In the 2015 offseason, the New York Jets made a trade to acquire Brandon Marshall. It proved to be every bit worth the investment for the team as the veteran receiver paired with Eric Decker to form a one-two punch in the passing game for Ryan Fitzpatrick. While the Jets might have just missed the playoffs, the combination of Marshall and Decker has fans excited. However, outside of Marshall and Decker is not much and now the Jets might need to target help in order to improve for 2016.
Behind the starting two wide receivers is a lot of uncertain talent. Jeremy Kerley disappeared this year. Rookie Devin Smith got on the bad side of head coach Todd Bowles. Chris Owusu is hitting free agency while Quincy Enunwa was hit and miss during the season. It was a good thing Fitzpatrick had Decker and Marshall or else the Jets passing game would have been on life support. As a result, targeting a free agent is going to be critical for the Jets.
According to ESPN's Rich Cimini, one of the first moves will likely be to release Kerley. The wide receiver struggled all season and found himself slipping on the depth chart. With a $3.1 salary cap hit in 2016, the chances he comes back are slim as Kerley admitted to the media he was unhappy with his status on the team.
"It's been different," Kerley said, via NJ.com. "I've been doing a lot of watching on the sideline. It sucks to watch. It sucks to watch on the sideline. I'm a football player and I'm a baller, so I want to be on the field. It just sucks to be on the sideline."
The Jets could target a free agent to come in and help. Jermaine Kearse, Travis Benjamin, Marvin Jones and Rishard Matthews will all be available. They are big names that will not command the contract of a top wide receiver. With adjustments needed elsewhere on the roster, the Jets cannot overspend at the position. Players like Rueben Randle, Rod Streater and Ricardo Lockette could also be good pickups that would be cheaper while still offering production at the position.
The Jets also need tight end help and that could be where they spend their money. Jeff Cumberland simply did not cut it in New York and the Jets failed to get much of anything from the position. There are a few good names that will be available on the market this offseason. Dwayne Allen and Coby Fleener are both going to be free agents along with Logan Paulsen who is coming off a bad injury and Zach Miller. The Jets could sign someone to add to the rotation of Marshall and Decker to help Fitzpatrick in 2016.
