Jets general manager Joe Douglas and head coach Adam Gase spoke at the NFL Combine on Tuesday, and the duo covered plenty of ground.
The topics of note included Le’Veon Bell’s status with the team, Jamal Adams’ potential contract extension and Robby Anderson’s impending free agency. Additionally, both men were asked about the state of the offensive line, injuries and the continuity of the Jets offense.
Let’s see what Douglas and Gase had to say about these topics in their NFL Combine pressers.
Le’Veon Bell
Le’Veon Bell is more than likely going to be a Jet in 2020.
Douglas said he is not going to initiate any trade talks for Bell and is planning on him being with the team next season. Douglas didn’t think his play declined despite subpar numbers in 2019, but rather blamed the offensive line for not creating enough open holes for Bell in the running game.
As for how soon we’ll see Bell back in action, Gase is not sure if he will attend the voluntary program in the spring. He worked out on his own last season — something he also did in Pittsburgh — but Gase doesn’t see it as a “huge deal.”
Offensive Line
Douglas is well aware that the Jets offensive line needs a lot of work.
Douglas mentioned that they only have one returning starter coming back next season in Brian Winters, though don’t be surprised if he’s cut during the offseason, as his $7 million base salary is non-guaranteed. So the Jets could very well be looking to replace the entire offensive line this offseason.
There has been a lot of talk about the Jets taking an offensive lineman in the draft. Douglas said there are “quite a few” linemen who have the qualities they’re looking for. They want toughness and versatility in the trenches. More than anything, though, the unit needs to protect Sam Darnold.
Injuries
After an injury-riddled season last year, the Jets offered some good news on that front Tuesday.
Quincy Enunwa (neck) has yet to be medically cleared, but Douglas did say he has been doing well in rehab. Enunwa has a doctor’s appointment coming up that will ultimately determine where he’s at health-wise. Brian Winters should be ready to go next season after undergoing shoulder surgery.
As for C.J. Mosley (groin), Gase said he’ll be ready for the spring. Same for Sam Darnold (left thumb).
Robby Anderson
Robby Anderson may or may not be back with the Jets next season.
Douglas did say he will speak with Anderson’s agent this week at the combine, but free agency is unpredictable and Anderson has stated that he won’t be taking a hometown discount. Gase said it’s helpful to keep your own players who have been in the system already, so it sounds like the coach wants Anderson back.
The question is how much is Douglas willing to pay Anderson in free agency to keep him around?
Jamal Adams
Douglas wants Jamal Adams to be a Jet for life, but money is once again a factor.
Douglas has had preliminary talks with Adams’ agent about a contract extension, but nothing further than that. Adams is still two years away from free agency, but is eligible for a contract extension now.
Adams is going to command big money and is probably going to be the highest-paid player at his position. It’s only a matter of time before Douglas gives him the cash he deserves.
Offensive Continuity
Gase said the biggest thing for his offense in year two is building off what they did last season. In other words, continuity.
Huh?
The Jets were ranked 32nd in total offense last season. Obviously, the unit was thrown off course when Darnold went down with mononucleosis, but it wasn’t much better even with him. Also keep in mind that the 2020 Jets offense is going to look a lot different with potentially seven or eight new starters.
Gase shouldn’t want to continue the play of last year’s offense. With so many new faces expected, the hope is that won’t be possible.
