Coffee with the New York Jets: Trade for Ryan Clady official

The New York Jets pulled off a big trade to help fill the void left on their offensive line with the sudden retirement of D’Brickashaw Ferguson.

There’s something great about drinking a hot cup of coffee as you read the latest news and analysis on your favorite team. The Jets didn’t waste a lot of time in finding a replacement for Ferguson as they pulled off a big trade to add a veteran option to their offensive line. It was a smart move to make which might very well change their plans heading into the 2016 NFL Draft.

Even though they added Ryan Clady, the Jets might still want to add another premier offensive lineman via this year’s draft to develop into the future. It would make sense since Clady doesn’t exactly have the perfect track record when it comes to his health. Here are some of the top articles from around the internet on the Jets to enjoy as you sip away on your coffee.

In one day, Jets go from Iron Man to Aluminum Man at left tackle by Rich Cimini (ESPN)

"First impression on the trade: The Jets have replaced one of the most durable players in recent history with a guy who has missed 30 of the past 48 games because of severe foot and knee injuries."

Cimini is 100% right, this move looks like it was more about adding a veteran presence than someone they feel can consistently have as a starting offensive tackle. While he brings some great experience to the table, truth of the matter is he has a major injury history and tends to miss significant amounts of time. This is another acquisition that benefits the Jets tremendously when it comes to his salary cap hit and if he’s worth keeping around after next season. Either way, the Jets might want to stick with their draft board and still select the best available offensive lineman in the first round of this year’s draft.

Source: Ben Ijalana to return to Jets as left tackle insurance by Rich Cimini (ESPN)

"The Jets told Ijalana at the start of the offseason they wanted him back, but he shopped the free-agent market, looking for an opportunity to play. Talks accelerated with the Jets late last week when Ferguson informed the organization of his plans to retire."

To say the Jets were worried about the departure of Ferguson is an understatement. They were quick in adding a veteran presence and a backup insurance option in Ben Ijalana. Again, these are both smart moves by the Jets but at some point they’ll need to draft and develop a homegrown talent for the future on their offensive line. That’s where the upcoming draft comes into play as the Jets should easily spend a draft pick or two on young and developmental talent for their offensive line to win the battle of the trenches for years to come.

Brick’s Career: 7 Amazing Facts by Randy Lange (NewYorkJets.com)

"Ferguson never missed a game in his career. He was there from the 2006 season opener at Tennessee through the 2015 finale at Buffalo, 160 regular-season games in all plus seven more in the playoffs. The 160- and 167-appearance totals are tied for 11th-most on the Jets’ all-time list, and Brick is all alone in fourth place on the franchise’s consecutive-games-played list."

Needless to say, Ferguson has earned the respect of teammates, fans and players all across the NFL. Not only for being such an anchor on the Jets’ offensive line but for being a class act in everything he put his name to. With his extraordinary work ethic in training, practices and everything he brought to team meetings/charity events, Ferguson will always be remembered for embodying what being a Jet is all about. He will be severely missed as it will take the Jets quite some time to find a suitable and consistent replacement.

NFL announces offseason workout program dates by Around The NFL Staff (NFL.com)

"Report: April 18; OTA Offseason Workouts: May 24-26, May 31, June 1-2, June 6-9; Mandatory Minicamp: June 14-16"

More jets: 2016 NFL Mock Draft: New York Jets select Jack Conklin

Most football fanatics have a calendar with specific dates highlighted for their favorite team. With the way fans of the Jets are, football can’t come back soon enough. Don’t worry though Jets Nation, with the upcoming draft, organized team activities and who knows what else between now and the regular season, football will be back before you know it. We here at The Jet Press have you covered all year long. Please follow us on Twitter and like our Facebook page to stay connected!

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