I hate to be a Debbie Downer here but Chad Forbes of NFL.com has written that
Michael Onwenu to #Titans has steam….
This whole Huff situation is the reason why the Jets can never win.
It is very disheartening as a fan when we see this organization lets players that are really good players walk out the door due to ORGANIZATIONAL MALPRACTICE..
You wonder why “ Hey, it’s Rex from the Jets” is gone and unemployed.
Did other teams fall over themselves to sign him, of course not.
His job was in house evaluations of Jet players and other teams players.( Lazard, Cobb, Boyle, Turner, Amos)
Were they not watching Huff improve every game, every season.
Then again when your OC admits that he didn’t know that Breece Hall could catch a football, it shows you the football intelligence and football awareness walking around One Jet Plaza.
Hogan isn’t the only Doctor of Malpractice here.
We can also include Douglas and Saleh in this Huff clusterf**k.
Huff’s money went to Carl Lawson when they extended him for another year.
Fans and NFL players realize that the NFL is a cold buisness. Lawson due to injuries just didn’t work out.
Why was he extended then, duh.
Lawson, 7 sacks in his time here, over the same time period Huff had 15.5 as a part timer.
Lawson when healthy was used more than Huff.
This usage falls on Saleh, I know he likes to rotate his players so too keep them fresh but it seems Huff only saw the field on passing downs.
If Saleh was so right over his usage of Huff then why are teams salivating to throw the bank at Huff. Nobody is going to throw big bucks at situational players. The salary cap prevents that usage of funds.
Speaking of salary cap, how did the Chiefs with a loaded roster able to resign Chris Jones to a monsterous contract.
Thats a very easy answer. They know how to run a successful organization.
Salary cap manipulations are made easier when you make very good usage of the draft and don’t constantly blow draft picks, when you are not overpaying in free agency, when you have good football people running the show.
The Chiefs were very proactive in realizing contract hell was coming. They dumped Hill and never missed him. Were there bumps, yes, but who are the champs.
Are they going to lose Sneed yes, but they put themselves in a position to get some value for him.
Are the Jets going to get any value from Huff, please don’t make me laugh.
When the Jets drafted McDonald last year, critics blasted them for not drafting an offensive tackle, for not trying to trade down or even reach for one.
McDonald better be the real deal, the Jets war room were high fiving themselves when they picked him.
We as fans really hope he meets all expectations. We are all pulling for him. He will have the weight of Huff’s departure on his shoulders
Hopefully he will not turn into JETS MALPRACTICE NUMBER ????
I hope that I'm wrong, but I can't imagine Onwenu wanting to sign with the Jets. The Patriots hate the Jets so much, and with Hackett as the OC and all the dysfunction on the Jets, why would he want to sign here if any other team is interested?
LOL My friend, I'm confused about that too. It could be that he wants to leave or maybe he had some off-field issues that haven't made it into the press yet. As long as there's nothing bad about why they're letting him walk, I'm aboard on signing him.
I think the Jets are not going to be a favorable place for FA's to sign, irrespective of St. Rodgers. The organization is a dumpster fire that they keep pouring gasoline on to keep warm, lol. The only way for them is to throw $$$$$ at FA's, which is an issue in itself. When Donovan Smith says he wants to come here I would have to question his motivation. I can't see why someone with a working brain would want to come here based on the last three years.
The last year has truly highlighted the dysfunctional aspect of the NYJ. From player evaluation, coaching, management and ownership, the organization has been deemed lacking. Unfortunately, I think other players, those we would like to see become Jets are wary….only for a payday beyond their expectations will they join the chaos at 1JD.
I hear ya, Mike, and agree. I fear that it's going to be rough sledding for the Jets in FA.
As for Donovan Smith, he said that he grew up a Jets fan and always wanted to play for them. Whether that's true or not, I can't say, but I can't help but wonder if he sees the Jets as patsies who will give one last big contract before he retires.
