Jets wide receivers – Page 3 – Syndication Server

Jamison Crowder will be Jets’ longest-tenured active WR in 2020

Jamison Crowder will be the Jets’ longest-tenured active wide receiver on the roster in 2020.

Jamison Crowder’s second season with the Jets hasn’t even begun and he’s already the team’s longest-tenured active receiver.

Crowder will have the most experience of any active wide receiver on the roster in 2020 now that Quincy Enunwa’s neck will force him to miss yet another season. Remember, it was just last offseason that Crowder signed with New York.

The slot receiver had a great first season with the Jets in 2019, recording 78 catches for 833 yards and six touchdowns. It was the second-best season of Crowder’s five-year career after four years in Washington.

Enunwa is technically the wide receiver who has been in New York longest, but he’s out for the season again and his career is in jeopardy. Prior to his departure for the Carolina Panthers, Robby Anderson would have taken this mantle.

Crowder’s status as the team’s longest-tenured active receiver speaks to some of New York’s instability at the position in recent years. The Jets have failed to draft talented wide receivers, with former general manager Mike Maccagnan whiffing on picks like Ardarius Stewart, Chad Hansen, Charone Peake and Devin Smith.

The hope is that current general manager Joe Douglas can change that narrative, starting with Denzel Mims. Mims was the highest-picked Jets wide receiver (59th overall) since they took Smith with the 37th overall pick in 2015.

The time is now to start building some stability at wide receiver. Sam Darnold needs someone who he can rely on year in and year out. The Jets can’t continue to rotate new wide receivers in every single year. Darnold has got to have a player he can build chemistry with.

He and Crowder showed plenty of that in 2019, but with a new year approaching, Darnold has plenty of new faces to get acquainted with again.

Ex-Baylor coach Matt Rhule thinks Jets fans are going to love Denzel Mims

Ex-Baylor coach and now Panthers head coach Matt Rhule thinks Jets fans are going to love Denzel Mims.

Denzel Mims’ college coach Matt Rhule believes the receiver is going to thrive in New York.

The Jets took Mims with the 58th pick in this year’s draft hoping he can be a weapon for Sam Darnold. Rhule coached Mims for three seasons at Baylor and expects Jets fans to get accustomed to hearing his name a lot throughout his time in the Big Apple.

“He’s a guy that Jets fans are going to love,” Rhule told Newsday. “He’s blue-collar, tough guy, but yet he still runs 4.38 [40-yard dash]. He’s going to be a deep-ball threat. He’s got great hands, really, really smart, really tough and competitive.”

Mims was a dynamic playmaker under Rhule at Baylor. He recorded two 1,000-yard seasons and had at least eight touchdowns in three of his four seasons in Waco.

Now the Jets are counting on Mims to be a legitimate threat in their offense. Darnold hasn’t really had a true No. 1 wide receiver in his first two years. That, along with a weak offensive line, has held Darnold back from reaching his full potential.

With Robby Anderson gone now — he reunited with Rhule in Carolina — there’s a chance Darnold still struggles with the pieces around him. However, Anderson’s departure means lots of opportunities for Mims.

If he can replicate the production he delivered Rhule at Baylor, then Jets fans are certainly going to take a liking to the second-round pick.

Updated look at Jets’ wide receiver depth chart following Quincy Enunwa, Josh Bellamy injuries

Here is an updated look at Jets’ wide receiver depth chart following season-ending injuries to Quincy Enunwa and Josh Bellamy.

The Jets’ wide receiver room is starting to take more shape after the team announced that both Quincy Enunwa and Josh Bellamy are out for the 2020 season with significant injuries.

This was the expected move for Enunwa, who essentially missed two of the past three seasons dealing with neck injuries. He was only able to play one game last year after signing a four-year extension; this could be the end of the road for him. On the other hand, Bellamy appeared to be a likely cap casualty — saving the Jets $2.3 million without absorbing dead cap — after a shoulder injury ended his 2019. Bellamy only recorded two receptions in seven games last season but was a core member of the Jets’ special teams units when active.

