2019 Free Agency Live Tracker: Latest moves by the Jets

Take a look at the latest moves and signings by the New York Jets in this 2019 NFL Free Agency tracker with instant analysis and twitter reactions.

After months of waiting, the 2019 free agency period is finally here! The New York Jets have long been expected to be one of the most active participants in this year’s free agent signing period making fans even more eager for the start of the first major event of the offseason.

Essentially, this is the Jets version of the Super Bowl.

The first day of the legal tampering period gave Jets fans some hope for an exciting free agency interval. The Jets reportedly agreed to deals with three free agents: wide receiver Jamison Crowder, wide receiver/special teamer Josh Bellamy, and linebacker/edge rusher Anthony Barr.

The Jets followed that up with the reported signing of linebacker C.J. Mosley to a massive contract continuing the team’s offseason shopping spree. But what’s a free agent period without curve balls? After originally reports indicated that he had signed with the Jets, reports now state that he has agreed to return to the Minnesota Vikings.

And the Jets disastrous second day continued as it was later reported that top center target Matt Paradis had signed on with the Carolina Panthers. However, all was forgiven as shortly after midnight the Jets reportedly reached a deal with star running back Le’Veon Bell.

Apart from early free agent signings, the Jets made multiple other moves retaining in-house free agents Darryl Roberts and Jonotthan Harrison as well as acquiring Oakland Raiders offensive guard Kelechi Osemele in a trade. The trade and free agent signings will officially go through at the start of the new league year at 4 p.m ET but for now, they are as close to official as can be.

This tracker will be designed to provide up-to-the-minute rumors and announcements regarding any Jets free agency moves. It will also be your source for any and all instant analysis pieces done on the Jets newest signees.

As the week goes on, more deals will likely be announced so make sure you stay up-to-date and check back with this tracker every so often so that you don’t miss any Jets free agency news. With that, let’s take a look at the reported signings so far with their instant grades and analyses.

*Last Update: 3/16/2019 @ 11:45 PM Eastern Time

REPORTED FREE AGENT SIGNINGS

Wide Receiver Jamison Crowder — 3 years/$28.5 million — Grade & Analysis

Wide Receiver Josh Bellamy — 2 years/$7 million — Grade & Analysis

Linebacker Anthony Barr — unknown contract — Grade & Analysis *Reports now state that he will return to the Minnesota Vikings*

Linebacker C.J. Mosley — 5 years/$85 million — Grade & Analysis

Defensive Lineman Henry Anderson — 3 years/$25 million — Grade & Analysis

Running Back Le’Veon Bell — 4 years/$52.5 million — Grade & Analysis

Linebacker Neville Hewitt — 1 year/$2 million — Grade & Analysis

Nose Tackle Steve McLendon —  1 year/$2.5 million — Grade & Analysis

Cornerback Brian Poole — 1 year/$3.5 million — Grade & Analysis

Kicker Chandler Catanzaro — unknown contract — Grade & Analysis

FORMER JETS SIGNING ELSEWHERE

Cornerback Buster Skrine — 3 years/$16.5 million — Chicago Bears

Offensive Guard James Carpenter — 4 years/$21 million — Atlanta Falcons

Kicker Jason Myers — 4 years/$15-16 million — Seattle Seahawks

Wide Receiver/Returner Andre Roberts — unknown contract — Buffalo Bills

Safety Terrence Brooks — 2 years — New England Patriots

Nose Tackle Mike Pennel — unknown contract — New England Patriots

RECENT TWEETS, RUMORS, & ANALYSIS

The Jets have signed K Chandler Catanzaro, who kicked for the team during the 2017 season.

— Field Yates (@FieldYates) March 15, 2019

The Jets decided to bring back a familiar face to assume kicking duties in 2019. This comes after the team allowed Pro Bowl kicker Jason Myers to walk in free agency as he signed a four-year, $15 million contract with the Seattle Seahawks.

Catanzaro kicked for the Jets in 2017 and had decent success making 25-of-30 kicks including a team-record 57-yarder. The former Arizona Cardinal is a nice consolation prize and should hopefully fill in effectively where Myers left off.