On the malpractice meter, if Huff signs under 15 million a year, malpractice is off the charts. If Bryce isn’t playing here, I want him to get the whole bag. Russell Wilson is now a Steeler, the QB carousel begins to spin, and the domino’s began to fall . Hoping for Brissett, , 6.5 is a steal, happy at 13 million
The inability to identify talent and reward it prior to it becoming too expensive, regrettably, From the executive suite to interns, 1JD has far too many incompetents roaming the hallways. Particularly those making or having input on personnel decisions.
Congratulations on the post of the year. Douglas supposedly a top notch talent EVALUATOR, Rex Hogan also held in high esteem by whom, I couldn’t tell you and No gas, all brakes Saleh, defensive genius, don’t they watch practice or game film. They could have tied Huff up last year but they were basking in their glory as if they delivered the Football messiah to their fan base, then they gave us Lazard, Cobb, Turner, Cook and Hackett. Their incompetence along with Johnson’s ownership. Just rips whatever makes us a fan right out of our hearts, it is so depressing rooting for this team. The NY Malpractices just keeps on delivering.
Love the Chuck Clark move, the signing of Oliver could mean that the Jets part ways with Justin Hardy improving the depth and the Flexability of the secondary. Oliver is a former second round pick, has played outside, in the slot and played a lot of specials. How did the Patriots with about 90 million in CAP, let Mike Owenu go ? Sign him up . Very happy with Boyd, but hoping the trade market for Johnson or Sutton can work out.
I'd rather sign Boyd than trade for a WR. I'd rather keep our draft picks for the draft. Boyd is a very reliable WR with great hands. That's what we need.
These moves were excellent! Clark was ready to step in as the starting box safety last year before that knee injury and he's had nearly a year to recover. You can guarantee he knows the system like the back of his hand at this point. I love that move. The Oliver signing is a smart one as well. He replaces Bryce Hall (who finally gets to go prove his worth as a starting corner). He also backs up MC2. Those are the kind of moves that go unnoticed but win games.
You're correct that Guidry wound up backing up MC2. Oliver, though, has extensive experience in the slot (where he's been most recently) and on the outside. :)
I'm going to take on the role of wet blanket regarding Michael Onwenu.
We'll start with the pros. The man is exceptionally versatile in the right kind of scheme. He can play tackle and guard and has done both at a high level. He is a hell of a run blocker and was able to move seamlessly within the Pats' offensive line the last couple of years. He does enough that you'd like to see as a pass protector and has outperformed his original draft expectations. He was supposed to be a guy who wouldn't necessarily be able to overcome his athletic shortcomings and he seems to have done just that.
Now we get to the cons. I think a lot of Onwenu's appeal is tied up in his play for what has been an insanely stable organization with an insanely stable offense. Onwenu came into the league playing on a veteran-studded offensive line (David Andrews, Joe Thuney, Shaq Mason among the big names on that line) under one of the better offensive coordinators (alas; not a great head coach) in the game in Josh McDaniels. The Pats were able to ease the guy in and he seems to have worked extremely hard to establish himself in that offensive line room. He didn't cross paths with Dante Scarnecchia, so I guess we're lucky. The year after he played as Joe Thuney's right tackle, Thuney left for the Chiefs, the Pats brought back Trent Brown, and Michael got to slide inside to play alongside another all-pro offensive lineman. The offense got worse, but Onwenu kept playing well.
All of that isn't to say that Onwenu on any other team would be bad. In fact, I think that he'll be really good if he goes to the right team (obviously, this statement has almost zero meaning; of course he'd be good depending on where he goes). Unfortunately for the Jets, I don't think they're the right team. For starters, he'd be coming into an offensive line room that is completely rebuilding. There is almost zero veteran presence in this group and leadership needs to come from somewhere. A guy who has veteran experience establishing culture and being a leader would be a big plus. Onwenu hasn't done that yet. He probably could, but we don't really know much about his off-the-field demeanor and the non-football stuff he brings to the game. I also think that coming into an uncertain room with uncertain starters would be bad for the guy. He's played next to some absolutely stellar offensive linemen in his career (Andrews, Thuney, and Brown). You'd be asking him to make the leap to THE GUY on this line. That happening is complicated by the scheme fit, which is to say, Michael Onwenu is not a scheme fit for this offense.
