Jets Free Agency: Initial grade and analysis of Henry Anderson

The New York Jets have reportedly re-signed one of the key in-house free agents in defensive lineman Henry Anderson. Here are our initial grade and analysis of the signing.

The New York Jets took a brief break from their free-agent spending spree to take care of one of their top in-house free agents in defensive lineman Henry Anderson.

Anderson marks the third of the Jets 2019 re-signings behind reserves Darryl Roberts and Jonotthan Harrison but he is likely to be the biggest name the team opts to bring back. Despite having an abundance of unrestricted free agents, Anderson was perhaps the biggest name set to hit the market making his re-signing prior to the start of free agency very significant.

The Jets acquired Anderson from the Indianapolis Colts prior to last season as a part of a draft-day trade that sent a seventh-round pick over in exchange. The Stanford product rewarded the Jets with a career-year in which he tied for the team led in sacks with seven while also scoring career highs in tackles and QB hits by a wide margin.

You could argue that Anderson was the team’s most productive defensive lineman in 2018 and the Jets will surely welcome him back with open arms for 2019 and beyond.

Contract Details

The Jets re-signed Anderson to a three-year, $25.2 million deal with $17 million guaranteed.

National Reaction

Source: Jets agree to 3-year, $25.2 million deal with DL Henry Anderson.

Jets love everything about Anderson, who tied for team lead in sacks last season.

Great move.

Full Story: https://t.co/Sk95PUMxGe pic.twitter.com/YTTIxaCdFI

— Manish Mehta (@MMehtaNYDN) March 13, 2019

Jets and DL Henry Anderson have reached a deal, a source confirms. Anderson trade was one of Maccagnan’s best moves last year. #nyj

— Brian Costello (@BrianCoz) March 13, 2019

The #Jets have indeed agreed to terms with DL Henry Anderson, a source confirmed (as @MMehtaNYDN just said.) They retain their top free agent-to-be.

— Rich Cimini (@RichCimini) March 13, 2019

Grade

Anderson is a player who the Jets were always very keen on bringing back which is why it’s not too surprising to see them lock him up before the official start of free agency. His production combined with his well-regarded locker room presence makes this re-signing a positive move for the Jets.

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Still, it’s fair to wonder if this is a bit of an overpay. The Jets are paying Anderson over $8 million per year with nearly $20 million in guarantees for one solid season of production. With a prior injury history and no previous indication of similar success, it’s safe to expect a bit of regression from Anderson in 2019.

Anderson’s contract makes him the 11th highest paid interior defensive lineman which is certainly a bit higher than what his true value is. That said, teams will always overpay to retain good players in free agency.

Moreover, the Jets do have a ton of cap space and if they needed to overpay a bit to retain someone like Anderson in 2019 then it was ultimately worth it. At the same time, his contract does come with a bit of a risk and has the potential to burn the Jets down the line if he regresses or cannot stay healthy.

Regardless, Anderson is beloved by the team and should step in and be a regular fixture on the Jets defensive line once again in 2019.

Final Grade: C+