NY Jets: Jamison Crowder 'on the chopping block' after draft

Justin Fried

NY Jets, Jamison Crowder / Jim McIsaac/Getty Images

The NY Jets made an effort to bolster their wide receiver corps this offseason, but one player who could find himself on the outside looking in, as a result, is Jamison Crowder.

Crowder has been the Jets' leading receiver in each of the last two seasons since joining the team in the 2019 offseason. But following the addition of Elijah Moore in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft, rumors have swirled that the Jets could look to move on from Crowder.

Chris Trapasso of CBS Sports recently released a list of a few NFL veterans who could be "on the chopping block" following the draft. And Crowder was one of the first names he mentioned.

The logic is sound given that Moore was essentially selected to be Crowder's future replacement. But that doesn't necessarily mean the Jets won't hold on to both players this season.

Will the NY Jets move on from Jamison Crowder before the season starts?

Crowder has been one of the few success stories from the Mike Maccagnan era hauling in 137 catches for 1,532 yards and 12 touchdowns over two seasons in New York.

In an offense that has been nothing short of horrendous under now-former head coach Adam Gase, Crowder has been arguably the lone bright spot. However, he'll be entering the final year of his deal in 2021 and the Jets could save around $10 million by cutting him.

The team could also look to trade him as well in an attempt to recoup assets in return. They haven't shown an urgency to do so, but the option remains on the table.

The Jets signed both Corey Davis and Keelan Cole in free agency to upgrade what was one of the worst wide receiver units in football a year ago.

They'll be joined by second-year wideout Denzel Mims who showed promise in his rookie year, despite missing the first half of the season with injury.

Trapasso detailed the dilemma the Jets could face.

"Sure, the Jets likely want as many weapons for Zach Wilson as they can muster, but Elijah Moore was likely picked at No. 34 to replace Crowder, eventually. When "eventually" gets here is the ultimate question."
Chris Trapasso

The Jets could certainly keep both Crowder and Moore allowing both players to split time in the slot. After all, it doesn't hurt to have too much talent at the position.

But if the Jets want to get Moore additional snaps in 2021 and could get something in return for Crowder, they might look to make a move.

It's a situation worth monitoring for sure. Crowder has been the Jets' best receiver over the last two years, but his spot on the roster is far from secure.

Justin Fried

Justin Fried is an editor for FanSided who has over seven years of experience covering the NFL and various other sports. A diehard Jets fan since birth, Justin has served as the editor for The Jet Press since 2019, interviewing athletes such as Sauce Gardner, Curtis Martin, LaDainian Tomlinson, Joe Klecko, and many others. Justin has also worked closely with brands like Red Bull to help highlight the niche sectors of the sporting world. His four-part series on the sport of breaking remains one of his proudest pieces of work. In his spare time, Justin is an avid pro wrestling fan who is fortunate enough to have traveled to nearly 30 different countries.