New York Jets: Signing Jamison Crowder was a great move

Earlier today, it was reported by NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport that the New York Jets were signing former Washington Redskins wide receiver Jamison Crowder. NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo then confirmed that the two sides had agreed to a three-year $28.5 million deal with $17 million guaranteed.

Last offseason was all about finding a quarterback for the New York Jets and the team did just that by drafting Sam Darnold with the No. 3 overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. Darnold showed signs of promise throughout an up-and-down rookie season, but the reality of the situation was that he simply wasn’t surrounded by that much talent.

With that being said, the Jets are now tasked with surrounding Darnold with legitimate playmakers in order to allow him to reach his full potential. And given the team’s lack of success both on offense and overall this past season, there is certainly no shortage of holes to fill.

Wide receiver, however, happened to be a position of need for the Jets entering the “legal tampering” period, which began earlier today and the team certainly addressed that by agreeing to terms for a deal with former Washington Redskin Jamison Crowder. Considered by many to be the top slot WR on the market this offseason, Crowder undoubtedly represents a solid addition for the Jets.

Only 25-years-old, Crowder, who was drafted by the Washington Redskins out of Duke in the fourth round of the 2015 NFL Draft, has proven to be a productive option when healthy. In 2015, for example, he appeared in 16 games and totaled 59 receptions for 604 yards and two touchdowns.

Then in 2016, he appeared in 16 games, bringing in 67 receptions for 847 yards and seven touchdowns. 2017 proved to be a strong year for the North Carolina native as well as he finished with 66 receptions for 847 yards and 3 touchdowns.

2018, however, was a down year for Crowder as he totaled just 29 receptions, 388 yards, and two touchdowns, though he missed seven games with an ankle injury.

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Given his track record, it’s quite clear that Crowder can be a valuable asset when he’s at his best. A strong route runner with excellent quickness, it’s important to note that Crowder has also averaged above 10.0 yards per catch in each of his four seasons in the NFL. He’s dangerous in open space and excels when it comes to picking up yards after the catch.

With that being said, Crowder appears to be quite a nice fit for the Jets and new head coach Adam Gase’s offensive scheme. Known for his offensive creativity, Gase relies heavily on versatile wide receivers who have the ability to get into open space and make plays.

Crowder fits that bill.

In addition, adding Crowder into the mix alongside fellow wide receivers Robby Anderson and Quincy Enunwa and promising tight end Chris Herndon should provide a nice mix of weapons for Darnold. It will also give Enunwa the opportunity to move around a bit more between the slot and the outside.

Overall, the Jets needed help at the wide receiver position and on day one of “legal tampering,” the team went out and acquired a young, versatile and productive player to fill a need. At first glance, this seems to be a strong move made by the Jets.