All of the information about him out of the draft reports said the same thing: unmatched power, controlled and measured in pass pro, but doesn't have the ability to get up to second level with consistency and has trouble when you ask him to turn those short-area bursts (which he is actually pretty good at) into prolonged reaches. The guy is a bull in a china shop when you ask him to down-block or to trap, but he is less effective when you ask him to do more outside zone stuff. That problem becomes exacerbated if you ask him to play tackle.
All of this is to say, I get the impression that Onwenu, although he's an amazing lineman, would be a poor use of resources for this team. He would be a poor fit for their current blocking scheme, would be an unknown for this particular rebuilding offensive line room, and represents a number of significant chances they'd be taking if they were to make him their premier signing. Additionally, and I thought this was a prescient comp for the kid coming out of Michigan considering who the Jets just cut, his comp on a Bleacher Report scouting report during the 2020 NFL Draft was none other than Laken Tomlinson....
Anywho; here's hoping it all works out! Draft Graham Barton!
I'm glad that Jeudy was traded elsewhere. I never thought he was all that great.
I'm glad that the Jets re-signed Chuck Clark. I think that was a good move.
I'm not so sure about the Isaiah Oliver signing. He was pretty good in 2022, but wasn't nearly as good last year. He's depth, probably cheap, and hopefully, will never see the field, as Carter has stayed healthy so far, so I can't quibble too much.
I'm glad that Yeboah is returning to the Jets. That will relieve the need to sign or draft one.
Conversely, I'm glad that Fatukasi signed with Houston. I'm happy for him that he won't be here in the Jets mess, and he wasn't a good scheme fit for Saleh's D, at least he wasn't his last year here.
If we had cap space, Armstead and DeVondre Campbell would have been great additions to the Jets' D, but alas they are going to have to focus almost exclusively on offense, particularly the OL and WR positions.
David, I'm puzzled about your comments regarding Bryce Huff. Earlier in the column, you said that you thought the Eagles were going to throw a ton of money at Huff, but then down in your predictions, you don't even mention the Eagles. Why is that? Why wouldn't he sign with the Eagles? The other teams you mention all make sense, aside from Chicago. Why would he want to sign with the Bears? I think if Philly is that hot for him and throws a bunch of cash at him, he'll sign with them. Why wouldn't he? They should be a playoff team, and he may not even have to move, or move far.
I sure hope that you're right about the Jets signing Onwenu!!! That would be awesome, except, I don't think they're going to be able to fill the LT spot in the draft, at least not at #10 and I think he will cost a bundle. I think that both Alt and Fashanu will be gone before 10, and I think there's a very good chance that Fuaga could be as well. The only other LT prospects that could possibly start this season are Jordan Morgan and the Barton kid from Duke, and I still see Barton as more of an IOL prospect. For that matter, Morgan might be better off at OG as well.
I agree that Tyron Smith will probably sign with the Chiefs, as they are rumored to be very interested in him. If he does, then I hope the Jets will sign George Fant or a swing OT who is capable of being a good spot starter at LT.
At this point in y Jet fandome - whatever they do they do. I really want Tannehill though for backup. However - they have a plan we all think that plan that we do not know is useless. So - we just have to watch it unfold - again whatever they do they do.
I also hope that you're right about the Jets signing Brissett, although I'd be shocked if that happens. I think the same about Gardner Minshew. I think we'll wind up with Tannehill. I hate the idea of Sam Darnold. Thankfully, I don't think either side would have any interest in his returning to the Jets.
I agree that the Jets will re-sign Solomon Thomas and Quinton Jefferson for the reasons you mentioned. They should be easy and cheap re-signings. They still need to add a veteran run stuffer. I think they can add a rookie run-stuffing DT in the 4th or 6th round, but should add a veteran if they can afford it.
