Mike Maccagnan guarantees active Jets free agency frenzy
General manager Mike Maccagnan guarantees the New York Jets will be very active during the free agency period. In the grand scheme of things, he absolutely must due to consecutive seasons of failure.
In 2016 and 2017, the New York Jets ended both seasons at 5-11. That’s right, back to back losing years that showed promise of youth developing for the future but brings a harsh reality that the Jets have a very long way to go in order to be contenders again.
What can, however, help the Jets speed up the rebuilding process is to find high-quality veteran upgrades at key positions of need via free agency. The truth of the matter is, the Jets need help bad at quarterback, offensive line, cornerback, and to acquire pass rushing specialists.
They could also use more offensive weapons but again, free agency should help the Jets at least address one or two areas of need heading into next season. With over $90 million available in salary cap money at this point in time, general manager Mike Maccagnan knows it’s time to put the Jets in the headlines for the right reasons instead of the usual “same old Jets” routine that’s been evident the past two years.
In an article written by Eric Allen of NewYorkJets.com, Maccagnan confirmed that the Jets will be very active once the free agency frenzy hits. Here’s what he had to say:
“We’ll be very active on the first day in terms of the higher-profile guys,” he said. “But I think the one thing I noticed about the NFL this year or in the past years is that the free agency moves very quickly. So if you have guys you’re targeted and you have your arranged right how you value him, I think we’re going to be very active. We may sign a big-ticket guy, we may sign a small-ticket guy. We’ll just see how it plays out, but I think we’re going to be very active in free agency.”
More from Jets News
- NY Jets: Why the team should target cornerback Shaquill Griffin
- NY Jets reportedly non-tendering linebacker Harvey Langi
- NY Jets: Why the team should not cut Jamison Crowder
- NY Jets should try to sign Kenny Golladay in free agency
- NY Jets: Jonnu Smith would be a smart free-agent target
In the grand scheme of things, the Jets must make some serious noise this offseason to prove they’re ready to spend money and bring top talent to make their team better. They have the money to make big moves and set the foundation for what should be a bounce-back year in 2018.
Yes, the Jets have a lot of young players that undoubtedly need another year or two of development but if they’re able to bring in a better starting quarterback, that would help others on offense get better faster. If they’re able to land a top pass rusher that can help pressure and get to the quarterback, it would help the Jets defense become a strength again.
The ball is in Maccagnan’s court to spend money wisely and finally add better talent to the Jets roster before the 2018 NFL Draft. Free agency, if executed right by a team, could bring in cornerstone athletes that can solidify positions for years to come. If the Jets are able to address a need or two this offseason, it’ll give them an opportunity to use the No. 6 overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft on another area to continue heading in the right direction.
Must Read: Top 5 Jets revenge games of all-time
It’s not going to be easy but to give Jets fans and coaches better players to deliver consistent results would be a breath of fresh air compared to the past few seasons of failure. Maccagnan believes the Jets are going to be very active in free agency but just like he said, it comes and goes faster than a New York minute. He has a lot of salary cap money and now, it’s time to use it efficiently in free agency before that window of opportunity closes shut.