The NY Jets have a new regime in charge and that could mean changes on the roster, as names like Chris Johnson and Percy Harvin could be released and this comes as the team may target Darrelle Revis, CJ Spiller and Brian Hoyer as free agent options to come in, as Geno Smith will have to compete for a chance to start in 2015 for Todd Bowles and Mike Maccagnan.
Harvin was acquired in a trade last season with the Seahawks and he is likely to get released, as he has draft pick compensation attached to his status. According to ESPN New York, the Jets are also likely to release Johnson, as he could save the team over $3 million and this comes after he was arrested in the offseason on a gun charge. Harvin is almost certain to go, as Maccagnan puts a great deal of consideration into the draft and he will be worth a fourth round pick from Seattle if he is not on the roster in 2015.
The Jets are almost certain to make those moves, as Rich Cimini at ESPN.com writes that it will give Maccagnan a chance to clear cap space and get aging veterans off the roster. The Jets need talent on both sides of the ball and while Harvin has explosive ability, he has been injury prone over his career and is making too much money next season. The draft pick compensation makes this a decision that is an easy one, as Maccagnan came in and said he would be a strong proponent of drafting and developing players.
Cimini also writes that Johnson could be released as early as next week, as he is set to get a bonus on February 16. The Jets added Johnson last offseason and while they were one of the better rushing teams in the league, Johnson is an expendable piece. Johnson is 30 years old in September and that is when running backs start to break down. This past season Johnson had 663 yards in 16 games and scored just one touchdown and he was also arrested this offseason on a gun charge.
Harvin had 51 catches in 13 games this season for 483 yards and this was the first time he had played in more than 10 games since back in 2011. Harvin was having an MVP like season in Minnesota before getting injured in 2012 and he has not been able to get back to his explosive self on a consistent basis. One thing in favor of Harvin is that he is just 26 years old and still has time to get things together. According to Ben Goessling at ESPN.com, the Vikings may look at Harvin or Johnson on the free agent market if they are released.
The Vikings may need a running back if they move on from Adrian Peterson,, while Harvin could be a fit if Greg Jennings is released. The coaching staff that Harvin clashed with is gone and the team desperately needs some explosiveness for Teddy Bridgewater. The Jets have a number of holes and names like CJ Spiller, Brian Hoyer and Revis could be free agent targets. Woody Johnson has spoken about Revis potentially returning, while Spiller has been mentioned by ESPN.com as a target for the Jets, as they have his old coach Chan Gailey running the offense.
