The New York Jets did not end their season the way they were hoping to. The team missed out on the playoffs following a loss to the Buffalo Bills and now they are left to figure out what pieces are needed to get over the hump in 2016. With all eyes on Ryan Fitzpatrick following a breakout year, players like Muhammad Wilkerson and Chris Ivory are on the fence as far as a return next year.
Brandon Marshall made one thing clear in his post-game interview, Fitzpatrick should be re-signed and should be the starter next year. Fitzpatrick came to the Jets on an expiring contract and was never even supposed to be the starting quarterback until an injury to Geno Smith put him under center. The result was a 10-6 season while just narrowly missing the playoffs.
According to ESPN's Rich Cimini, Fitzgerald is expected to return in 2016 on a nice-sized contract extension. With doubt surrounding both Geno Smith and Bryce Petty, bringing back Fitzpatrick is the best move the Jets could make in terms of their future. The quarterback will require a nice pay raise, but he proved to be worth it as consistency with the offense could make the Jets contenders once again.
Will Ivory be part of that? Ivory was a big reason why the Jets found success this season. However, he and Bilal Powell are playing on expiring deals. Ivory was mysteriously benched in the games against the Bills, but he proved this season he can be a workhorse for the franchise if the returns in 2016. There have been no reports on the future of Ivory, but he is one of the better backs available in free agency, so a return makes sense.
The defense will see changes as well and injuries could play a role. Wilkerson ended his contract year with a broken leg as ESPN.com reported the injury suffered Sunday. Wilkerson was hoping to get signed prior to the 2015 season, but instead the Jets drafted Leonard Williams and let the veteran play out his contract. Now the broken leg puts things into question. According to Cimini, Wilkerson's contract demands could dictate what his future looks like as the Jets have Williams and Sheldon Richardson returning. Richardson expects several changes to come on the defensive line.
"You just can't keep everybody on this defensive line," Richardson said, via ESPN.com. "It's just not realistic. Guys are going to play out their contracts. I'm gonna miss 'em. ... We grew up together, pretty much, in the league. They helped me through a hard time in my life. It's going to be tough."
The Jets have plenty of decisions to make. Todd Bowles first year as a head coach can be chalked up as a success, but now the task is keeping momentum moving and that will be determined by what players return in 2016.