I don't see Ridley signing with Jets, even if the Jets could afford him (which I don't think they can). I think their options are limited to Boyd, Davis, Mooney, and Marquise Brown. I've seen it projected that Davis may get overpaid. If so, that will probably rule him out. I'd feel the most confident with Boyd or Mooney, but wouldn't hate a Brown signing, unless he bombed like Hardman did. Boyd's a solid vet with great, reliable hands. After all the problems the Jets have had with WRs dropping passes, that shouldn't be underestimated or overlooked.
Craig, I fully agree. Despite AR being present, I it will be a challenge recruiting players, particularly at the upper and mid tier to sign on the dotted line
Well, you're more optimistic than am. I would want Robert Hunt over Onwenu, better scheme fit. And Brissett should go somewhere that he can complete for a starting spot. With Wilson in Pitt, Tannehill looks primed to be a Jet.
I disagree regarding Hunt. Hunt can't stay healthy and that's the last thing the Jets need on the OL. While it would hurt Miami some to lose him, it would be our luck that Hunt would wind up missing the entire season. After all the OL injuries over the last 3-4 seasons, I can't imagine that JD would sign a player with the injury history that Hunt has. He would get crucified in the NY media if he did, and rightfully so.
I agree that Brissett will probably sign elsewhere, although for different reasons. At this stage of his career, I can't imagine that he has any illusions about being a full-time starters somewhere. I think he will look to sign with a playoff team, and one where he could get a chance to play due to injury to the QB. For that reason, it makes the Jets a viable team, but with Hackett as the OC, the Jets dysfunction, the lack of receiving targets, and the shape of the OL, I don't think he'll even consider the Jets.
I hate to be a Debbie Downer here but Chad Forbes of NFL.com has written that
Michael Onwenu to #Titans has steam….
This whole Huff situation is the reason why the Jets can never win.
It is very disheartening as a fan when we see this organization lets players that are really good players walk out the door due to ORGANIZATIONAL MALPRACTICE..
You wonder why “ Hey, it’s Rex from the Jets” is gone and unemployed.
Did other teams fall over themselves to sign him, of course not.
His job was in house evaluations of Jet players and other teams players.( Lazard, Cobb, Boyle, Turner, Amos)
Were they not watching Huff improve every game, every season.
Then again when your OC admits that he didn’t know that Breece Hall could catch a football, it shows you the football intelligence and football awareness walking around One Jet Plaza.
Hogan isn’t the only Doctor of Malpractice here.
We can also include Douglas and Saleh in this Huff clusterf**k.
Huff’s money went to Carl Lawson when they extended him for another year.
Fans and NFL players realize that the NFL is a cold buisness. Lawson due to injuries just didn’t work out.
Why was he extended then, duh.
Lawson, 7 sacks in his time here, over the same time period Huff had 15.5 as a part timer.
Lawson when healthy was used more than Huff.
This usage falls on Saleh, I know he likes to rotate his players so too keep them fresh but it seems Huff only saw the field on passing downs.
If Saleh was so right over his usage of Huff then why are teams salivating to throw the bank at Huff. Nobody is going to throw big bucks at situational players. The salary cap prevents that usage of funds.
Speaking of salary cap, how did the Chiefs with a loaded roster able to resign Chris Jones to a monsterous contract.
Thats a very easy answer. They know how to run a successful organization.
Salary cap manipulations are made easier when you make very good usage of the draft and don’t constantly blow draft picks, when you are not overpaying in free agency, when you have good football people running the show.
The Chiefs were very proactive in realizing contract hell was coming. They dumped Hill and never missed him. Were there bumps, yes, but who are the champs.
Are they going to lose Sneed yes, but they put themselves in a position to get some value for him.
Are the Jets going to get any value from Huff, please don’t make me laugh.
When the Jets drafted McDonald last year, critics blasted them for not drafting an offensive tackle, for not trying to trade down or even reach for one.
