New York Jets Free Agency 2013: Start Time & Primer

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

This is it. NFL Free Agency and the 2013 League Year starts at 3PM New York City (because that is where the league office is).

What does it all mean?

It means that all players only signed through 2012 are now unrestricted free agents, unless they are restricted free agents.

It also means that teams can now make trades until the trade deadline in October.

Thanks to the new “legalized tampering period” there may be some deals that are announced shortly after the deadline, if we don’t find out about then beforehand.

What does it mean for us, “Jet Pressers”, and Jets fans alike?

It means that John Idzik and company start their era this afternoon at 3 PM. Happy new year to all football fans, but it’s back to work for football personnel staffs.

As we know, it’s not going to be a typical free agent year, like we have seen in the past. With all of the moves that have been made to cut salaries of aging players, the Jets aren’t even $10 million under the salary cap. The roster needs a lot of work, and Mr. Idzik doesn’t have a lot of money to do it with.

What should we expect from Idzik and the Jets?

Middle of the road bargain hunting, like we have talked about many times before. As much as we want to revitalize the running game with Reggie Bush and/or Ahmad Bradshaw. We just aren’t going to have that kind of money available. Look for players like Justin Forsett (who many of us have liked), Felix Jones, and maybe a Jonthan Dwyer, even a Chris Ivory as a restricted free agent.

Cheaper valued players with a high ceiling, as they say.

Same type of thing on the defensive side of the ball.  It would be nice to dream about having a guy like Osi Umenyiora licking his chops FROM YOUR SIDE OF THE LINE as opposed to the other, wouldn’t.  We almost did,  and John Abraham might not have ever left the Jets in that scenario.  But, instead of the big ticket guys, get ready to see guys like Victor Butler, whom we have heard about, that can give the Jets good value and not have the huge payday expectations.

It’s going to be a fun ride, that’s for sure.

You can track the free agent action right here with the NFL ESPN Free-Agent Tracker.

Enjoy!