Wide Receiver Movement

Edition #353

Good morning!

I had a little hope that the deal for Aaron Rodgers may get done this week, but it’s looking less and less likely considering the latest reports indicate that the Jets and Packers are still at an impasse in relation to compensation.

I’m still relaxed about the deal, and as we outlined in the leverage article on Monday, the first real deadline is still over a month away, so both teams can afford to wait.

We did get some significant movement yesterday in terms of wide receivers however, with the Jets signing former Kasas City man Mecole Hardman, and then quickly trading Elijah Moore to the Cleveland Browns.

Bill Barnwell had an ESPN insider piece out yesterday which linked the Jets as a possible destination for Bengals tackle Johan Williams, the same Jonah Williams who allowed 13 sacks last season, more than any other tackle in football. I know Becton has been injured for two years now, but the unknown of Becton is still better than the known of Williams, and he’s half the price.

PFF also had the Jets as the best landing spot, but I just don’t see why a team like the Jets would commit $12 million to someone who only wants to play left tackle (competing for right tackle was the reason he requested a trade) and has had 2 very poor seasons back to back. It makes absolutely no sense to me at all, but stranger things have happened.

According to a former NFL executive who was speaking to the NFL Analysis Network (I’ve never heard of them either), the Jets are showing some interest in signing former Atlanta Falcons receiver Julio Jones “The market for Julio Jones has been slow, but one team that has toyed with the idea of signing him is the New York Jets. Other wideouts are higher on their list, but he’s an option that has been considered.” - Julio had 24 receptions for 299 yards and 2 touchdowns with Tom Brady last year and has 6 touchdowns total over the last 3 years.

The Jets were in attendance at UAB’s pro day yesterday. Running back DeWayne McBride is the marquee name at UAB in this draft cycle, the junior rushed for over 1700 yards and 19 touchdowns last year. Starling Thomas V is also a name to watch considering he recorded 15 pass defenses last season, he’s listed as a CB but having watched him, he’d be a potential option at FS with his instincts, closing speed, and long speed.

According to the Draft Network, the Jets are showing “extensive interest” in Florida Gators linebacker Ventrell Miller, a 6th year senior entering the 2023 draft. Miller is expected to go late in the draft as a result of his lack of top-end athleticism, many consider him a 2-down linebacker at the next level, and I’m not sure we need another linebacker who struggles in coverage. Miller finished 2023 with 74 tackles, 8.5 for a loss, and 2 forced fumbles.

New Jets signing Trystan Colon was officially unveiled yesterday and he had this to say about his position: "I'd say that's probably where I'm most comfortable — I love to play center. Having the power to control the line, having that trust with the quarterback, getting that snap back there every time, just having that communication. I transitioned to being able to play some guard as well, so learning those three interior spots, it's been fun. I'll do anything I can to get on the field. I'll do anything I can to get on the field, wherever the team needs me, Now I've got to put in the work I've got to get ready to go. Obviously, I've got to learn the playbook, get in with the strength staff, and get my nutrition right again. I've got to get geared up and ready to go for a long season."

There were a couple of former Jets who found new homes recently. Henry Anderson signed with the Carolina Panthers and Chuma Edoga signed on with the Cowboys.

As soon as the news broke that Mecole Hardman was heading to the Jets, my first thought was ‘goodbye Elijah’. It just wasn’t possible to keep both happy in this offense and considering Moore had already requested a trade midway through the 2022 season, it was always likely he’d be on his way.