Coffee with the New York Jets: Team signs versatile returner

The New York Jets just signed a versatile kickoff/punt returner while also asking one of their players for a pay cut. Grab a hot cup of coffee and enjoy the latest news on Gang Green.

The 2016 NFL Draft is approaching faster than a New York minute as teams all across the league are adjusting draft boards, reading tons of scouting reports and about to do their best in having a stellar draft class. The Jets continue to add new players here and there this offseason to bolster their team enough to continue being a contender next season.

Last season, the special teams unit of the Jets was easily one of the worst in the NFL. They didn’t return a single kickoff or punt return for a touchdown and had too many fair catches as a whole. This didn’t help their field positioning one bit as it was a weakness that other teams fully took advantage of. On that note, the Jets signed a versatile returner to address this issue, which is one of the latest news articles from across the internet on the Jets.

Feb 3, 2016; San Francisco, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders receiver Jeremy Ross signs autographs during NFL Play 60 kids day at the NFL Experience prior to Super Bowl 50 between the Carolina Panthers and the Denver Broncos. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports

Former Raiders WR/KR Jeremy Ross agrees to deal with Jets by Rich Cimini (ESPN)

"Chances are, Ross’ best chance of making the team will be as a returner. The Jets released their only punt returner from last season, , so that job is wide open. They also didn’t have a dynamic kickoff returner, another position for the taking. Jeremy Kerley"

It looks like the Jets might have finally found someone capable of adding better field positioning via special teams heading into next season. Ross in his career has totaled 864 punt return yards and a touchdown while also adding 1,654 kickoff return yards and a touchdown as well. If he can be that dynamic return specialist the Jets haven’t had in quite some time, it would add a nice dimension to special teams that could end up being a difference maker in 2016. Not to mention, the depth he would also bring at wide receiver.

Jets asked D’Brickashaw Ferguson about pay cut, seeking cap room by Rich Cimini (ESPN)

"With a $14.1 million cap charge, Ferguson, 32, has been an obvious candidate for months. The team has only $565,000 in cap space, according to NFLPA records, and it’s still hoping to re-sign quarterback . Ryan Fitzpatrick"

The tight salary cap situation of the Jets is no joke as they are doing everything and anything to have some breathing room heading into this year’s draft. Asking Ferguson for a pay cut makes a ton of sense due to his age and the fact that he’s been a bit on the decline the past few years. Hopefully Ferguson understands it’s just for the benefit of the team, especially considering it would help in adding a bit more money to what the Jets are offering to bring back Fitzpatrick.

Brandon Marshall on Ryan Fitzpatrick: ‘He better be’ back with Jets by Dom Cosentino (NJ.com)

"Lest anyone think he was signaling a return to his pouty ways with the “He better be” remark, it must be noted that Marshall smiled and laughed as he said it. Read into that what you will."

Besides the majority of Jets fans, nobody would be happier hearing that Fitzpatrick signs his name on a new contract to return to Gang Green than wide receiver Brandon Marshall. Together, they made magic on the field last season with the Jets and broke records with what they each brought to the table. Hopefully Fitzpatrick sees that money isn’t everything as he was in the right place and right time during his breakout year. Marshall did what any great teammate would do and let it be known to the media that he wants his quarterback to return next season alongside him.

How Jets might use NFL Draft for tight end facelift by Brian Costello (New York Post)

"Last season, the Jets basically ignored the tight end position, making it into an extra lineman. It is a position that could use a boost for the Jets. is the returning starter, but he is hardly a pass-catching threat. is coming off an injury and there are questions about him anyway. Kellen Davis Jace Amaro"

More jets: Trading Muhammad Wilkerson to Bears makes sense

While offensive coordinator Chan Gailey doesn’t utilize tight ends as receiving targets for the most part in his system, it could have also been due to the lack of talent at the position. The Jets released Jeff Cumberland this offseason and are hoping that Amaro lives up to the hype he generated a few years ago. Kellen Davis needs some work in order to take his career to the next level which leads many to believe that the Jets will more than likely draft another tight end into the mix via this year’s draft. Perhaps one that can finally add a better dimension on offense as a receiving threat.

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