Cornerback Brian Poole agreed to a 1-year deal with the Jets for $3.5 million, per source. Poole was not tendered by the Falcons – rare for a player not tender to actually get more than the tender.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 15, 2019

The Jets landed their replacement for Buster Skrine in the nickel with the signing of former Atlanta Falcon Brian Poole. Chicago’s Bryce Callahan would have been nice but the Jets were able to get Poole on a cheap, short-term deal presenting little risk.

For a team desperate for help at cornerback, Poole is a nice signing but he is by no means a home-run signing. Poole has struggled in recent years with the Falcons and plays a similar game to Skrine. Only he’ll be four years younger at the start of the 2019 season.

Pro Bowl returner Andre Roberts is signing with the Buffalo Bills per sources. He was selected for both the All-Pro and Pro Bowl teams in recognition of his work as a kick returner last season with the Jets

— Dianna Russini (@diannaESPN) March 13, 2019

All-Pro return man Andre Roberts has officially signed with the Buffalo Bills ending his tenure with the Jets after just one season. The Jets continued their trend of letting core special teamers depart via free agency despite how good the unit was last year.

Letting Roberts walk is the most puzzling of all as he likely wouldn’t have demanded a sizable contract. Given the Jets lack of reliability at the return spot over the years, this move seems a bit confounding.

The #Jets have signed FA ILB Neville Hewitt to a 1-year contract, source said. He had 39 tackles last year.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 13, 2019

The Jets decided to bring back one of their core special teams pieces in linebacker Neville Hewitt. Hewitt played a bit down the stretch as a starting inside linebacker following Darron Lee’s suspension but his primary value is on special teams.

With the expected departures of key special teamers such as Kevin Pierre-Louis, Terrence Brooks, and Andre Roberts, it’s nice to see the Jets make an effort to re-sign one of their top performers on the unit that performed so well last season.

Jets are not expected to bring back Pro Bowler returner Andre Roberts, per sources.

So NYJ is letting both special teams Pro Bowlers walk.

Kicker Jason Myers will sign with the Seahawks, per sources.

— Manish Mehta (@MMehtaNYDN) March 13, 2019

The Jets continue to remake their special teams unit as reports now indicate that they are not expected to re-sign Pro Bowl return man Andre Roberts. This move is even more puzzling than the choice not to bring back Myers as Roberts is 31-years-old and likely won’t demand a huge contract.

Moreover, there isn’t the fear of regression as much as with Myers as Roberts has been a productive returner in the past. Plus, returners aren’t nearly as subject to extensive shifts in production as kickers are. Definitely a confusing move by the Jets.

Pro Bowl kicker Jason Myers intends to sign with the Seahawks, per league source. He returns to Seattle, who has its new standout kicker.

— Field Yates (@FieldYates) March 13, 2019

The Jets decided not to aggressively pursue their Pro Bowl kicker from last season as Jason Myers will be heading out west to join the Seattle Seahawks. Myers had a career-year last season making 91% of his field goals including a league-best 6-of-7 from 50 yards out or more.

He was a key part of the Jets special teams turnaround but the Jets seem to be banking on Myers being a one-year wonder. Regression should be expected and he did struggles slightly more late in the season, but this is a move you’d think the Jets would make.

Le’Veon Bell’s four-year deal with the New York Jets has a max value of $61 million and includes $35 million guaranteed, per source.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 13, 2019

The figures are in on Bell’s contract and they look very team-friendly at first glance. While the $35 million in guarantees is a bit high, Bell will only be making roughly $13 million per year over four years with a base salary of $52.5 million.

This number is significantly less than what Bell had initially desired but the market for the star running back seemingly never developed. The Jets gladly capitalized and signed Bell to a surprisingly cheap deal.

Former Steelers’ RB Le’Veon Bell plans to sign with…the New York Jets, a league source tells ESPN

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 13, 2019

IT’S OFFICIAL! Le’Veon Bell has signed with the Jets ending months of speculation about where the three-time Pro Bowler would sign in free agency. In the end, he chose the team that he had been rumored to choose all along.

