The New York Jets will lose their rushing power in free agency and they might not bring it back. Heading into the 2016 offseason, Chris Ivory, Bilal Powell and Stevan Ridley all have expiring contracts with no guarantee of a return. The Jets are cash-strapped entering this offseason and with big deals headed towards Muhammad Wilkerson, Damon Harrison and Ryan Fitzpatrick, there simply is not room for big money to go to a running back. That leaves the NFL Draft for the Jets to get rushing power.
Ivory knows his time in New York is likely over. The former undrafted rookie had a solid season and will command a big contract as a result. The Jets cannot afford it and Ivory is preparing to head off to free agency with a deal coming elsewhere in the league.
"I'm not sure what's going to happen," Ivory said, via Around The NFL. "I would like to stay in New York if we reach an agreement. But I know the cap space they're working with and everything and the other guys they have to get signed or want to get signed back. But if it doesn't work out, I'm just looking forward to continuing my career elsewhere if it happens to go that way."
According to ESPN's Rich Cimini, if the Jets are re-signing one of those running backs from last season, Powell could be the favored target. The backup showed a lot of promise in the role and gained the favor of head coach Todd Bowles especially late in the season when Ivory tapered off. Powell will be an affordable contract to take on while giving the team experience as they chase a rookie.
According to NJ.com, the Jets could chase a running back in the second round if not earlier of the NFL Draft should they not retain any of their free agents. The Jets will make their first pick at No.20. With the running back position a huge need for New York, Darryl Slater of NJ.com reports that either Ezekiell Elliott or Derrick Henry could be a potential target with that pick. Elliott is predicted to the best first running back off the board as he has been compared to matt Forte as a one-cut rusher and good receiver. He could be the ideal replacement to someone like Ivory. Henry would also be a good compliment to the offense with an offensive line built to push the pile.
If the Jets like either Elliott or Henry, they need to draft them right away. Part of the reason the Jets had such a successful offense in 2015 was because the run game kept things balanced. That aspect takes a huge hit in free agency. While using a first-round pick on a running back is no longer popular, it fills a huge need for New York in the upcoming season.
