Jets Free Agency 2013: Some Early Storylines/Predictions

Dec 2, 2012; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets tight end Dustin Keller (81) runs with the ball while being chased by Arizona Cardinals inside linebacker Daryl Washington (58) during the first half at Metlife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports

Happy Friday Jets fans. We are just four days away from the start of the new league year, and the opening of the free agency period, set for March 12th. Today is the unofficial beginning, as teams are now allowed to officially talk contracts with their own free agents. But, the real fun starts at 3 PM EST on Tuesday.

What are the Jets to do? We know that they have a lot of holes to fill. Almost every position on the field could be filled in some capacity with a free agent. But, they have money problems. For the amount of holes that need filling, to the amount of room they have under the cap, it’s not great. The Jets are going to have to be very creative with some mid level signees, rather than making the big splash.

As it is early, we aren’t going to have too much as far as the rumor mill this morning. The negotiations are just starting to open up, so the stories will start to trickle out today. But, what we are going to talk about this morning are a couple of internal stories. Stories that seem to have taken shape a bit underneath the radar, thanks to the distraction that has been the Darrelle Revis saga.

SAY GOODBYE TO MARK’S SECURITY BLANKET

If the reports that are coming out are true, you can say goodbye to another one of Mark Sanchez’s weapons. Only this time, we are talking about the one he trusts the most.

Reports are coming out that the Jets are going to offer second round tender to restricted free agent Jeff Cumberland.  For those free agency novices out there, that means that if anyone wants to sign Jeff Cumberland, they are going to have to give the Jets a second round pick back in return.  That is a high level of confidence in their backup tight end, don’t you think?

The guy has only 32 catches on his young career, so hopefully the Jets have seen more in him than we have.  Trusting the position to Cumberland without a plan B in mind is an interesting choice.  Although, according to Tanny, Hayden Smith couldn’t be covered in practice.  Maybe HE is the plan B.

SHONN WILL BE HEADING FOR ‘GREENER’ PASTURES

Dec 30, 2012; Orchard Park, NY, USA; New York Jets running back Shonn Greene (23) runs against the Buffalo Bills during the first half at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports

Most Jets fans will be happy to hear this news, but there is no chance that Shonn will be back in New York next year.  We talked a few days ago about how Shonn Greene has no place in a Marty Mornhinweg offense.  His grind it out, plodding style really has no place in the West Cost offense.  Bilal Powell will get his chance, along with Joe McKnight.  There will be some mid-level availability at this position from the likes of Chris Ivory, Cedric Peerman, and Justin Forsett.  But you can take it to the bank, Shonn Greene will not be here.

LARON LANDRY

Now we move to the defensive side of the ball, and talk about a guy brought in last year who endeared himself to the fans quickly with his fierce style of play.  He became known as the “Dirty Thirty” due to his hits over the middle.  Just ask Victor Cruz.

Will the Jets be bringing Landry back?  I believe circumstantial evidence is telling us that they will.  Although Landry stated he won’t necessarily accept a hometown discount, you really don’t hear his name linked up with any other teams.  You also hear that the Jets have started talking to him as well.

It seems that the Jets are making the Dirty Thirty a priority.

Let’s hope so.