Jets Come Up Empty on First Day of Free Agency
There is taking your time, and then there is New York Jets General Manager Joe Douglas taking his time. Free agents were flying off the board Monday, but the Jets remained mostly quiet until very late, striking a deal with former Giants backup quarterback Tyrod Taylor, among a number of key signings.
While this was not a star-studded free agency for the Jets, they added depth to their offensive line, began to answer their quagmire at backup quarterback, and re-signed kicker Greg Zuerlin in the process. They have a lot more work to do.
Key Additions:
Tyrod Taylor, QB: The Jets answer a huge need for a backup quarterback by signing the veteran journeyman to a two-year deal. Not large in statute, at 6-1, but efficient when called upon. Completed 64 percent of his throws last season with the Giants. The hope here is that Aaron Rodgers is healthy for the full season.
John Simpson, OG: The Jets desperately need help on the offensive line and signed the former Raven John Simpson to a two-year deal. He could either be a starter or a backup. He was middle of the pack in run and pass blocking, allowing eight sacks, which was second most on the Ravens last season. The Jets need more help on the O-Line obviously.
Javon Kinlaw, DT: On the day they lost Bryce Huff to the Eagles, the Jet’s only move on defense was to sign a rotational player in Kinlaw. Only 13 tackles last season and 3.5 sacks. He’s been around a while, drafted by San Francisco in 2020. He served as a backup in San Fran, and will likely be that in New York.
Isaiah Oliver, CB: Could either be a nickel corner in the slot, or a corner depending on if the Jets re-sign Jordan Whitehead. Stay tuned.
Greg Zuerlein, Kicker: easily the best signing of the day by the Jets. Zuerlein was New York’s most important player when it came to scoring points. He was automatically connecting on 35-of-38 field goals, including tying, and later, winning a game against the Giants in overtime.
KEY LOSSES:
Bryce Huff: Huff is by far the Jets’ biggest miss of the off-season free-agent frenzy thus far. He accounted for 10.5 sacks last season but decided to get a bigger contract from the Eagles at three-years $51 million. It is odd considering the Jets were at one point willing to pay a similar contract figure to Carl Lawson a couple of years ago. It’s hard to figure out why the Jets didn’t try to match this and keep one of their better players in the building.
