The New York Jets have been trying to move on from Darrelle Revis for the past two seasons, but things have not gone that well. First-round draft pick Dee Milliner suffered his share of rookie struggles and the secondary suffered as a result. With Antonio Cromartie gone to the Arizona Cardinals, the Jets are in need of Milliner making a big leap in his second season. However, could the team be organizing a backup plan if that fails to happen?
According to the New York Post, the New York Jets are taking interest in cornerback Brandon Flowers. The Kansas City Chiefs officially released the veteran over a combination salary cap and performance issues. The cornerback immediately becomes one of the best free agents on the market and someone that could help the Jets secondary with depth and production.
The Jets have taken interest in Flowers before. The team reportedly attempted to trade for the cornerback in May, but the deal was denied and then general manager John Idzik spent the rest of the offseason denying the report. Flowers would be an asset to the Jets. The veteran could help develop Milliner into the star New York was hoping to draft. The Pro Bowler is not the elite player he once was but he is a strong zone corner who can help out. Right now, Milliner is nursing a hamstring injury that is keeping him off the field. Getting Flowers might be the best move.
Along with questions regarding the secondary, the Jets are also dealing with issues at wide receiver. The team has Eric Decker as their leading star, but after that remains uncertainty. New York brought in Jacoby Ford to pair with Jeremy Kerley and Stephen Hill. However, Hill is not looking like a leading receiver and Jets fear he may be a bust. Could Santonio Holmes be an option?
The former Jets target remains on the market, but is confident he will have a job soon enough. Holmes' trainer, tom Shaw, stresses that he is healthy after a Lisfranc Injury killed two seasons for him and will certainly sign with a team in the near future.
He'll definitely be on a team," said Shaw, via New York Post. "Just like [free-agent linebacker] James Harrison will be on a team. As long as teams don't think he'll be a distraction, he's going to get picked up. I think Santonio Holmes has grown up. He's grown up more than I've seen any player I've worked with over the years. That's a big plus. He understands the importance of not being in Google, where his boys can find things that are negative on him. I really feel like things are going to get better for him. I really think he'll be a model citizen on any team he goes to."
If the Jets get nervous regarding their receiving corps, Holmes might be the best option. He will sign for cheap and his familiarity with Geno Smith and the offense means he can step in immediately and make an impact.