McDonald better be the real deal, the Jets war room were high fiving themselves when they picked him.
We as fans really hope he meets all expectations. We are all pulling for him. He will have the weight of Huff’s departure on his shoulders
Hopefully he will not turn into JETS MALPRACTICE NUMBER ????
I hope that I'm wrong, but I can't imagine Onwenu wanting to sign with the Jets. The Patriots hate the Jets so much, and with Hackett as the OC and all the dysfunction on the Jets, why would he want to sign here if any other team is interested?
I’m confused, then again based on my rants, you would understand why, lol.
If this Onwenu is that good and the Pats have 90 million in cap space, why are they letting him leave
LOL My friend, I'm confused about that too. It could be that he wants to leave or maybe he had some off-field issues that haven't made it into the press yet. As long as there's nothing bad about why they're letting him walk, I'm aboard on signing him.
I think the Jets are not going to be a favorable place for FA's to sign, irrespective of St. Rodgers. The organization is a dumpster fire that they keep pouring gasoline on to keep warm, lol. The only way for them is to throw $$$$$ at FA's, which is an issue in itself. When Donovan Smith says he wants to come here I would have to question his motivation. I can't see why someone with a working brain would want to come here based on the last three years.
The last year has truly highlighted the dysfunctional aspect of the NYJ. From player evaluation, coaching, management and ownership, the organization has been deemed lacking. Unfortunately, I think other players, those we would like to see become Jets are wary….only for a payday beyond their expectations will they join the chaos at 1JD.
Sorry but I think this is a legitimate concern.
I hear ya, Mike, and agree. I fear that it's going to be rough sledding for the Jets in FA.
As for Donovan Smith, he said that he grew up a Jets fan and always wanted to play for them. Whether that's true or not, I can't say, but I can't help but wonder if he sees the Jets as patsies who will give one last big contract before he retires.
On the malpractice meter, if Huff signs under 15 million a year, malpractice is off the charts. If Bryce isn’t playing here, I want him to get the whole bag. Russell Wilson is now a Steeler, the QB carousel begins to spin, and the domino’s began to fall . Hoping for Brissett, , 6.5 is a steal, happy at 13 million
The inability to identify talent and reward it prior to it becoming too expensive, regrettably, From the executive suite to interns, 1JD has far too many incompetents roaming the hallways. Particularly those making or having input on personnel decisions.
Congratulations on the post of the year. Douglas supposedly a top notch talent EVALUATOR, Rex Hogan also held in high esteem by whom, I couldn’t tell you and No gas, all brakes Saleh, defensive genius, don’t they watch practice or game film. They could have tied Huff up last year but they were basking in their glory as if they delivered the Football messiah to their fan base, then they gave us Lazard, Cobb, Turner, Cook and Hackett. Their incompetence along with Johnson’s ownership. Just rips whatever makes us a fan right out of our hearts, it is so depressing rooting for this team. The NY Malpractices just keeps on delivering.
Love the Chuck Clark move, the signing of Oliver could mean that the Jets part ways with Justin Hardy improving the depth and the Flexability of the secondary. Oliver is a former second round pick, has played outside, in the slot and played a lot of specials. How did the Patriots with about 90 million in CAP, let Mike Owenu go ? Sign him up . Very happy with Boyd, but hoping the trade market for Johnson or Sutton can work out.
I'd rather sign Boyd than trade for a WR. I'd rather keep our draft picks for the draft. Boyd is a very reliable WR with great hands. That's what we need.
These moves were excellent! Clark was ready to step in as the starting box safety last year before that knee injury and he's had nearly a year to recover. You can guarantee he knows the system like the back of his hand at this point. I love that move. The Oliver signing is a smart one as well. He replaces Bryce Hall (who finally gets to go prove his worth as a starting corner). He also backs up MC2. Those are the kind of moves that go unnoticed but win games.
Actually, Oliver replaces Javelin Guidry. He was the backup for Carter last season, not Hall. Hall doesn't have the quickness to cover slot WRs.
