Idzik’s Value Signings Fail To Bring Value

Sep 23, 2012; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns cornerback

(21) puts his hands on his head after missing an interception against the Buffalo Bills quarterback

(not in photo) at Cleveland Browns Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports

Going into the 2014 free agency period, the Jets had surplus cap money as well as many positions of need. John Idzik shied away from the big money market, and chose to shop frugally. He delved into the big money just once, choosing to sign Eric Decker, who came to the Jets as advertised.  Beyond that he saved owner Woody Johnson millions of dollars in salary! His frugal, deliberate approach may be good business, but as I see it, it cost the Jets a chance to bolster their roster. His “value signings” have been disappointing so far, as they have failed to deliver value. Saving money is always nice, but as many of us know from experience, saving money usually means an inferior product. Idzik’s signings have meant exactly that!

Jacoby Ford was a bargain for one year at $775,000 right? He was supposed to come in and be an instant upgrade at wide receiver. Well he’s had a tough camp and is currently buried deep on the Jet’s depth chart at wide receiver. He may be able to bring something to the Jets return game, but he’ll likely be fighting to make the roster. Not much value here.

Dimitri Patterson was signed to somehow fill the void left by Cromartie’s departure. The Jets drew plenty of criticism when they failed to sign a premier free agent corner. They had their chances, but Idzik was slow and deliberate in negotiations, choosing to address the need on the cheap.  Dimitri signed a one year, three million deal with the Jets. Dimitri is now 31 yrs old going into his ninth pro year. Idzik chose to ignore his long history of injuries which has caused him to bounce around between six different teams. He’s continued his injury concerns, with a string of minor injuries already in camp. He reportedly has slowed a step and has struggled on the outside. The Jets are hoping he can get healthy and stay that way, but to this point there hasn’t been much value here.

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Some of the other signings look like they can bring value, but even then it’s rather paper thin. Willie Colon was brought back, but he’s a year older and already had knee surgery this year.  An injury to Colon during the season and any value here would evaporate quickly.  Breno Giacomini was signed to a 4 yr/18 million dollar contract. He’s played well reportedly in camp, but has had his struggles during his career. The Seattle Seahawks hardly pursued their Super Bowl right tackle, allowing the Jets to sign him relatively cheaply. He may not even turn out to be an upgrade at the position. Value pending.

So, where is all this value that we heard so much about in the free agency days? It has failed to materialize. Idzik gambled on these guys, choosing to save cap space. The good news is for the most part they are short term deals, the bad news is the Jets needed to have value in those signings. How do you see these type of signings? Got an opinion? I want to hear it.