Heading into training camp, the New York Jets have position battles all over the field. Head coach Todd Bowles stressed the need for competition in order to improve and he will certainly be getting just that as several players fight for a spot on the depth chart. As OTAs wrap up for the team, who is now on the chopping block with other players moving into starting roles?
One of the main headlines during OTAs was the absence of Mohammad Wilkerson. The defensive end has made it clear that he wants a new contract this offseason and the Jets have made it clear that it may or may not happen. According to ESPN New York's Rich Cimini, Wilkerson is not at risk of getting traded even with the presence of Leonard Williams who was selected in the first round this year. Cimini writes that a trade for Wilkerson will get the Jets nothing that can help them this season. He will be worth draft picks for 2016 and that is it. Considering Wilkerson is only getting paid $7 million this upcoming season it is easier to keep him than trade him.
The same could be said for Dee Milliner who is on the chopping block. According to the New York Post, the cornerback has a lot to prove this year and might not get the field time to make it work after both Darrelle Revis and Antonio Cromartie were signed to the roster. Milliner is coming off a season-ending Achilles injury and is still healing which might hurt his chances even more. But again, the Jets would get nothing for the cornerback that could help them this season which might push the team to stay put on potential trade deals.
With OTAs wrapping up, Cimini also shed light on the "quarterback competition" for the Jets. Bowles made it clear that while Geno Smith was the frontrunner for the job, nothing is guaranteed. Ryan Fitzpatrick and Bryce Petty will be given a chance, but Cimini writes there is no way either player starts Week 1 over Smith. According to Cimini, if both Smith and Fitzpatrick prove to be flops this year, Petty will get the nod in the final weeks and then potentially be favored for the future. Smith must show he can handle the starting role or the Jets will not hesitate to drop him with Petty now on the roster.
