Jets Free Agency: Initial grade and analysis of Jamison Crowder

The New York Jets have reportedly made their first move of free agency agreeing to a deal with former Washington Redskins wide receiver Jamison Crowder.

The New York Jets made it abundantly clear that they would be looking to surround quarterback Sam Darnold with an improved supporting cast and it looks as though they’ve already done so with the reported signing of wide receiver Jamison Crowder.

Crowder marks the first reported free agent acquisition of the offseason for the Jets in what is expected to be a very busy signing period. The former Washington Redskins receiver will join the likes of Robby Anderson and Quincy Enunwa at the start of the new league year as the Jets look to continue building their young receiving core.

Originally entering the league as a fourth-round pick back in 2015, Crowder has been a very productive receiver for the Redskins and has established himself as one of the better slot receivers in the league.

The Jets were reportedly heavily invested in the market for a slot receiver and Crowder was one of the top options. His age and previous production made him especially endearing to the Jets who reportedly viewed him as their top target.

Contract Details

The Jets signed Crowder to a three-year deal at $28.5 million with $17 million guaranteed.

National Reaction

.@nyjets closing in on deal for former Redskins WR Jamison Crowder, via @RapSheet.

(by @SNICKERS) pic.twitter.com/SrEFbcnHaC

— NFL (@NFL) March 11, 2019

#Jets have now agreed with WR Jamison Crowder on a three-year, $28.5 million deal with $17 million fully guaranteed at signing, source says. Former #Redskins fourth-rounder cashes in.

— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) March 11, 2019

Source confirms that the Jets will be signing free-agent WR Jamison Crowder, (as @Rapsheet said).

The best slot WR on the market. pic.twitter.com/5X4gTC17UN

— Manish Mehta (@MMehtaNYDN) March 11, 2019

Grade

The signing of Crowder is exactly what the Jets needed to kick off the free agent period. A day after acquiring offensive guard Kelechi Osemele in an attempt to sure up the offensive line, the Jets went out and struck a deal with Crowder showing their commitment to building around Darnold.

Crowder excels as a slot receiver and his game is a perfect fit for new head coach Adam Gase’s offense. Gase is best at getting his receivers in the open space through the use of underneath patterns designed to create mismatches on defense.

More from Free Agency

• NY Jets: Why the team should target cornerback Shaquill Griffin
• 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
• NY Jets expected to be ‘much more aggressive’ in free agency this year

That is exactly Crowder’s strong suit as the former Redskin is excellent at picking up yards after the catch and is best utilized in the open field. His superb route running ability allows him to make sharp cuts at the break of his route which is ideal for underneath slot receivers.

On top of that, Crowder is just 25-years-old — he’ll turn 26 in June — and continues the build towards a young core of receivers on offense. The aforementioned Anderson, Enunwa, Crowder, and Chris Herndon are all currently 26-years-old or younger giving the Jets a formidable quartet of young playmakers to build around.

A fantastic way to start the offseason even though it wasn’t the big-name free agent splash fans may have been looking for.

Final Grade: B+