New York Jets: Top 3 most expendable players

Jul 30, 2015; Florham Park, NJ, USA; New York Jets defensive end Sheldon Richardson (91) answers questions from media about his substance abuse suspension during first day of training camp at Atlantic Health Jets Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Jets are preparing to start the regular season on a good note. The Jets finished up their summer activities with the closing of their training camp. Eventually preseason football will be over as the time is almost here for the regular season to begin!

It has been a mixed bag this summer. The Jets have had their share of distractions, injuries have been plentiful and we’ve seen some development from some of the younger players on the roster. The new additions have shown well and fans are generally excited for a new season to begin.

Today I’d like to pose the question: What’s next for the Jets? By that I mean, will general managerMike Maccagnan make any moves in the days leading up to the start of the regular season? Could the Jets be looking to move some of their players in a trade?

Let’s take a look at some of the possibilities featuring the top 3 most expendable players.

Next: 3. Dee Milliner

Aug 4, 2014; Cortland, NY, USA; New York Jets cornerback Dee Milliner (27) walks out to the field prior to the start of training camp at SUNY Cortland. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports

3. Dee Milliner

Now before I begin, let me make myself clear, I am not proposing any of these players be traded. I’m just suggesting that one or more of these players might be seen as expendable, and that the Jets might look to regain some value by moving them in a trade. The Jets have some excessive talent on this roster at some positions and lack depth at others. A trade might be worth looking into this year, especially with the injury bug that has struck the team in recent weeks.

Dee Milliner is entering his third season as a Jet. Milliner is a former first-round pick, being taken ninth overall by former general manager John Idzik. Milliner has struggled to remain healthy and on the field for the Jets. Injuries slowed him in his rookie season and a torn ACL ended his second year campaign as well. This summer finds Milliner out once again due to injury. Milliner tore a tendon in his wrist, and will miss 8-10 weeks after having it surgically repaired.

Milliner was playing well this summer before the injury, but there is plenty of talent at corner on this roster and that might make Milliner an option for trade bait. The new regime have no ties to drafting Milliner either, making it a bit easier to trade away a former first rounder, if they chose to go that route.

Milliner’s value however is debatable. The injury history, dating back to college, will raise red flags for many teams. On the other hand, Milliner is only going into his third year and is just 23 years old. Cornerback hungry teams might be willing to over look the red flags and offer up some kind of value.

It’ll be interesting to see how Todd Bowles and Maccagnan handle Milliner. If I had to gather a guess, I’d say they wait on him to return.

Next: 2. Sheldon Richardson

Nov 24, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; New York Jets defensive end Sheldon Richardson (91) against the Buffalo Bills at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

2. Sheldon Richardson

The thought of Sheldon Richardson being traded would have been thought as ludicrous a year ago. Richardson, coming off his Rookie of the Year campaign, was the toast of the town. As we all know, things went south fast. His off the field antics and his controversial statements in the media might have made Richardson a prime candidate to be used in a trade.

Richardson will sit out the first four games of the season, serving a suspension for his second failed drug test. Bowles has relegated Richardson to playing with the two’s and three’s this summer. He’s seen limited time with the ones. Of course, Richardson could be looking at another suspension due to the “speeding incident.”

The talent that Richardson possesses is undeniable, and his best football is still ahead of him if he can get things taken care of. The Jets however may be willing to part ways with Richardson after drafting Leonard Williams this spring. Williams has turned heads all summer long and promises to deliver on the pre-draft hype. If the Jets have truly become tired of Richardson’s off the field troubles, he’ll be a hot commodity on the trading block.

The Jets might also looking at their financials down the line. Muhammad Wilkerson still needs an extension and the Jets will be challenged to keep all the defensive line talent they have assembled. The Jets might be willing to part with Richardson if the right price comes along as it would be one less contract to be concerned with down the line.

Maccagnan has proven, at least to this point, that he has a good eye for talent. It’s going to be interesting to see how the Jets deal with this one. I’m thinking they shop him around and see what he’ll bring. If the right offer comes along, the Jets might be tempted.

Next: 1. Muhammad Wilkerson

August 11, 2015; Florham Park, NJ, USA; New York Jets defensive Muhammad Wilkerson during practice at the Atlantic Health Jets Training Center. Mandatory Credit: John Munson/THE STAR-LEDGER via USA TODAY Sports

1. Muhammad Wilkerson

Muhammad Wilkerson is playing out his final year of his contract in 2015. The contract talks have seemingly gone on forever. The time is ticking and I don’t think there is a Jet fan anywhere that wants to see Wilkerson walk away in free agency next year. The Jets have the option of using the franchise tag on him next season, but that would be an expensive ordeal.

Wilkerson has been a force on the Jets’ defense since being drafted in the first round of the 2011 NFL Draft. Maccagnan has said on several occasions that the team was working hard at getting a deal done. Rumors that Wilkerson’s contract demands are a bit pricey for the Jets have circulated all summer. If the Jets and Wilkerson can’t come to a compromise, the Jets might be willing to talk trade.

This one is almost unthinkable in my opinion. Clearly Wilkerson would bring a huge value, teams would line up to get a shot at signing him. It is hard to imagine a new general manager trading a high level talent and fan favorite like Wilkerson however. Wilkerson has been a class act through the prolonged negotiations, he’s clearly earned an extension and I’m expecting him to be a Jet for years to come.

This article is purely speculative. The Jets haven’t given any indications they are even considering moving any of these players. The Jets have needs though, and Maccagnan might be willing to let one of these players go to try and meet those needs. Anything is possible around the NFL these days.

Time to get the discussion going. Would you consider trading any of these players? Do you think the Jets will be looking into the trade market? We want to hear your opinions so please leave us a comment and Let’s Talk Jet Football!!

Next: New York Jets: Todd Bowles discusses roster cuts

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