Who was the biggest offseason addition for the Jets?
By Luke Easterling
The New York Jets made plenty of big splashes this offseason, but which new addition will make the biggest impact in 2019 and beyond?
It’s been a crazy offseason for the Jets, with much of the attention focused on the negative. But there are plenty of things for fans to be excited about heading into the 2019 season, including a long list of fresh faces who could quickly change the fortunes of this once proud franchise.
The biggest-ticket item of the offseason was running back Le’Veon Bell, who hit the open market after sitting out the entire 2018 season due to a contract dispute with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Despite rumors that head coach Adam Gase was frustrated with the amount of money the Jets paid Bell, both parties made it clear this week that they’re looking forward to working together.
https://twitter.com/LeVeonBell/status/1131598835279630338
Bell’s addition gives the Jets offense one of the most versatile, dynamic weapons in the entire NFL, something that should help quarterback Sam Darnold progress even further in his second NFL season. The Jets entered the 2019 offseason with tons of cap space, so spending it on a rare playmaker like Bell made plenty of sense then, and it still does now.
On the other side of the ball, the Jets made another signing that could easily end up having the same kind of impact. While many expected star linebacker C.J. Mosley to remain with the Baltimore Ravens, the four-time Pro Bowler was allowed to walk in free agency after five seasons, and the Jets broke the bank to add him to their already promising group of defenders.
The Jets also spent their top draft pick adding more firepower to the defense, selecting Alabama defensive lineman Quinnen Williams with the No. 3 overall pick in the 2019 NFL draft. He’ll team up with fellow top-10 pick Leonard Williams to give the Jets a formidable front line that should give opposing offenses constant fits.
One of the more underrated signings of the offseason was wide receiver Jamison Crowder, who gives Darnold the perfect slot target, something the offense has been missing. Darnold also got much-needed help up front with the addition of guard Kelechi Osemele, who was acquired via trade from the Oakland Raiders.
The Jets have made a long list of wholesale changes this offseason, including a new head coach and eventually, a new general manager. But in the short-term, these on-field additions have the power to turn the tide and give the Jets a chance at becoming a playoff contender sooner than later.