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What should the Jets do with free agent running back Chris Ivory. Another decision that will lead to a Starbucks overload for Mike Maccagnan.
Here is Part III of our overview of the Jets’ free agent class . . .
Chris Ivory, RB
Chris Ivory will be 28 in March. He’s toted the rock 883 over his six years in the NFL. You need to be very careful giving running backs in their late 20’s big money. A lot of tread is off the tire. But with that being said, the Jets need to bring him back. Now that Marshawn Lynch is likely retiring, in Ivory, we are talking about the most violent runner in the NFL. He teammates feed off his ferocious style of play.
But while Ivory is invaluable, they can’t overdue the contract. It’s just not good business. And he’s constantly battling hamstring and groin issues. To his credit, he’s answered the bell on most Sundays. Remember, when the Jets acquired him, he had missed a lot of time in New Orleans due to injuries. While he was limited at times, he was mostly available during the last three seasons in green.
If the Jets don’t bring him back, they are making a mistake. As Brandon Marshall said repeatedly, “This offense starts with Chris Ivory.”
Give him a two-year deal for decent, but not insane money.
Jaiquawn Jarrett, S
He’s an unrestricted free agent. He ended up on injured reserve this past season with a knee injury. Before that, he was battling a shoulder injury. So here is the problem. He’s tough as boot leather, but he’s a 196-pound safety who throws is body around like middle linebacker. While his toughness is admirable, you just wonder if he can hold up. Last year he couldn’t. He was a physical mess.
Now Todd Bowles loves the guy. They are kindred spirits – overachieving Temple safeties. So Bowles will likely pound the table for him, but only if they can get him cheap – veteran minimum.
So I think he’s back if he agrees to the veteran minimum.
Jamari Lattimore, LB
This was a tough guy to get a read on. He looked really good in training camp as a coverage linebacker, something the Jets were in desperate need of. However, he hardly played on defense during the regular season, so there wasn’t enough of a sample size to judge him. Yes, he gave up a deep pass to Giants TE Will Tye down the middle for 45 yards, but honestly, I thought he had decent coverage on the play. Eli Manning threw a perfect pass. But he played so little, I’m don’t feel comfortable judging him.
On special teams he was good, not great.
Bring him back for the veteran minimum and let him compete.
Chris Owusu, WR
This is a sad situation. The kid wants to play so badly, but after three concussions at Stanford, and then two more with the Jets, it’s probably the end of the road for him.
That is unfortunate. He has so much talent. World class speed, good hands and very tough.
But he’s got so much going for him off the field – extremely bright with a Stanford degree. Honestly, I hate to put it this way, but he can’t mess with his brain anymore.
As Chuck Noll used to say, “Time to get on with his life’s work.”
January 22, 2016
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