As listeners of FantasyShed ON AIR, you know the strong desire I had for going out there and signing Kirk Cousins. It was the driving force behind my Maccagnan rant earlier this week for crying out loud! But after letting some of my emotions get in check, I have someone new to take to task. Let’s Be Frank with Kirk Cousins!
Yes Kirk, you earned your free agency and the right to choose which NFL franchise you wanted to join. But as more and more information has leaked out, it appears you and your representatives were a big part of the reason that the Jets were left out in the cold early on. If you wanted to sign with Minnesota all along, have some courtesy and inform the other team that you know is heavily interested, so they have the ability to make some moves. During the Superbowl, in early February I might add, you were touring the team facilities and checking out the Minnesota area??? Are you kidding me? It sounds to me like your mind was fully made up. Good luck in the NFC man, because you are going to need it.
Now that I’m over my love affair with Kirk, let’s get back to the Jets. Earlier this week, Mike Maccagnan was the one taken to task by yours truly. On a day where most other NFL general managers were busy agreeing with free agents or speaking with agents, we heard absolutely nothing from Maccagnan. Well, he sure has been very active since! Some have even mentioned my first column as a launching point for Mikey Mac’s sudden aggressiveness, which I find very flattering. Whatever sparked this wildfire of activity, on behalf of ALL Jets fans, I say thank you.
Over the past four days, Maccagnan has acquired highly sought after free agents on big money deals, younger veterans on prove-it type deals and middle of the road free agents that certainly fill holes. He has strengthened a defense that only got stronger last season with the improved play of Jamal Adams and Marcus Maye. Although he decided not to bring back Demario Davis from last year’s defense, he did agree to bring back Morris Claiborne to solidify a top notch secondary, thanks to the acquisition of CB Trumaine Johnson on a 5yr/$72.5 million contract. Johnson will definitely bring leadership and although I think it’s a lot to pay, the money needed to be spent somewhere. Also, on the defensive side of the ball, Avery Williamson agreed to a 3yr/$22.5 million contract to fill the void left by Demario Davis. Williamson had a strong 2017 campaign and the Jets have to hope he can replicate the production they got from Davis last year. These three moves are prime examples of how no matter who is in charge of this franchise, defense is always the #1 priority.
On the offensive side of the ball, the Jets were relatively quiet as usual. It all began with a lackluster re-signing of Josh McCown, who we all know did a solid job with a limited team last year. Next, Isaiah Crowell was signed. My initial thought was not positive, mainly because I can’t stand the guy in fantasy. After separating the two, I realized it’s really not so bad. The upside is certainly there because he should be a younger, better version of what Matt Forte was last year, and maybe the Jets find lightning in a bottle. Since that time, the Jets have also brought in Spencer Long and Teddy Bridgewater. Long was a nice signing because they needed an upgrade over Wesley Johnson and I would much rather have Bridgewater starting over McCown next season, barring his health. But what does this mean at quarterback? Signing two QBs to one-year deals could only mean that they are zeroing in on drafting someone in this draft class.
Early Saturday morning the Jets agreed to send picks 6, 37, 49 and a 2019 2nd round pick to Indianapolis for the Colts #3 pick. BAM!!! That’s what I’m talking about Mikey Mac! This move signals that the Jets are ready to invest in a quarterback, just like they did with Mark Sanchez (even though we know how that turned out). With so many teams looking to move up ahead of the Jets, Maccagnan showed the willingness and intelligence to do whatever it takes to get the player he wants. Granted, they still may be getting their third ranked quarterback, but it was a move of necessity. Now the question is, who are they targeting?
If you polled Jets fans, I’m sure most would agree that they will screw up the pick. But Jets fans, we have to start thinking positively. If the Jets find their quarterback in this draft, no one will remember what they gave up to get him. If they only really love two of quarterback prospects and they both are gone, then they can select the running back that everyone calls the next elite back, or a stud guard to solidify the offense up front. It’s a win-win situation. It hurts that we lost a lot of second round picks, but it was worth it. We could see below how well the organization has done with 2nd round picks.
#Jets last 10 second round picks:
Marcus Maye
Christian Hackenberg
Devin Smith
Jace Amaro
Geno Smith
Stephen Hill
Vlad Ducasse
David Harris
Kellen Clemens
Justin Miller— Joe Caporoso (@JCaporoso) March 17, 2018
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The Jets traded three second-round picks (2 two this year, 1 next year). Their history of second-round picks stinks. They haven’t had a second-round pick make the Pro Bowl on offense or defense since Mark Gastineau (1979 draft). #Jets
— Rich Cimini (@RichCimini) March 17, 2018
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Who would’ve thought Mikey Mac would be so aggressive? Not me, that’s for sure. With that said, I would like to apologize to you Mike. I let you have it on Tuesday and you’ve made me reassess things and I am happy with what you’ve done. I am sorry. Now don’t screw up the pick!