Seahawks and the Jets and scored just one touchdown. Geno Smith has said publically that he would like Harvin back, but with Maccagnan in charge it's unlikely.
The team has a projected $40 million in cap space to work with and Maccagnan can free up some more with moves like releasing Harvin and other veterans. The team needs more playmakers on offense and while the defense is strong, the secondary and linebackers have some holes heading into 2015. ESPN.com reports that the team could be interested in signing Darrelle Revis if the Patriots don't pick up his player option, while the Bills are also interested.
Woody Johnson got into some hot water after talking about Revis earlier in the season, but the Jets may still go after him with the cap space they have. The team also could go after another cornerback that used to be with the team in Antonio Cromartie. Cimini answered some questions on Twitter and mentioned Cromartie as the more likely option over Revis because of his price tag and the likelihood that he will stay in New England.
Eric Decker mentioned to the press that he would call Demaryius Thomas about coming to New York, but honestly everyone knows that's not happening. The Jets have the money to woo him, but they likely will stay a bit more conservative with their spending.