The Jets spent cautiously in the first free agency under general manager Joe Douglas.
Only three players earned multiyear deals and the most guaranteed money Douglas handed out was $18 million. This was all by design, though, as it will allow the Jets a great glimpse at their roster without many financial implications should signings not pan out. You know, the oppossite of what previous regimes did.
A lot is riding on Douglas’ first free-agent class, but one thing is certain: everyone signed by the Jets will play a role. Some should contribute early and often in 2020, while others are simply there to ensure the position stays intact if injury strikes. Others are there both as contributors and mentors.
With that in mind, here is what to expect from the Jets’ free agent signings in 2020.
QB Joe Flacco
The Jets brought in the veteran Flacco to be the primary backup for Sam Darnold. He likely won’t be ready for the start of the season while recovering from a neck injury, but his mentorship and experience will be invaluable for Darnold.
There isn’t a lot of expectation for Flacco on the field, but he’ll give the Jets the best opportunity to win if Darnold misses time.
RB Frank Gore
Gore provides solid veteran leadership in the Jets’ backfield behind Le’Veon Bell and should be the go-to rusher for short-yardage situations and to give Bell a break. He’ll also play a huge role in helping develop rookie La’Mical Perine, who figures to play a more prominent role later in the season.
Despite his age of 37, Gore proved with the Bills in 2019 that he can still play at a high level with a limited snap share. He’ll likely see a similar role with the Jets.
OT George Fant
Joe Douglas gave Fant the richest contract of any Jets free agent – three years, $30 million – to start at right tackle on the team’s revamped offensive line.
Fant is powerful and has his flaws, but he should give Darnold better protection than he had in his previous two seasons. He only allowed two sacks and one penalty in 2019 and his athleticism will be sorely needed in the run game.
C Connor McGovern
McGovern was the Jets’ best offseason addittion. He’ll be a massive upgrade at the pivotal center position. He’ll anchor the Jets’ offensive line and should be one of the best interior linemen the Jets have employed since Nick Mangold.
Though he’ll line up at center, McGovern is versatile enough at guard to switch positions if needed.
WR Breshad Perriman
The Jets expect Perriman to replace the skillset and production left behind by Robby Anderson. Perriman is bigger and faster than Anderson, but much more volatile given he’ll be on his fourth team in five seasons and only had his most successful season in 2019 when he only caught 36 receptions for 645 yards and six touchdowns.
He’ll be Darnold’s top receiver threat down the field.
CB Pierre Desir
Desir should immediately become the Jets’ No. 1 outside corner alongside Bless Austin and with Brian Poole in the slot. The Jets needed a competent cornerback after two abysmal seasons of Trumaine Johnson and Desir fits the bill as an athletic corner who’s put together a couple of strong seasons over the past few years.
He does come with some injury concerns, but Desir should be an upgrade for the Jets secondary in 2020.
OL Greg Van Roten
The Jets signed a great reserve lineman in Van Roten who can start in a pinch at multiple positions along the offensive line. The expectation is he’ll become the first backup at left guard, where he started 27 games for the Panthers.
Van Roten can easily supplant a starter at guard, tackle and even center if needed. Van Roten’s signing is more about sustainability along the offensive line than finding a stud starter to hold down any one position.
LB Patrick Onwuasor
The Jets reunited starting inside linebacker C.J. Mosley with his Ravens running mate. Onwuasor’s role will be more clear once the Jets make a decision on keeping Avery Williamson, but he is well-suited to start or come off the bench.
The Jets’ linebacker corps was decimated by injuries in 2019, so Onwuasor will be a fantastic insurance policy if the Jets need a ready and able starter.
OL Josh Andrews
Andrews doesn’t have any starts in his six-year NFL career but will be another reserve player for the Jets’ offensive line. There aren’t any expectations for the former Colt and Eagle, but clearly, Douglas saw something in him that made him sign him this offseason.
Andrews will likely be another backup guard with Van Roten, Ben Braden and rookie Cameron Clark if he makes the team.
