The New York Jets are making a push to re-sign wide receiver Robby Anderson before he hits the open market.
According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, the Jets are making efforts to re-sign Anderson. However, he’s on a lot of teams’ radars and it will be difficult for the Jets to convince him to stay. But the Jets are not out of the picture just yet.
Joe Douglas and Adam Gase have expressed their interest in keeping Anderson because of how valuable he is. Douglas loves Anderson’s speed and vertical threat ability, while Gase has said it’s helpful to keep your own players who have been in the program already.
Despite all the praise Anderson has received, he has not indicated a willingness to give the Jets a hometown discount. He’s said to be seeking between $13-$15 million per year, a steep price for Jets team that has other holes to fill.
Anderson had a strong 2019 season, especially down the stretch. He had 52 receptions for 779 yards and five touchdowns. The Jets had a little trouble getting the ball to him early on in the season while Sam Darnold was out with mononucleosis.
Anderson may not be worth WR 1 money, but he’s the best receiver the Jets have. Losing him would significantly hurt an offense that is already not very good, especially if they don’t find anyone better to replace him.
These next two weeks before free agency starts are going to be huge for Douglas and the Jets. If they don’t re-sign Anderson by the time free agency opens up, then the chances of getting him back are slim at best.