You're correct that Guidry wound up backing up MC2. Oliver, though, has extensive experience in the slot (where he's been most recently) and on the outside. :)
I'm going to take on the role of wet blanket regarding Michael Onwenu.
We'll start with the pros. The man is exceptionally versatile in the right kind of scheme. He can play tackle and guard and has done both at a high level. He is a hell of a run blocker and was able to move seamlessly within the Pats' offensive line the last couple of years. He does enough that you'd like to see as a pass protector and has outperformed his original draft expectations. He was supposed to be a guy who wouldn't necessarily be able to overcome his athletic shortcomings and he seems to have done just that.
Now we get to the cons. I think a lot of Onwenu's appeal is tied up in his play for what has been an insanely stable organization with an insanely stable offense. Onwenu came into the league playing on a veteran-studded offensive line (David Andrews, Joe Thuney, Shaq Mason among the big names on that line) under one of the better offensive coordinators (alas; not a great head coach) in the game in Josh McDaniels. The Pats were able to ease the guy in and he seems to have worked extremely hard to establish himself in that offensive line room. He didn't cross paths with Dante Scarnecchia, so I guess we're lucky. The year after he played as Joe Thuney's right tackle, Thuney left for the Chiefs, the Pats brought back Trent Brown, and Michael got to slide inside to play alongside another all-pro offensive lineman. The offense got worse, but Onwenu kept playing well.
All of that isn't to say that Onwenu on any other team would be bad. In fact, I think that he'll be really good if he goes to the right team (obviously, this statement has almost zero meaning; of course he'd be good depending on where he goes). Unfortunately for the Jets, I don't think they're the right team. For starters, he'd be coming into an offensive line room that is completely rebuilding. There is almost zero veteran presence in this group and leadership needs to come from somewhere. A guy who has veteran experience establishing culture and being a leader would be a big plus. Onwenu hasn't done that yet. He probably could, but we don't really know much about his off-the-field demeanor and the non-football stuff he brings to the game. I also think that coming into an uncertain room with uncertain starters would be bad for the guy. He's played next to some absolutely stellar offensive linemen in his career (Andrews, Thuney, and Brown). You'd be asking him to make the leap to THE GUY on this line. That happening is complicated by the scheme fit, which is to say, Michael Onwenu is not a scheme fit for this offense.
All of the information about him out of the draft reports said the same thing: unmatched power, controlled and measured in pass pro, but doesn't have the ability to get up to second level with consistency and has trouble when you ask him to turn those short-area bursts (which he is actually pretty good at) into prolonged reaches. The guy is a bull in a china shop when you ask him to down-block or to trap, but he is less effective when you ask him to do more outside zone stuff. That problem becomes exacerbated if you ask him to play tackle.
All of this is to say, I get the impression that Onwenu, although he's an amazing lineman, would be a poor use of resources for this team. He would be a poor fit for their current blocking scheme, would be an unknown for this particular rebuilding offensive line room, and represents a number of significant chances they'd be taking if they were to make him their premier signing. Additionally, and I thought this was a prescient comp for the kid coming out of Michigan considering who the Jets just cut, his comp on a Bleacher Report scouting report during the 2020 NFL Draft was none other than Laken Tomlinson....
Anywho; here's hoping it all works out! Draft Graham Barton!
Excellent analysis, hopefully NYJ will be able to fill their numerous IL holes. Not sure how attractive the NYJ offense is given their coaching staff
Great column today, David!
Pt. 1
I'm glad that Jeudy was traded elsewhere. I never thought he was all that great.
I'm glad that the Jets re-signed Chuck Clark. I think that was a good move.
I'm not so sure about the Isaiah Oliver signing. He was pretty good in 2022, but wasn't nearly as good last year. He's depth, probably cheap, and hopefully, will never see the field, as Carter has stayed healthy so far, so I can't quibble too much.
I'm glad that Yeboah is returning to the Jets. That will relieve the need to sign or draft one.
