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Some more thoughts on Mike Maccagan’s press briefing that took place on Thursday at the Jets’ training complex in Florham Park.
There was something he said early on that I want to comment on . . .
“I think going into the season, we said this very publically, with the salary cap space we had and the draft picks, our goal was to try to make ourselves a better team and ideally build a team that could consistently compete ideally for the playoffs and once you get to the playoffs, then obviously championships after that potentially,” Maccagnan said.
I understand what he’s saying, but not sure how signing a 30-year-old cornerback to essentially a three-year deal for $39 million guaranteed, jibes with the philosophy of building “a team that could consistently compete.”
In a cap sport, you need to be careful with every penny, especially with a cap in the most violent professional sport where injuries abound.
I’m sorry, that contract was reckless, and it’s going to hurt the Jets this off-season with all their own free agents they have to negotiate with.
Giving a 30-year old cornerback, who has lost some speed and quick twitch, that kind of money isn’t good business.
Hey, if you want to sign him fine, but don’t not for that kind of money.
It’s quite possible this deal was driven by forces above the GM. I’m going to try to get to the bottom of this at some point.
But in a cap sport, you need to be careful with every contract. The largesse of this deal is going to come back to bite the Jets . . .
Somebody asked Bowles this question – “How much influence does it carry if Coach Bowles really wants to keep a certain player on the roster?”
Why even ask that? They are attached at the hip. What do you think Maccagnan is going to make decisions on an island and force players on Todd? No way.
Bowles influence is huge. Huge.
They are working together now going over tapes from the season deciding how to proceed moving forward.
I don’t even know why it’s necessary to ask this . . .
Maccagnan was asked what he thought of his draft class.
“We liked the guys we drafted,” Maccagnan said.
Hello. What do you expect him to say?
This is a rhetorical question and answer. Captain Obvious stuff.
Leonard Williams was a great pick.
But then again, it’s hard to offer too much praise for the pick because it was a no-brainer. Perhaps the best player in the draft fell in their laps at six. I don’t think anybody expected him to be there.
I think he’s going to be a superstar. People get too caught up in sacks. He’s a terrific all-around end who is very disruptive. I can’t tell you how many times he blew-up a play by shooting into the backfield, forcing a runner into the arms of an another player. There isn’t a stat for this, but it’s very important.
With an off-season to get stronger and improve his technique, the sky is the limit.
Lorenzo Mauldin looks like he will be a very good second outside linebacker, to compliment a stud on the other side (which could come in the first round of the 2016 draft). I love his motor.
The jury is still out on the rest of the draft.
January 15, 2016
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