New York Jets Free Agency 2013: Two Players the Jets Need to Let Walk

Feb 21, 2013; Indianapolis, IN, USA; New York Jets general manager John Idzik speaks at a press conference during the 2013 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

In approximately 25 hours from now, the Jets and general manager John Idzik get down to some serious business. A little over a day away, the Jets and other 31 teams in our great league can meet with, and start officially signing free agents. We know that the Jets are having difficulties with the cap this past year, but they will have much more room in 2014.

But for now, since it actually IS 2013, we talk strategy and how the Jets approach the current free agent group, taking into account the fact that they are strapped for cash. We look at the inevitable fact that the Jets will be looking more for mid-level priced players, and making a major splash.

But, what about the guys that are still in-house? How do we handle those guys. Who stays, and who goes? Well, I think I have the answer, at least as goon as anyone might have, no being in the war room with the team. Yesterday, I brought you the one guy that the Jets need to do all they can do in order to keep.

This afternoon, I bring you two guys that the Jets shouldn’t spend more than five minutes thinking about.  Here we go:

SHONN GREENE

I don’t think I have to convince many Jets fans of this one.  As Shonn bumped and plodded his way through the 2012 season, he lost more and more fans each week.  Despite setting career highs in rushing yards and TDs, he showed himself to be more and more a guy that doesn’t fit in here.

The new coordinator doesn’t help his cause either.  I wrote this a little bit over one week ago, talking about Shonn Greene and his fit within a West Coast style offense.  Or, the lack of fit, as the case may be.  He is a bad fit for the new offense.  We talked about it before, but to summarize, the Jets need a running back that is fast, can make people miss, and can catch the ball out of the backfield.  What doesn’t Shonn Greene do regularly?  Run fast, make people miss, and catch the ball.  Otherwise, he would be a “great”  fit for the team.

For those of you who don’t like Shonn Greene, don’t worry.  His days are numbered.  The Jets shouldn’t even make an offer, and I don’t think they will.

Dec. 23, 2012; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets wide receiver Chaz Schilens (85) runs with the ball against the San Diego Chargers during the second half at MetLife Stadium. Chargers won 27-17. Mandatory Credit: Debby Wong-USA TODAY Sports

CHAZ SCHILENS

You might it odd that I am choosing a wide receiver, on a team that couldn’t score on purpose in 2012, but I am. Stay with me, I’ll tell you why……….

First of all, believe it or not, the Jets have a decent group of WRs coming back in 2013. You all saw the development of Jeremy Kerley. He flourished with the Jets, and became a more than viable outside wide receiver. Santonio Holmes will be back, and it sounds like, back to pretty close to form as well. Add him to Braylon Edwards(if re-signed), and another year of experience to Stephen Hill. Clyde Gates developed quite nicely, and Mardy Gilyard will be around again. Late draft pick Jordan White may finally be ready to step up into a leading role in 2013. Whether he does or he doesn’t, the Jets have a fairly credible group of WR’s, as long as they are healthy. Chaz is a bit of the odd man out.

What did Chaz really do for us last year? He was targeted a lot, which you can credit much of to his size. He was targeted 41 times for 28 receptions in 2012. His drop rate, per Pro Football Focus, was average, 6.67 percent.  But, he could never get real separation down the field, with or without the football.  He never made any catches that meant anything, but sure had drops that meant something.

We already have a guy that has suspect hands, Stephen Hill.  We don’t need two guys that have the same problem.  Holmes will be fine, Kerley will be fine, and even Clyde Gates will be fine.  This group will actually not be that bad, as long as they stay healthy.  They can let Chaz walk, it’s no problem at all.