The Jets have had a relatively quiet offseason — especially compared to their 2015 free agent haul — as they’ve added complementary pieces like Matt Forte and Steve McLendon while retaining inside linebacker Erin Henderson and running back Bilal Powell. The elephant in the room remains free agent quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick, and earlier today Rich Cimini of ESPN.com looked at how the ongoing Colin Kaepernick trade talks might affect the possibility of Fitzpatrick returning to New York.
Let’s take a look at a few more notes from the Big Apple, all courtesy of Cimini’s column…
- Though Jets general manager Mike Maccagnan has said he is not “actively pursuing” a trade involving defensive ed Muhammad Wilkerson, Cimini says the Bears are a “team to watch” as the draft approaches, noting that New York would instantly accept an offer of the No. 11 overall pick. Wilkerson, who was designated as the Jets’ franchise player, can be assigned the franchise tag again in 2017, essentially allowing Gang Green to lock him up for $34.5MM over two years.
- The Jets have no interest in free agent defensive end Greg Hardy, per Cimini — though the club could certainly use help at pass-rusher, Hardy simply carries too much off-the-field baggage to be worth the risk. Most of the news surrounding Hardy this offseason has been teams saying they are not interested in bringing in the mercurial defensive end, though Jason Cole of Bleacher Report said last month that several clubs are pursuing Hardy using an “under the radar” approach for fear of generating bad PR.
- After agreeing to terms with linebacker Bruce Carter on Saturday, the Jets are expected to use something of a platoon at inside linebacker, according to Cimini. While veteran David Harris will likely remain an every-down player, Henderson will probably play on early downs before ceding to Carter on third down.
- Just a few years ago, Mike Catapano was a defensive tackle with the Chiefs, but after slimming down to the 260-pound range, he’s getting the opportunity to act as a full-time linebacker with the Jets, per Cimini.
If the bears got wilkerson that would turn into the best front 7 in football. Geez Danny Trevathan and Freeman at ILB is already best duo. Then Lamarr Houston and McPhee playing OLB with Young subbing in is scary. Hicks at DE is good against the run. Goldman at DT looked like a promising rookie last year. If you add wilkerson to that…
2 year rental.. That’s the problem.
Although it will be nice to add him , the price for a two yr rental maybe to much for the Bears knowing all the defense help coming up in this yrs draft the Bears may not only go young , but with a player that can grow with the program and be with the team for yrs to come instead of a player they don’t know if they are going to be able to keep , but still love all the moves the Bears have made this off season , the new additions will pan out and like others have said this defense attorney alreadiii scary , any new additions to this defense will make them even more dominant…… Bears down
Not worth a first rounder; second rounder seems more reasonable.
I think that Pace would work out a long-term deal with Wilkerson before trading for him, no way he just does a 2-year rental. If he can work out a decent 4 year contract extension with Wilkerson I would have zero qualms about trading #11 straight up for him. Wilkerson is one of the best DE/DT’s in the league and is only 26 years old…could be a cornerstone on defense for the next 6 years. I will take a proven young talent over a potential young talent every day of the week!