The Jets’ cornerback group is extremely green, but that doesn’t seem to bother new head coach Robert Saleh. In a conference call with reporters, Saleh indicated that the Jets aren’t planning to add an experienced vet to the mix. 
“The difference between Player A and Player Z is minimal, and the only thing that keeps Player Z from becoming Player A is an opportunity and reps,” Saleh said (via Brian Costello of the New York Post). “Let’s see what happens. Does it always happen? It doesn’t, but unless you’re willing to be bold enough to coach your tail off and to invest as much as you can into these young men and give them the opportunity to be seen, give them the opportunity to get reps, and give them the opportunity to get better, you’ll never know what you might find. So, that’s just the belief and the philosophy of not only our coaching staff but the entire organization, and that’s something we’re committed to.”
Saleh also quoted his old mentor, Pete Carroll: “You can’t be afraid to play young guys.” Saleh must have taken that to heart, because Justin Hardee is the Jets’ only corner with 3+ years of NFL experience, and he’ll mostly be on special teams. As it stands, the Jets project to start Bless Austin and Bryce Hall on the outside with either Javelin Guidry or rookie Michael Carter II on slot duty.
Of course, there’s still a long way to go between now and September. But, for now, it sounds like the Jets won’t be in the mix for veteran corners like Richard Sherman.
don’t understand why they wouldn’t bring in Steve Nelson
Because the Jets are not optimizing for 2022. They are looking at 2023 or even 2024 to be a serious contender. As such, on defense they are better off playing some of the young guys to test them out and increase their value. On offense, they need to develop a new QB so it makes sense to solidify the entire offense, whether through the draft or getting top FAs. The GM clearly has a strategy.
“The difference between Player A and Player Z is minimal”.
As a general statement, that might be the dumbest thing I’ve heard an NFL coach say.
Agreed, but I bet the young guys loved it.
Gives them a perfect excuse to ask for more money since there is apparently no difference between the highest paid player on the roster and them.
It’s not that dumb a comment, but it’s also spin because we don’t know where they stand in negotiations with/pursuit of available players. It also depends who player A is. If it’s Darelle Revis in his prime, of course he’s miles better than any player Z. Steve Nelson or Richard Sherman now? Not so much. Remember Sherman was a fifth round pick. Who’s to say their current crop including Bryce Hall who was a fifth rounder last year isn’t capable of producing breakout players? The one place they could get burned is at the backup QB position. I would hope last year’s fourth rounder who red-shirted in 2020, James Morgan, has the ability to claim the spot, but veteran options are disappearing. Hoyer’s in NE. Mullens just signed. Rumors are cold on a possible trade for Foles. Bringing in someone like Kaepernick is highly unlikely.
By the way, I read that, besides PR, part of the reason Kaepernick didn’t stay in SF when Shanahan and crew came aboard was that Shanahan didn’t see how his skills would fit into their system. So, since the Jets’ coaching staff is now 49ers East, the same idea would apply even if he were a viable veteran.
Kyle Allen would not be a bad choice for QB2 once his ankle is fully healed, although I could see Washington wanting to hold onto all three of their top QB’s for the whole season.