New York Jets: Off-Season Trade Possibilities

The 2014 season is over, the remaining games are meaningless thanks to a 2-9 record and a dreadful lack of talent. It has become time to start looking ahead towards next year’s version of the Jets. The Jets have a bunch of decisions to make this off-season, and those decisions will affect the long-term success of this organization. They currently have 20 free agents of their own to sign, and will need to weed out the unwanted. They also will likely look to extend Muhammad Wilkerson in the off-season as well. Add to that a multitude of holes that will need to be filled, and the Jets management will be kept quite busy during the off-season. Will they trade some of their talent to gain draft picks? Of course a lot will depend upon who the head coach and general manager will be next season, but for the sake of this blog, let’s assume both Rex Ryan and John Idzik will be at the controls once again.

The first name that comes to my mind is Quinton Coples. Coples was highly touted before and after he was drafted by the New York Jets in 2012. While Coples has had his moments in his first two years, his play has been inconsistent for the most part. Rex chose to move him to OLB, from his natural DE position he played at the collegiate level. This move hasn’t worked out well for either Coples or the Jets. It’s apparent he lacks the cover skills to play OLB, and his pass rush off the edge has been disappointing since the move.

As most draftnicks reported before the 2012 draft, Coples was a better fit for a 4-3 defense, not the 3-4 that Rex Ryan prefers. Management could decide his time has come and try to move him while he’s still young and healthy. Coples would likely bring a good group of suitors if he were offered up for trade. He’s young and would hold considerable value to a team running a 4-3 defense, I’m guessing, but I think he would possibly bring a second or third rounder in return. His rookie contract wouldn’t be a problem, as he comes cheap enough for teams to fit him under the cap.

Nov 2, 2014; Kansas City, MO, USA; New York Jets running back

Chris Johnson

(21) goes past Kansas City Chiefs strong safety

Ron Parker

(38) in the second half at Arrowhead Stadium. Kansas City won the game 24-10. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports

Chris Johnson would also be a piece they might consider trading during the off-season. Johnson was highly hyped by the Jets when they signed him this season, but sadly, he’s only been able to muster a few memories of his old self this season. Idzik signed him to a two year deal with a base salary of around eight million dollars. If Johnson were to be dealt, I don’t think he would bring much in terms of value, possibly a late rounder. The Jets would be wise to accept anything they were offered for Johnson, as it’s doubtful he has any future left in NY beyond this year. Any trade for Johnson is much better then simply cutting him. Will there be suitors for Johnson next season?

Nov 9, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets wide receiver

Percy Harvin

(16) runs against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the first quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports

Percy Harvin is a special case for the Jets. He was brought in this season from the Seattle Seahawks for a conditional draft pick. The Jets traded their sixth round pick in the upcoming draft for him, with the clause that it would become a fourth rounder if he is on the roster day one of the 2015 season. Harvin has shown himself to be a versatile, talented player for the Jets, adding a spark on offense. To date he’s been a good team guy in NY, and has managed to stay out of New York’s negative driven media to date. This guy may provide an opportunity to bring in an additional draft pick if the Jets choose not to retain him. I’m of the opinion that Harvin would bring suitors and value if he were put on the trade block. They should be able to get a fourth rounder at the very least for him, if not a third rounder. Trading him basically upgrades a sixth round pick into a fourth or even possibly a third rounder. It looks like a smart move from where I sit anyway.

Oct 26, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets running back

Bilal Powell

(29) scores a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Buffalo Bills at MetLife Stadium. The Bills won 43-23. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

I’ve tossed Bilal Powell’s name out there before when discussing trades. Again, he might be considered for the trade block. Powell possesses a considerable amount of upside, unfortunately he hasn’t seen much playing time behind Chris Ivory. Value? I think that is anyone’s guess, but if the Jets aren’t going to play him, anything they get might be worth looking into.

Nov 24, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; New York Jets quarterback

Geno Smith

(7) is chased out of the pocket under pressure by Buffalo Bills defensive tackle

Marcell Dareus

(99) during the second half at Ford Field. Bills beat the Jets 38-3. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports

This one I’d be opposed to, but they could decide to try to get something out of Geno Smith in the off-season. He hasn’t played well as we all are well aware of. As a result, his value surely wouldn’t come near what the Jets spent to get him. I think he’ll be back in 2015 personally, but if the Jets were to float him around the league, he may be attractive to a team looking to develop him. Not much value..but if the Jets are done with him, anything is better than nothing.

Jul 28, 2013; Cortland, NY, USA; New York Jets head coach Rex Ryan talks with general manager John Idzik following training camp at SUNY Cortland. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports