NY Jets: Top 5 players to re-sign

Nov 22, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans quarterback T.J. Yates (6) passes the ball as he is chased by New York Jets defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson (96) during game the at NRG Stadium. Houston won 24-17. Mandatory Credit: Ray Carlin-USA TODAY Sports

Continuity will be key for the NY Jets this off-season.  Like any team, they need to consider their own free agents before going out and adding new talent to their roster.

Chemistry is a key component to all teams.  The Jets had great chemistry on offense and defense.  It is imperative that while they do their best to add more salary space heading into free agency, they re-sign some of their own players that are eligible free agents.

It won’t be easy but general manager Mike Maccagnan will have his work cut out for him.  Whether he wants to go a different route or try and upgrade positions left vacant due to players leaving, the Jets should still be in a good position to continue being contenders next season.

Here are the top five players the Jets must attempt to re-sign this off-season.

Next: 5. Bilal Powell

Dec 27, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets running back Bilal Powell (29) runs with the ball during the second half at MetLife Stadium. The Jets defeated the Patriots 26-20 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports

5. Bilal Powell

Without a doubt, Powell had his best season as a Jet in 2015.  They finally found a role that could suit his skills well coming out of the backfield.

However, he doesn’t deserve a huge raise from his $2M salary this season.  He might want to jump it up, because he’s 27 years old and probably getting his last big payday.

The running back class is deep enough to let him go and get a mid to late-round draft pick for less money.  There are plenty of backs in the draft who can catch out of the backfield.

Ultimately, whether or not we re-sign Powell is up to him.  If he commands too much money, we must let him walk, because there’s no need to overpay this off-season.

Next: 4. Demario Davis

Nov 22, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans running back Jonathan Grimes (41) is tackled by New York Jets inside linebacker Demario Davis (56) during the first quarter of a game at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ray Carlin-USA TODAY Sports

4. Demario Davis

Davis was an unsung hero on this team last season.  He’s a young and talented player who gives it his all every time he’s on the football field.

While he doesn’t fill the stat sheet, he does a lot for this team.  He’s a vocal leader and would be a great fit for any young talent coming into this organization to be mentored by.

He had 57 tackles and two sacks in 2015 and was great in the run game.  It makes sense to bring him back but only at the right deal, something short-term.

He will come cheap since he’s not the player he once was. So, the Jets must give him consideration when it comes time to decide if he’s worth bringing back.

Next: 3. Chris Ivory

Dec 13, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets running back Chris Ivory (33) runs the ball against the Tennessee Titans during the first quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

3. Chris Ivory

Ivory had his career highs in yards (his first 1,000+ yard season) and touchdowns (7) last season.  He also carried the ball for over 200 times for the first time in his career.

It seemed, toward the end of the season (especially in the Buffalo game), that he was wearing down because of that.  He had big runs here and there, but wasn’t his normal running self.

When he was in New Orleans, he shared the load with Reggie Bush.  So that could be the reason why he declined when it mattered most, he’s been overworked.

Ivory is 27 years old and could be seeking his last chance at a big payday.  Maccagnan has to work some magic and try to convince Ivory to take less for the good of the team, despite him being close to the supposed wall age of 30 for running backs, and he doesn’t have to sign him to a really long deal.

Next: 2. Ryan Fitzpatrick

Dec 19, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; New York Jets quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick (14) throws during the game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

2. Ryan Fitzpatrick

After leading us to the brink of the playoffs, Fitzpatrick definitely needs consideration.  He posted a career high in wins, touchdowns and yards.

With that said, there is still room for a lot of improvement.  He picked really bad times to have bad games and his inconsistency was a major factor in why the Jets didn’t qualify for the playoffs.

His worst games were in the two games against Buffalo, at home against Philadelphia and in Houston.  All three of those game were winnable games that were lost due to Fitzpatrick.

He deserves a new incentive laden contract though.  If he want to stay with this team, he’ll have to prove that he’s not just a one-year wonder.  Regardless, he did put up one incredible season at quarterback for the Jets and should be brought back to hopefully continue the momentum.

Next: 1. Muhammad Wilkerson

Nov 29, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson (96) reacts to the crowd in the second half of the Jets 38-20 victory over the Miami Dolphins at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: William Hauser-USA TODAY Sports

1. Muhammad Wilkerson

The Jets had a great defense in 2015.  They were ninth in scoring, fourth in total defense, 13th in pass defense and second in rush defense.

Wilkerson was at the epicenter of all that.  His 12 sacks were 30.8% of the overall sacks on the Jets as he was an absolute beast on defense.

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His added 39 tackles (11 for loss) and 25 assists.  He was the best defensive player on the team without question and is easily the top free agent the Jets need to re-sign.

The Jets have no choice but to either sign a long-term deal with him or give him the franchise tag.  He’s going to cost a boat-load, but he’s worth every penny of it.