NY Jets: Team should not re-sign Chris Ivory in 2016

The NY Jets should consider heading in a different direction at running back than re-signing Chris Ivory for a long-term contract over the next few years.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m a huge fan of running back Chris Ivory. His power running, ability to break tackles and literally plow through defenders has been his signature style straight to success. In 2015, Ivory was a catalyst on the Jets’ offense. When he was registering 100+ rushing yards in a football game, it was safe to say the majority of time, the Jets would be victorious in that match-up.

In 2015, Ivory totaled 1,070 rushing yards on 247 carries for seven touchdowns. Ivory also totaled 217 receiving yards on 30 receptions and a touchdown. Last season saw Ivory be a true workhorse as he had a career-high in rushing yards, touchdowns and receiving yards. All of which means the Jets should actually understand the reality of his current situation.

Ivory turns 28 years old in March and due to the very productive season he put up for the Jets last season, will be looking for a nice new contract that pays him handsomely for his recent efforts. The truth of the matter is, after six years in the NFL, it’s only a matter of time before all the wear and tear eventually catches up to him within the next year or two.

One problem with Ivory which has been consistently an issue is how he starts off really strong, gets banged up, misses some playing time and/or games and fizzles out towards the end of the season where it usually matters most. This is a concerning fact that should be a reminder to the Jets that perhaps a different direction at running back is needed heading into this off-season.

Both Ivory and fellow running back Bilal Powell will be free agents this year which means the Jets will more than likely only bring one of them back. Ivory will be looking for a big payday and one has to believe the Jets will be very smart with their money this off-season and not break the bank for any single player.

The Jets shouldn’t re-sign Ivory since the writing is on the wall that he’ll eventually be a player on the decline. Powell doubles up nicely as a rusher and receiver as the Jets should either consider bringing in a younger alternative via the 2016 NFL Draft or grab an available free agent that fits the system well on top of the depth chart at the position.

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Players like Doug Martin, Lamar Miller or even Ronnie Hillman would be some good players to look at in free agency. While I don’t see the Jets using their first-round draft pick at No. 20 on a running back, plenty of good ones should still be available in the middle rounds. Either way, it’s time to part ways with Ivory and bring in someone more reliable and consistent that is ready to be the premier running back on the Jets’ offense.