Wh the Jets Need WR Jabar Gaffney

Aug 9, 2012; Foxboro, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver Jabar Gaffney (10) on the side line during the third quarter against the New Orleans Saints at Gillette Stadium. The Patriots won 7-6. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-US PRESSWIRE

The first cut day has come and gone, as all roster had to be down to the maximum of 75 by yesterday afternoon. As there were a lot of extra guys in camp with the 90 player maximum, there weren’t very many players of interest that were released. But there was one. And he is from the enemy, and the Jets need this guy.

The Jets clearly have a depth problem at wide receiver. They have Santonio Holmes, who is clearly their number one guy. Behind that, as we have discussed at length, here and in other places, that there is a lot of unproven talent as you go down the depth chart. There are guys that have a lot of potential, ie Stephen Hill. But, guys like him, Patrick Turner, and Chaz Schilens, have just that, potential. They are young, or in Schilens’ case, have been injured. We just don’t know what they are going to be, and to be a great team, you need proven guys.

Then we find out that Jabar Gaffney was released by the Patriots yesterday. Here is a guy that the Jets should make a big play for. We’ll talk about it on the next page.

Here is some video on Gaffney:

Jabar is a big target, at 6’2″, 200 pounds.

Gaffney is 31, but he is coming off a career year, with 68 catches for 947 yards and 5 TDs. He has got great hands, and gets good separation from the defender. He’s got good speed in the open field as well, he can make a guys miss after the catch.

He’s also going into his eleventh season, and don’t diminish the importance of this, especially with the crop of receivers that the Jets have. Other than Santonio Holmes, the Jets don’t have an experienced wide receiver on the roster. Tony Sparano always talks about the importance of his passing game, despite the Ground and Pound system. Setting up a scenario where you have to count on Stephen Hill and Chaz Schilens is not setting the team up for success. These guys MAY very well have big seasons, but you set it up where they HAVE to have big seasons. You need another proven receiver in this bunch. His experience and consistency would be an asset to Mark Sanchez.

Finally, Gaffney was a member of the Patriots. In the quest to overtake the Pats for the division title, it never hurts to bring in someone from the enemy locker room to get a little bit of intel. They have done it to us quite a bit, we can return the favor.

All kidding aside, the Jets need another weapon on the outside. They are inexperienced, and Gaffney is experienced. He is talented, and is coming off of a career season.

It’s your move Tannenbaum. If you care about this offense, give his agent a call.