Conversely, I'm glad that Fatukasi signed with Houston. I'm happy for him that he won't be here in the Jets mess, and he wasn't a good scheme fit for Saleh's D, at least he wasn't his last year here.
If we had cap space, Armstead and DeVondre Campbell would have been great additions to the Jets' D, but alas they are going to have to focus almost exclusively on offense, particularly the OL and WR positions.
David, I'm puzzled about your comments regarding Bryce Huff. Earlier in the column, you said that you thought the Eagles were going to throw a ton of money at Huff, but then down in your predictions, you don't even mention the Eagles. Why is that? Why wouldn't he sign with the Eagles? The other teams you mention all make sense, aside from Chicago. Why would he want to sign with the Bears? I think if Philly is that hot for him and throws a bunch of cash at him, he'll sign with them. Why wouldn't he? They should be a playoff team, and he may not even have to move, or move far.
I sure hope that you're right about the Jets signing Onwenu!!! That would be awesome, except, I don't think they're going to be able to fill the LT spot in the draft, at least not at #10 and I think he will cost a bundle. I think that both Alt and Fashanu will be gone before 10, and I think there's a very good chance that Fuaga could be as well. The only other LT prospects that could possibly start this season are Jordan Morgan and the Barton kid from Duke, and I still see Barton as more of an IOL prospect. For that matter, Morgan might be better off at OG as well.
I agree that Tyron Smith will probably sign with the Chiefs, as they are rumored to be very interested in him. If he does, then I hope the Jets will sign George Fant or a swing OT who is capable of being a good spot starter at LT.
At this point in y Jet fandome - whatever they do they do. I really want Tannehill though for backup. However - they have a plan we all think that plan that we do not know is useless. So - we just have to watch it unfold - again whatever they do they do.
Pt. 2
I also hope that you're right about the Jets signing Brissett, although I'd be shocked if that happens. I think the same about Gardner Minshew. I think we'll wind up with Tannehill. I hate the idea of Sam Darnold. Thankfully, I don't think either side would have any interest in his returning to the Jets.
I agree that the Jets will re-sign Solomon Thomas and Quinton Jefferson for the reasons you mentioned. They should be easy and cheap re-signings. They still need to add a veteran run stuffer. I think they can add a rookie run-stuffing DT in the 4th or 6th round, but should add a veteran if they can afford it.
I don't see Ridley signing with Jets, even if the Jets could afford him (which I don't think they can). I think their options are limited to Boyd, Davis, Mooney, and Marquise Brown. I've seen it projected that Davis may get overpaid. If so, that will probably rule him out. I'd feel the most confident with Boyd or Mooney, but wouldn't hate a Brown signing, unless he bombed like Hardman did. Boyd's a solid vet with great, reliable hands. After all the problems the Jets have had with WRs dropping passes, that shouldn't be underestimated or overlooked.
Craig, I fully agree. Despite AR being present, I it will be a challenge recruiting players, particularly at the upper and mid tier to sign on the dotted line
Well, you're more optimistic than am. I would want Robert Hunt over Onwenu, better scheme fit. And Brissett should go somewhere that he can complete for a starting spot. With Wilson in Pitt, Tannehill looks primed to be a Jet.
I disagree regarding Hunt. Hunt can't stay healthy and that's the last thing the Jets need on the OL. While it would hurt Miami some to lose him, it would be our luck that Hunt would wind up missing the entire season. After all the OL injuries over the last 3-4 seasons, I can't imagine that JD would sign a player with the injury history that Hunt has. He would get crucified in the NY media if he did, and rightfully so.
I agree that Brissett will probably sign elsewhere, although for different reasons. At this stage of his career, I can't imagine that he has any illusions about being a full-time starters somewhere. I think he will look to sign with a playoff team, and one where he could get a chance to play due to injury to the QB. For that reason, it makes the Jets a viable team, but with Hackett as the OC, the Jets dysfunction, the lack of receiving targets, and the shape of the OL, I don't think he'll even consider the Jets.