This will be an extremely polarizing debate over the coming days, weeks, and months. But for tonight and tomorrow, let’s just breathe easy Jets fans. The saga is over.

Henry Anderson’s three-year is for $25.2 million … with a max value of $33M, per source.

Jets wanted him back badly. Great move. https://t.co/zgsZK2kfTd

— Manish Mehta (@MMehtaNYDN) March 13, 2019

Amidst the chaos surrounding Le’Veon Bell rumors and Matt Paradis disappointment, it was reported that the Jets had re-signed defensive lineman Henry Anderson to a three-year deal worth up to $33 million.

Anderson was the Jets most productive defensive lineman last season making this move a no-brainer. Some may argue that the contract is a bit on the expensive side, but the team is banking on Anderson staying healthy and building off of a strong 2018 campaign.

Former Broncos’ C Matt Paradis intends to sign a three-year, $27 million deal with the Carolina Panthers, per source.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 12, 2019

The announcement that no one wanted to hear broke as the Jets top center target, Matt Paradis, reportedly signed on with the Carolina Panthers. This news sort of came out of nowhere with all the conversation around Bell, but it still stings just the same.

With the free agent center market looking very thin, the Jets have no clear contingency plan. The Rams’ John Sullivan is an option although his age — 33-years-old — is concerning. If not they could look to the draft to address the need. Either way, this is overwhelmingly disappointing.

The #Jets have given Le’Veon Bell a deadline to decide if he is going to sign or not, per sources. They’re not waiting forever.

— Connor Hughes (@Connor_J_Hughes) March 12, 2019

This is encouraging to see from the Jets as they appear steadfast on not being used as leverage this offseason. Giving Bell a deadline, if true, allows the Jets to move on and address other concerns in a timely manner.

It also prevents this from becoming a bigger fiasco than it already has been. Just get it over with and let’s move on with our lives.

With Anthony Barr spurning the #Jets, they have some extra money. I’m told they’ve taken some of that money and made a last and final big offer to Le’Veon Bell. It’s decision time for the ex-#Steelers RB.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 12, 2019

Well, that was fun while it lasted. Reports now indicate that Barr has instead decided to take less money to return to the Minnesota Vikings. His desire to remain with the organization on top of the team’s increased offer likely led to this decision.

But as Ian Rapaport mentions, the Jets have now used the increased money from not signing Barr to up their offer for Bell. The disappointment of missing on Barr could be alleviated if the Jets were to sign either Bell or Paradis — or perhaps both.

https://twitter.com/AB89x/status/1105502812216135680

Don’t do this to us Antonio Bryant. Please don’t do this to us.

A Le’Veon Bell signing appears to be drawing nearer with every passing minute and it should only be a matter of time before we find out which team signs the All-Pro running back. Stay tuned for more updates!

The #Jets remain the clear favorite for Le'Veon Bell, per league conversations. The #Bears remain in the bidding along with the #Ravens. Both teams have significant interest.

— Matt Verderame (@MattVerderame) March 12, 2019

The Jets reportedly remain the favorites for Bell despite all of the signings they have made. This is consistent with reporting that has gone down the last couple of days, and really over the last couple of months.

With the clock ticking in free agency, let’s see if general manager Mike Maccagnan can close this one out!

The inside story on how #Jets managed to finalize deals with both Anthony Barr & C.J. Mosley, where they fit on Gregg Williams’ defense, and why these two deals don't stop their pursuit of Le’Veon Bell & Matt Paradis

All right here on @TheAthleticNYC: https://t.co/QHVUt1pj8Y

— Connor Hughes (@Connor_J_Hughes) March 12, 2019

Despite the signing of Mosley, the Jets reportedly remain fully in the race for both L’eVeon Bell and Matt Paradis. While it’s still unlikely the team does sign both of them, it’s incredible to still see them in the race with all the cap space they have spent so far.

The next few hours should be very interesting as one of, if not both Bell and Paradis are expected to sign today. Keep refreshing that page!

