New York Jets: Stay or Go, Kyle Wilson Edition

Dec 28, 2014; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; New York Jets cornerback

Kyle Wilson

(20) and New York Jets cornerback

Darrin Walls

(30) both take the field before a game against the Miami Dolphins at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

During the last week, we have started to look at some decisions that need to be made on the Jets roster. Now, with a general manager in the fold by the name of Mike Maccagnan, those decisions can begin to unfold at Florham Park. There are players that are free agents this off-season, and some that are free agents at the end of 2015. These are major decisions that will shape the franchise moving forward.

So far we have talked about Percy Harvin and David Harris. This afternoon, we are going to look at a player that I think there will be a unanimous opinion about.

That player is cornerback Kyle Wilson. Let’s look at the pros and coins. There are a couple of pros, believe it or not.

Next: Wilson By the Numbers

Oct 5, 2014; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers wide receiver

Eddie Royal

(11) catches a 32 yard pass while defended by New York Jets cornerback Kyle Wilson (20) during the second quarter at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

First the side that everyone is familiar with when it comes to Kyle Wilson, the “negative” side.

Kyle Wilson was drafted with the 29th pick of the 2010 NFL draft. Coach Rex Ryan believed he would be come the starter on the opposite side of Darrelle Revis, but that was not to be. He showed little ability to play on the outside, so he became the team’s slot cornerback.

In five years, Wilson has managed five interceptions and 17 passes defended. In that same time period, in comparison, Darrelle Revis picked off nine passes and 49 passes defended. Not that Wilson was ever going to be as good as Darrelle Revis.

It’s just that, as we all know, that Kyle Wilson has never put up the stats of a competent NFL cornerback.

Next: The In-Depth Numbers

Aug 16, 2014; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver

Mohamed Sanu

(12) catches the ball to score a touchdown as New York Jets cornerback Kyle Wilson (20) defends during the first quarter at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

When you look at more of the numbers in depth, courtesy of Pro Football Focus, the case to keep Kyle Wilson becomes even worse.

Wilson’s numbers were never good, but they were particularly bad in 2014. His receiver was targeted 30 times in 2014, with the receivers catching 22 of those passes. That was good for a completion percentage of 73.3% against Kyle Wilson. Essentially, any time you saw Wilson on your guy, throw it that way, the receiver will probably make the grab.

This past season, the passer rating on plays in the direction of Kyle Wilson was 111.9. Again, Kyle Wilson guarding your receiver was almost always an automatic reception.

We can all do without the finger wagging as he gets called for pass interference, can we not?

Next: The Experience Factor

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

Marcus Williams

(22) against the Buffalo Bills at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

There is a couple of positives.

One is NFL experience. It might not be GOOD NFL experience, but the fact is that Kyle Wilson has been in the league for five years now. The Jets don’t have a heck of a lot of experience in the defensive backfield, especially at the cornerback position.

They could think about keeping him around for a veteran influence on the younger players.

(Keep reading, I am not saying I AGREE with that concept.)

Next: The Salary

Dec 1, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets head coach Rex Ryan and New York Jets corner back Kyle Wilson (20) during warmups before a game against the Miami Dolphins at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Finally, there is the monetary decision. Per Over the Cap, Wilson only has been averaging approximately $1.9 million per season. It’s not as if he is going to get a raise. Does anyone think Kyle Wilson will get anything but that number on the open market, if that much?

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