NY Jets 2015 Spotlight: Chris Ivory

Last season with the NY Jets, running back Chris Ivory put up the best season of his career as he ran with authority and purpose.

The offense of the Jets was a pleasant surprise in 2015. It broke a few franchise and NFL records with receptions and touchdowns while halfway through the season, turned from a power running football team into a more aerial assault. Led by quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick, the Jets were able to keep those chains moving and consistently score plenty of touchdowns for the most part.

The Jets’ offense wouldn’t have been as successful if not for the efforts and toughness Ivory brought to the table. He set everything up when he was playing as teams had to account for his aggressive style of running or prepare for him to be a receiving threat.

Last season, Ivory totaled career-highs with 1,070 rushing yards, 247 carries and seven touchdowns. Ivory also totaled more career-highs in receiving yards at 217 on 30 receptions and a touchdown.

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With last season being a contract year for Ivory, there is no doubt he played a bit harder than ever before in order to earn what will most likely be his next big and last contract in the NFL.

It remains to be seen if the Jets will want to re-sign him before he hits free agency but needless to say, he has earned it.

Ivory is set to turn 28 years old in the end of March which might make the Jets think twice before committing too much finances or time on him. Running backs around this age start to decline, plus considering he ran for so much last season and all the wear and tear that he endured, Ivory suffered some injuries and started to fizzle out as the season progressed.

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Out of all the positions on a football team, one can argue nobody gets as much impact or hits like running backs do. Ivory will undoubtedly be seeking a big contract for all he’s done but unfortunately, it might not look like the Jets will be retaining his services for next season and beyond. With other pressing needs across the team to address and limited cap space, the Jets might want to look for a cheaper and younger alternative via the free agency period of 2016 NFL Draft.