The Jets have re-signed DE Henry Anderson to a three-year deal, but it’s going to take more than that to solve their pass-rushing woes.
Anderson will get $25.2 million over the course of his deal following a successful first season with the Jets. Mike Maccagnan traded for Anderson in exchange for a seventh-round pick during the 2018 NFL draft and it proved to be one of his best trades as the Jets general manager.
Anderson came on to the scene as the Jets’ best pass-rusher in 2018, leading the team with seven sacks in a limited role. The Jets are banking on the 27-year-old staying healthy like he did last year, as opposed to multiple injury-riddled seasons in Indianapolis.
With the Jets sticking with a 3-4 defense under Gregg Williams — and getting burned by Anthony Barr — re-signing Anderson made too much sense.
With that said, the veteran is a complementary piece. His annual salary projects him to be a starter at the moment, but the Jets will need to add an additional edge rusher if they truly want to improve their quarterback attack.
The Jets tied for 16th in the NFL with 39 sacks last year, so it is imperative that they get some new band members up front.
At this point, there are not a ton of elite pass-rushers left on the market, but there are still a few names worth taking a flier on. The Jets also own the No. 3 pick in a draft loaded with such help.
The bottom line is that the Jets can’t enter 2019 with the same pass-rush as a season ago. Anderson and Leonard Williams make for a nice start, but Gang Green simply needs more if it wants to recreate the New York Sack Exchange.
Retaining Anderson is a strong signing for the defensive line, but New York cannot stop there.
