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Where things stand . . .
Just finished up our extensive Jets NFL draft preview issue. It was mailed today.
Since we go over the current state of the team extensively in this issue, and it’s fresh on my mind, I figured I give some general thoughts on where things are at right now, in obviously a very fluid situation. Free agents could be added at any time, and a bunch of draft picks at the end of the month.
But where are they at right now?
Well first-off, let’s start with the latest news, the contract of safety Marqui Christian falling through. On March 21, it was reported by several outlets that the Jets agreed to terms with the former Los Angeles Rams safety on a one-year deal for $2 million. Then, over the weekend, it was announced by some reporters that the deal fell through.
Maybe the insiders who announced it on March 21, should have waited before making this announcement. But people are in such a hurry to get things first, sometimes the announcements can be premature.
But you know what, the news of the Christian not becoming a Jets is something they can overcome. He was going to be their third safety. Bennett Jackson, who was with them last year for a bit, was signed to perhaps to take Christian’s place. There really isn’t a drop-off here. And also expect the Jets to add another safety or two along the way.
They should consider moving cornerback Arthur Maulet to safety. He’s a super-tough, hard-hitting cornerback who doesn’t have great long speed, so he might be better fit at safety.
After signing three offensive linemen early in free agency (Connor McGovern, Alex Lewis and George Fant), the Jets added Greg Van Roten. The contract numbers for Van Roten were leaked to a bunch of insiders late last week. He signed a three-year deal for $10. 5 million with $3 million guaranteed. He started 27 games at left guard for the Panthers over the last two seasons. He missed the last five games of 2020 with a turf toe.
He is likely the leading candidate to start at right guard, but it’s possible that Brian Winters comes back and competes with him for the job. The money Van Roten got connotes a possible starter, but also a possible backup interior swing player. So this could go either way.
So those are the last few moves of the Jets, and there will be more to come.
Where do they stand now? While they could make a move or two between now and the draft, it’s likely the draft will now predicate what free agent moves they make moving forward. Like, if they pick a corner or edge-rusher in the first round, then they will likely go with in-house candidate at right tackle.
But if they pick a right tackle like Andrew Thomas in the first round, then perhaps they go edge-rusher and CB hunting in free agency, though it’s possible that round two could help them in either one of these departments.
As for receiver, this draft is SO deep, they might be able to get away without picking one in the first round, and still get excellent quality.
March 30, 2020
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