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We look at a few more tough decisions for Mr. Coffee. We continue our review of the Jets’ free agent class with a look at four more players on the list . . .
Calvin Pace, LB
I don’t think so. He had a nice eight-year run with the Jets, but I think his stay is over. The Jets need to get younger and faster at outside linebacker. There is no way around that. Pace is a solid player, but he’s 35 and doesn’t run like he used to. But honestly, that isn’t the only problem. The Jets need a dynamic edge pass rusher in the worst way. Regardless of his age, Pace has never been a dangerous pass rusher. Even when he was in his 20’s when he arrived. Most of his sacks are scheme sacks. He’s just never been great at beating tackles off the edge. It’s not a lack of effort. He’s just never been a nifty pass rusher.
Bilal Powell, RB
The Jets are lucky the Bills have cap problems, because Rex would make a run at him. But they have no cap space. I wouldn’t be shocked if New England shows interest. He’s just the kind of change of pace back they love with great receiving skills. He had an outstanding game against the Pats late in the season. One factor that should help the Jets retain him is that he will turn 28 early next season, and he’s coming off s high ankle sprain Running backs in their late 20’s don’t generally get big money on the open market.
Jets need him. You could see how much they need him when he missed the season-finale in Buffalo. Absence makes the heart grow fonder.
I think they can work something out, but don’t have a good cap situation, thanks to their largesse last off-season, and something has to give.
I think what gives is that DeMario Davis and Damon Harrison play elsewhere. I think he comes back.
Stevan Ridley, RB
He will turn 27 on Wednesday.
I know a lot of people have been critical of his limited impact, I want to say one thing in his defense.
He was in a very tough spot. He blew his knee out late last season with New England. The Jets signed him while he was in the middle of rehab. He missed training camp and went on the PUP list. Then he joined the team for the last eight games of the season.
Here is the problem with this scenario. He wasn’t in football shape. You get that by playing tackle football. He hadn’t played tackle football in a year. And this was a new scheme and new team. Fish out of water. He just couldn’t get in a groove. The guy is a better player than he showed.
I’d bring him back on a league-minimum deal and let him compete. He will have a chance to truly get comfortable, and guys coming back from knee surgeries are usually better that second year back.
Darrin Walls, CB
Tough one to call.
The Jets need to get faster at cornerback.
Walls isn’t particularly fast.
So in an off-season they are looking to increase speed on defense, this could hurt his case.
But with Antonio Cromartie a long-shot to return, perhaps Walls comes back on a minimum deal to compete for a spot.
I’ve always felt that he should move to safety. He’s a big corner, a good tackler, who lacks ideal quick twitch, so safety is probably a better spot for him.
January 25, 2016
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