Coffee with the New York Jets: Mangold says goodbye to friend

The New York Jets are still dealing with the shocking retirement of D’Brickashaw Ferguson while also preparing for the upcoming 2016 NFL Draft and if the bearded wonder at quarterback will ever return.

Nothing beats drinking a hot cup of coffee as you read the latest news, opinion and analysis on the Jets. Center Nick Mangold breaks down the journey he’s enjoyed so far being teammates with Ferguson and gives an emotional goodbye to his fellow teammate.

The Jets still have no confirmation if quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick plans to return or if they’ll be making a blockbuster trade involving Muhammad Wilkerson. With the draft rapidly approaching, crunch time will be here for general manager Mike Maccagnan as he has some tough decisions to make for the benefit of this franchise heading into next season.

Oct 25, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; New York Jets center Nick Mangold (74) at the line of scrimmage during the first quarter against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports

Without further ado, here are of the latest articles from across the internet on the Jets:

Emotional Jets C Nick Mangold prepares for the toughest goodbye by Rich Cimini (ESPN)

"“It was weird because I wasn’t ready for it,” Mangold said Wednesday in a phone interview, recalling a conversation last week in which shared his plans to retire. Ferguson"

It was shocking to say the least when Ferguson announced his retirement. Sure, it helped free up about $9M in salary cap space but he’ll be severely missed in the grand scheme of things. It won’t be easy for the Jets to find his replacement thanks to the consistency, work ethic and overall leadership qualities Ferguson brought to the table. This will undoubtedly make the Jets highly consider drafting the best available offensive lineman when they’re on the clock with their No. 20 overall first-round pick.

Jets’ course could be dictated by outcome of Mo Wilkerson saga by Rich Cimini (ESPN)

"If the Jets trade Wilkerson for draft picks, it would show they’re willing to take a step back this year to help the long-term health of the roster. If they package him to draft a quarterback, who probably wouldn’t help right away, it would be a classic building-for-tomorrow move."

If any kind of trade will happen, it will more than likely occur on draft day. Teams will be more reluctant to listen to offers involving Wilkerson since it will have to include a first-round draft pick to consider a trade. If the Jets couldn’t get a new contract in place the past few years when they had more than enough salary cap to do so, it could very well mean Wilkerson plans to either be traded now or leave next offseason via free agency. The Jets needs to make the trade happen as after July 15th, if no new deal is in place, he’s as good as gone after next season.

New Jets T Ryan Clady: Nine Neat Notes by Randy Lange (NewYorkJets.com)

"Clady got off to a phenomenal pro start. Utilizing textbook tools such as his long wingspan, a crisp kick slide and a vicious hand punch, he has the unofficial NFL distinction of having played the most games from the start of a career without yielding a full sack, 20 games in all."

The acquisition of Clady was indeed a smart move but again, he comes with a bit of an injury history. If he can stay healthy, he can be one incredible anchor on the Jets’ offensive line. Regardless, this should not change the draft strategy of adding younger talent to their offensive line. Clady is a stop-gap option for now but the Jets should still use their first-round draft pick on the best available offensive lineman to ensure they have someone waiting in the wings to eventually be their next anchor for the next decade or so.

Jets, Fitzpatrick still “not close” by Mike Florio (NBC Sports)

"It’s unclear how much the Jets have offered. At one point, the prevailing sense was that the Jets had maxed out in the range of $7 million. More recently, Rich Cimini of ESPN.com reported that the pending offer is “better than” the perceived range of $7 million to $8 million."

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If Fitzpatrick hasn’t signed by now, one truly hopes the Jets put some kind of deadline in place to know one way or the other, if he’s coming back. His decision directly alters the entire draft for the Jets as it’s a bit silly it’s dragged out for this long. The Jets more than likely offered a bit more money due to the extra salary cap relief they got from Ferguson retiring but if he still feels he’s being underpaid, the Jets should just move on without him. They can simply draft another quarterback to develop alongside Bryce Petty and hope that Geno Smith, with a year off from the spotlight, can finally be a decent starting quarterback under center.

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