NY Jets: Top 4 players that need to be re-signed

Dec 19, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys running back Darren McFadden (20) runs as New York Jets nose tackle Damon Harrison (94) defends during the first quarter at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

In a few weeks the NY Jets will have to figure out who they will want to bring back in helping them succeed even further in 2016. Some tough decisions will need to be made.

This off-season, the Jets will have many tough decisions ahead of them in who they decide they would want to re-sign. It will be interesting how general manager Mike Maccagnan and head coach Todd Bowles along with the other coaches evaluate the teams talent.

This season, a lot of players on the team played outstanding football which helped them succeed. Out of all the players that will be free agents, the Jets will need to bring back the players who contributed the most. The players that the Jets will need to re-sign are Muhammad Wilkerson, Damon Harrison, Bilal Powell and Demario Davis.

These players did so much to help them be successful this season.  The free agents I mentioned are possibly going to look for a long-term deal, but in reality will be impossible to find through other clubs.

Let’s take a deeper look at each player the Jets absolutely need to bring back come next season.

Next: 4. Muhammad Wilkerson

Nov 29, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson (96) chases Miami Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill (17) during the second half at MetLife Stadium.The Jets defeated the Dolphins 38-20. Mandatory Credit: William Hauser-USA TODAY Sports

4. Muhammad Wilkerson

The defensive side of the ball has some incredible talent that they should not let go. Muhammad Wilkerson was a key member that was creating havoc on opponents this year. He was the team leader in quarterback sacks.

He has done this from day one since being drafted by the Jets. The combination of Muhammad Wilkerson and Sheldon Richardson will continue to establish this defensive line for many years. He’s also been a leader on the line and continues to make those around him better.

Wilkerson down the stretch was doing anything to help the team which you want for your organization. In the biggest game of the year in Week 16 against the New England Patriots, Wilkerson had made Tom Brady‘s day a living nightmare because he continued to put a lot of pressure on the quarterback which made him make costly mistakes. The Jets should do what they can to re-sign him or use their franchise tag on him for 2016.

Next: 3. Damon Harrison

Nov 29, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson (96) and New York Jets nose tackle Damon Harrison (94) tackling Miami Dolphins running back Lamar Miller (26) In the first half at MetLife Stadium.The Jets defeated the Dolphins 38-20. Mandatory Credit: William Hauser-USA TODAY Sports

3. Damon Harrison

Damon Harrison was a player that no one knew of and the Jets took a chance on him. Harrison was ranked amongst the best defensive lineman on the Jets to go up against the run. For his size, he was to move quickly and make plays to help others out on defense.

Many teams are forced to try to go outside in the run game because they know they have a very small chance in the middle of the field. Harrison has increased his numbers so far these first two years in the league. He helps out the others that play along the side of him on the defensive front which is very important.

Harrison still has plenty of good football ahead of him and the Jets would be wise to bring him back for at least a few more seasons. How he helps stuff the running game of opposing teams will continue to solidify the Jets’ defensive line.

Next: 2. 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

2. Bilal Powell

On the offensive side of the ball, running back Bilal Powell will be someone who other teams will want because of his solid skill-set. Even though he was injured and miss some playing time, he helped the Jets’ offense become a bigger problem. With his quickness and speed, many opponents had to adjust their game plan to include him.

When he was able to get in the open field, Powell was averaging big yards which helped out a lot to keep those chains moving. He and Chris Ivory were giving a big problem in the running game for opponents to handle. He has showed a big upside to his game that many fans were enjoying watching because of the physical presence he brought with it.

Powell adds a nice dimension to the Jets’ offense and it makes sense to bring him back. If he can stay healthy, he would continue putting the Jets in a great position to win plenty of football games come next season.

Next: 1. Demario Davis

Dec 13, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets linebacker Demario Davis (56) reacts after a sack of Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (not pictured) during the fourth quarter at MetLife Stadium. The Jets defeated the Titans 30-8. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

1. Demario Davis

One other person who I think the Jets should re-sign is Demario Davis who was a big help in making this defense play tough throughout the whole year. He was a very big contributor in helping stop the running game of opposing teams. The only concern I have is the liability he was when it came to covering people against the pass because of him getting beat for a lot of big plays.

Davis was amongst the leaders of the defense who held them together in being a tough group that opponents had trouble handling. He was second amongst the team in tackles right behind the other leader David Harris.

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As a tackling machine, his presence on defense should warrant him a return to Gotham. A two-year deal makes sense to allow him to eventually groom his replacement. He still has some good football ahead of him as he’s another leader on defense and has earned an extension by the Jets.