Prior to the 2015 NFL Draft, owner Woody Johnson vowed to get more offensive weapons for Geno Smith and Ryan Fitzpatrick to work with. The Jets had been lagging with both their run game and wide receivers, only making minor adjustments in free agency with Brandon Marshall and Stevan Ridley. The draft helped solve that issue as Devin Smith joins the Jets, but it is a post-draft trade that is raising some eyebrows.
During the NFL Draft, the St. Louis Rams made a move and selected running back Todd Gurley in the first round. That came after the Rams selected Tre Mason last season who thrived as a rookie. As a result, Zac Stacy demanded a trade from the crowded backfield. According to CBS Sports' Chris Wesseling, the Rams immediately granted his wish by getting a deal done with the New York Jets. Stacy was benched last season in favor of Mason, but is going from one crowded roster group to another as the Jets have Stevan Ridley, Chris Ivory and Bilal Powell also on the pay roll.
On paper it looks like Stacy will be battling to get playing time, but injuries could put him on the field sooner rather than later. According to general manager Mike Maccagnan via ESPN.com, the trade for Stacy has nothing to do with the injury to Ridley. The former Patriots running back is recovering from a torn ACL. Ridley was signed during free agency, but is not healthy yet to play. Maccagnan told the media that the injury was not a factor in acquiring Stacy as the team simply favored the skills of the running back.
"We thought the idea of bringing Zac in for that kind of investment would be very beneficial and increase the competition at that position," Maccagnan said, via ESPN.com. "He's had success in the league. Two years ago, he was close to a 1,000-yard back. This past season, his production wasn't quite as high, but we do think he's a good-caliber running back."
If Stacy plays well and Ridley struggles, the running back could be released. The same can be said for a player like Jeremy Kerley who will now battle Smith for the No. 3 receiver spot. If the younger players step up, some could end up getting released in training camp. The goal for 2015 is to improve on offense and help Smith improve as a quarterback. He is currently battling Bryce Petty and Fitzpatrick for the starting job. Johnson said the Jets are committed to making him work as a quarterback.
"He's going to mature," Johnson said, via ESPNNewYork.com. "He's not going to be making rookie mistakes anymore and he's not going to be making sophomore mistakes anymore, hopefully. If he can carry over the way he finished last year, when he played against the Dolphins [in the final game], he played OK. So if he can keep that going, we're good. We're going to get him more targets."
The quarterback and running back positions are not the only ones with battles happening. The New York Post reports that the drafting of Leonard Williams could force a trade for Muhammad Wilkerson who has been having contract issues. The Jets have denied the idea that Wilkerson is available, but if the rookie excels early, New York could seek out a nice trade.
