A contract year often brings out the best in any athlete, no matter the sport.
Next year’s free agency frenzy is still a ways away, but the Jets have a handful of players set to hit the open market at the conclusion of next season. Some of those players are key cogs in New York’s plans to get back to contender status, while others general manager Joe Douglas could do without. Either way, the Jets will feature plenty of guys fighting to earn themselves an extra dollar or two in free agency with their performance this upcoming season.
Let’s take a look at seven pending free agents who will have plenty to prove in 2019.
Leonard Williams
Williams is entering the final year of his rookie contract and he’ll have more to prove than anyone on New York’s roster in 2019.
Williams’ tenure with the Jets has been a mixed bag of results. At times, the USC product has flashed the potential that made him the No. 6 overall pick in 2015. On the flip side, he would sometimes go games without making an impact and has not been able to consistently get to opposing quarterbacks.
With Joe Douglas in place as New York’s new general manager, Williams is going to have to ball out to prove he deserves a new contract with the Jets. Douglas could opt to franchise tag Williams at season’s end to evaluate him for another year, but 2019 seems like it’ll be the make-or-break year for the 25-year-old defensive end.
Robby Anderson
Anderson endured a disappointing 2018 season which hurt his chances at earning the payday he was once in line to receive when he hits free agency. However, if he turns things around in 2019, odds are the Jets will break the bank to ensure he remains with the team moving forward.
The Temple product is New York’s most dangerous deep threat — a weapon that Sam Darnold desperately needs at wide receiver. His underneath route running skills still leave a bit to be desired, but Anderson’s ability to take the top off the defense is second to none.
Expect a big year out of Anderson this upcoming season. Not only is it his contract year, but he is also working with a new offensive mind in Adam Gase. If Gase can take his game to a new level, Anderson will establish himself as an invaluable weapon worth paying for.
Brian Poole
Poole will be fighting for much more than a new contract throughout the 2019 season.
After being released by the Atlanta Falcons this offseason, Poole is out to prove he is a reliable nickel cornerback with staying power. The Florida product showed promise throughout his time with Atlanta, but not enough to warrant a stay in the NFC. With the Jets, Poole will have to take his game up a notch to ensure he earns himself another deal either with New York or another team.
Poole has the skill set to be a very good nickel corner for a long time. As long as he produces in 2019, he will be on his way to establishing himself as a solid starter at the position. He might even earn himself a nice new contract along the way.
Ty Montgomery
Last year was a rollercoaster ride for Montgomery. He found himself in a reduced role with the Green Bay Packers and defied the coaching staff’s orders, leading to a trade to the Baltimore Ravens. With Baltimore, Montgomery didn’t produce much in John Harbaugh’s run-heavy offense.
Montgomery will be out to redeem himself in 2019. Playing behind Le’Veon Bell will not afford him many opportunities to do so, but Montgomery has the chance to showcase that he is a reliable No. 2 running back who can successfully spell a starter.
Montgomery’s next contract might not come with the Jets, but he will have to turn it around while donning the green and white if he wants to earn another opportunity either in the Big Apple or elsewhere.
Brandon Copeland
Copeland joined the Jets in 2018 and emerged as a solid edge rusher when given playing time. In 2019, he will need to do more of the same and beyond to position himself well for free agency.
New York is employing a new defense this upcoming season under new defensive coordinator Gregg Williams. That will put Copeland to the test, but he proved his versatility and coachability throughout last season. It would not be much of a surprise to see Copeland become one of Williams’ favorite players for that reason.
Copeland’s story is an inspiring one. As one of only two NFL Veterans Combine participants to receive an NFL contract, Copeland has not only stuck around, but he has made an impact. If he continues to produce this upcoming season, he will secure himself another contract once free agency rolls around.
Steve McLendon
The Jets kept McLendon due in large part because of his leadership and intangibles. How much does he have left in the tank, though? That remains to be seen.
McLendon, 33, might be content hanging it up once his current contract runs out. However, if he wants to play beyond 2019, he’s going to have to prove he still has some good football left in him this upcoming season.
Regardless of how much he sees the field, McLendon is a key part of New York’s roster. That alone could be enough to earn him another contract elsewhere. Some production in the trenches in 2019 wouldn’t hurt his chances, either.
Chandler Catanzaro
There’s a very good chance Catanzaro is facing his final opportunity to stick in the NFL this upcoming season.
He got off to a good start with the Arizona Cardinals as a rookie, but faltered in Year 2 and was released after that season. He signed on with the Jets and got back on track but left New York for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and struggled once again in 2018.
If Catanzaro struggles in his second go-around with the Jets, it’s hard to see another team taking a chance on him in the future.
