For the second consecutive offseason, the Jets spent big in free agency.
With so many holes to fill on a team that only won four games in 2018, the Jets have shelled out $205.5 million to 12 players, including $119.6 million in guaranteed money. All of the moves upgraded the team in some way, but the contracts handed out were a little questionable.
The full evaluation of these moves won’t be realized until the 2019 season begins. For now, here’s how Jets Wire graded the biggest free agent signings for Gang Green.
RB Le’Veon Bell
The Jets got one of the best running backs in football who immediately injects a new level of intensity into the offense. Bell is the perfect running back for Sam Darnold – he’s a great runner as well as a receiver who can be a safety net for the second-year quarterback.
Bell’s price was steep – $52.5 million over four years – but it was still cheaper than expected and worth it for the type of player the Jets get in return. New York hasn’t had a running back of Bell’s caliber since Curtis Martin signed with the Jets in 1998, and he’ll likely become the focal point in Adam Gase’s offense.
Grade: A-
LB C.J. Mosley
If the Jets wanted veteran leadership in the middle of their defense, they got it in C.J. Mosley. Alongside Avery Williamson, the Jets are stacked at inside linebacker and their defense could stabilize with the addition of Mosley.
However, the Jets gave Mosley a massive five-year, $85 million contract, which is the biggest contract for a player at his position and the fourth-highest seasonal average among all linebackers in the league. Mosley is a phenomenal player, but the amount of money the Jets paid to acquire him may have been a little too much.
Grade: C
WR Jamison Crowder
Adam Gase loves slot receivers, and Crowder fits the mold of the perfect fit for the Jets offense. Crowder is a significant upgrade over Jermaine Kearse, and his role on the team will allow fellow wideout Quincy Enunwa to play all over the field.
Crowder’s yearly average is slightly higher than the other slot receivers who were on the market like Golden Tate, Adam Humphries and Cole Beasley, but that’s okay since Crowder was also the best talent among the four. His three-year, $28.5 million deal fits in line with his value and he’ll be a weapon for Darnold.
Grade: B+
K Chandler Catanzaro
After letting Pro Bowler Jason Myers go, New York went a little frugal in the kicker market when Gang Green signed former Jet Chandler Catanzaro to a one-year, $2.3 million.
It’s not a flashy signing by any means, but Catanzaro performed well for the Jets when he played in 2017 and is a competent, experienced kicker. Catanzaro’s 2018 season was up-and-down, but his contract is minimal enough where the Jets won’t incur too much dead cap if he fails to perform this upcoming season.
Grade: B
DE Henry Anderson
The Jets decided to keep their sack leader when they signed Anderson to a three-year, $25.2 million deal (which was actually the second-biggest contract for a defensive end this offseason). The move makes a lot of sense given Anderson played exceptionally well in 2018 with seven sacks and the Jets will continue to play in a 3-4 defense.
It’s a lot of money to give a defense end, but Anderson is young, disruptive and effective at his position.
Grade: A-
CB Brian Poole
Gregg Williams got a much better, younger and cheaper replacement for Buster Skrine in the slot cornerback position.
Poole is a great tackler who has a nose for getting to the quarterback, something the Jets need in the secondary. The one-year deal is nothing for a player who expects to start Week 1.
The Jets could have paid more for a better overall cornerback, but Poole will do and didn’t cost nearly as much as other players at his position.