Former Ravens LB C.J. Mosley signs 5-year, $85M deal with the Jets, per @RapSheet pic.twitter.com/kGutjFQVMN

— Bleacher Report NFL (@BR_NFL) March 12, 2019

Woah! This deal dropped early in the morning so you’d be forgiven for missing it at first but the Jets continued their offseason shopping spree by paying linebacker C.J. Mosley $17 million per year over five years.

This surely must mean the end of the road for former first-round pick Darron Lee who will likely be trade bait going forwards. But the Jets add Mosely to a now-stacked linebacker core also featuring the likes of Avery Williamson, Anthony Barr, and Jordan Jenkins. What a turnaround!

The Broncos also restarted talks with their own C Matt Paradis, per sources. #9sports

— Mike Klis (@MikeKlis) March 12, 2019

Although it appeared very likely that center Matt Paradis would sign on with the Jets earlier in the day once the Buffalo Bills dropped out and signed fallback option Mitch Morse, the team has failed to get a deal done as of the time of writing.

Expect the Jets to keep pushing hard for Paradis with no clear alternative remaining in free agency. It appears to be down to just two teams: the Jets and the incumbent Denver Broncos.

Credit Le’Veon Bell’s side for keeping his client’s intentions hidden, but those around league continue to tell me the #Jets are the favorite for to sign him without a clear No. 2. His market isn’t as robust as originally believed.

— Connor Hughes (@Connor_J_Hughes) March 12, 2019

While no progress has been made right now on free agent Le’Veon Bell, the Jets reportedly remain the clear cut favorites. Throughout the entire first day, various different teams were reported to have shown interest in the former Pittsburgh Steelers running back but the Jets remained the sole constant.

Other reports have indicated that this deal will get done on Tuesday which means we could be hearing some more updates on the situation as the hours go on.

Former Vikings’ LB Anthony Barr intends to sign with the NY Jets, per league source. Jets get a pass rusher.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 12, 2019

The Jets biggest splash of the day came in the form of former Minnesota Vikings linebacker Anthony Barr. Barr is a very intriguing signing and should serve as one of the biggest moves the team makes in free agency this year.

The four-time Pro Bowler has played an off-ball linebacker role for five seasons with Minnesota but expect him to take on more of an edge rusher role with the Jets, a role he filled nicely while at UCLA. Either way, Barr should be a great chess piece for new defensive coordinator Gregg Williams to move around in 2019.

The #Jets are close to deal with former #Bears WR Josh Bellamy, source said. Potentially another WR on the board after signing Jamison Crowder.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 12, 2019

This was the most peculiar signing on day one of the free agent tampering period. Bellamy is an excellent special teams player and was beloved in Chicago, but it’s a bit puzzling to see his name fly off the market so quickly.

Regardless, Bellamy should provide much-needed help at receiver but more importantly be a special teams ace for the Jets in 2019. One player to keep an eye on is return man Andre Roberts as Bellamy does have experience returning kicks and could be an option for the Jets if they don’t re-sign Roberts.

#Bears are signing former #Jets CB Buster Skrine, sources tell me and @PSchrags. Surely means Bryce Callahan is gone from Chicago.

— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) March 11, 2019

Buster Skrine has reportedly signed on with the Chicago Bears officially ending his four-year tenure with the Jets. Skrine has had his ups-and-downs over the years and the Jets were evidently not very interested in bringing him back for another season in 2019.

This leaves them in the market for a replacement at nickel corner as second-year man Parry Nickerson is unlikely to assume a starting role. Keep an eye on Chicago’s Bryce Callahan as he could be an option now that Skrine has joined the Bears. Expect Callahan to be quite pricy, however.

#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

The Jets made their first free agent signing of the offseason by agreeing to a deal with former Washington Redskins receiver Jamison Crowder. Crowder gives the Jets the slot receiver they were in the market for and should be an excellent fit with new head coach Adam Gase’s offense.

This move should give the Jets flexibility with their receivers allowing Quincy Enunwa to shift between the slot and the boundary, a role he excelled at in 2016. On top of that, Gase should be able to take full advantage of Crowder’s excellent abilities in space after the catch.