The Jets went into free agency with money to spend and a roster littered with holes.
Mike Maccagnan went on a spending spree to go get talented players in order to build around Sam Darnold and Jamal Adams. The Jets already had a young core in place, but six years of bad drafting has not allowed their roster to take that needed next step. Maccagnan is hoping this free agency splurge changes that.
Let’s take a look at the Jets’ biggest winners and losers from free agency thus far.
Winner: QB Sam Darnold
New York’s top priority this offseason was doing whatever it could to help Sam Darnold. That was evident when the Jets hired Adam Gase.
As for players, Gang Green’s first big move of the offseason was to trade for former All-Pro guard Kelechi Osemele. He will replace James Carpenter and will serve as Darnold’s “bodyguard” on a line that needed multiple upgrades.
New York also added Le’Veon Bell and Jamison Crowder. Bell is a top-three running back in the NFL when healthy and also a quarterback’s best friend. His dual-ability in the run game and as a pass-catcher will be key to Darnold’s development.
Crowder is one of the top slot receivers in the NFL when healthy. The Jets get Darnold another speedster in the middle who can create matchup nightmares.
With these moves, the Jets are creating a foundation for Darnold to succeed in 2019 and beyond.
Loser: ILB Darron Lee
Darron Lee looked like he was finally coming into his own in his third season. Then he was popped for PEDs.
After his suspension, the Jets appear ready to move on after signing C.J. Mosley to a lucrative five-year contract.
Just 24, Lee will likely be on his second team come Week 1 of the 2019 season. The Jets will could recoup a fifth-round pick in exchange for him, or he could just be let go altogether.
Winner: CB Darryl Roberts
The Jets brought Darryl Roberts back on a three-year, $18 million deal.
Roberts is currently slated to be their No. 2 cornerback, as the Jets have not pursued alternatives after choosing to move on from veteran Morris Claiborne.
Roberts filled in brilliantly for Trumaine Johnson in 2018 when the latter was injured. He held his own as the No. 2 cornerback and his great play last season has earned him a chance to start.
Loser: CB Parry Nickerson
Parry Nickerson entered the offseason as the supposed heir to free agent slot CB Buster Skrine, but the Jets had other plans.
After stealing Nickerson in the sixth round, the Jets barely played him during his rookie campaign. Instead, New York decided to play Skrine down the stretch of the season. Nickerson will now need to wait his turn again as the Jets signed Brian Poole to a one-year deal this offseason.
The Jets could just want Nickerson to develop more, as they only signed Poole to a one-year deal. However, it is a tough blow for Nickerson, who showed promise when filling in for an injured Skrine.
Loser: Special Teams
The Jets special teams were the best in the NFL during the 2018 season.
Unfortunately for the third unit, New York declined options on Terrence Brooks and Kevin Pierre-Louis and allowed Jason Myers and Andre Roberts to walk free in free agency.
New York brought back Chandler Catanzaro and signed Josh Bellamy and Jamison Crowder, who will both contribute on special teams. However, this is a drastically depleted group, and it’s hard to understand why.
Losing both Roberts and Myers this offseason, two Pro Bowlers last season, are major blows. While the Jets have faith in Brant Boyer’s development skills, matching last season’s production will be tough.