Here is the Jets’ current wide receiver depth chart:

Starters: Breshad Perriman, Denzel Mims, Jamison Crowder

Backups: Vyncint Smith, Braxton Berrios, Jehu Chesson, Josh Doctson, Josh Malone, Jeff Smith, Lawrence Cager, George Campbell

The two blows to the Jets’ receiving corps are mitigated by New York’s decisions to sign Perriman after losing Robby Anderson and to draft Mims with a premium choice. With Crowder returning as the Jets’ primary slot receiver, he is the most-tenured wide receiver on the team’s depth chart.

Mims and Perriman are likely to make an instant impact for Sam Darnold and the Jets, using a combination of speed and playmaking ability to move the chains. While the Jets haven’t done all they can to ensure Darnold will have skill players capable of elevating his play, they have added a few who can certainly contribute. The problem that lies at the position is the Jets’ lack of depth; currently the third-best outside wide receiver is a toss-up between Smith and Doctson. Neither has the credentials to be relied upon come the start of the regular season. Beyond them is a ton of inexperience.

With the NFL season still on-track, the Jets will have the opportunity to add more depth between trades, free-agent signings and bringing in any players who may shake loose during training camp. New York may reek of desperation, but it still has an opportunity to add free agents such as Taylor Gabriel, Johnny Holton or Demaryius Thomas while monitoring what happens with the Alshon Jeffrey situation in Philadelphia.

Jets WRs Quincy Enunwa, Josh Bellamy to miss 2020 season

Both Quincy Enunwa and Josh Bellamy are out for the year after being placed on the season-ending physically unable to perform list.

The injury bug that repeatedly bit the Jets in 2019 is still going strong in the new league year.

According to multiple reports, the Jets have placed wide receivers Quincy Enunwa (neck) and Josh Bellamy (shoulder) on the season-ending physically unable to perform list.

For Enunwa, this could be a career-ending neck injury. It’s his third neck issue since 2017. Enunwa was forced to miss that season. He came back healthy in 2018 and played in 11 games. However, in 2019, Enunwa once again suffered another season-ending neck injury in Week 1 against the Bills.

After the 2018 season, the Jets signed Enunwa to a four-year, $36 million extension while Mike Maccagnan was still in charge. Enunwa is fully guaranteed $6 million in 2020. In 2021, Enunwa has $4.1 million in injury guarantees.

Enunwa had a chance to become a real threat for the Jets, especially after his breakout 2016 season. He had 58 receptions for 857 yards and four touchdowns that year. With a knack for racking up yards after the catch, the Jets were hoping Eunwa could impact a limited receiver room in 2020, but concerns over his health lingered throughout the offseason.

As for Bellamy, the special teams ace was placed on injured reserve in November after only playing seven games. He made two catches for the Jets for a total of 20 yards.

Bellamy is owed $2.25 million in 2020.

While both moves were expected, it’s certainly not the way the Jets wanted to start their 2020 season. Now it may be time to find another wide receiver or two.

New Jets WR Denzel Mims has chip on his shoulder after 2nd-round slide

New Jets wide receiver Denzel Mims has a chip on his shoulder after his draft stock fell to No. 59.

New Jets wide receiver Denzel Mims has a little extra motivation after falling to the 59th pick in the 2020 NFL Draft.

The Baylor prospect expected to be a high second-round pick, but instead fell toward the back end of the second round. Mims admitted that he was a “little surprised” and “got upset” that his draft stock fell before adding how excited he was to play for the Jets.

“There’s always been a chip on my shoulder,” he said afterward. “I’ve been underrated my whole life.”

Mims is not the type of player who gets nervous in the big moments. Actually, he’s quite the opposite. Mims wants to be the guy catching game-winning touchdowns with the clock ticking down, so it’s clear he doesn’t lack any confidence in his abilities.

“When it comes down to crunch time, when it comes down to the end of the game, I want the spotlight,” he said. “I mean, I want to be the one to help the team get the victory and I want everything on me, on my shoulders.”

That’s exactly what the Jets are looking for in their new playmaker. New York hasn’t had a clutch wide receiver in a while, so that type of mindset will be welcomed in New York.

With Mims’ 6-foot-3, 207-pound frame, he can be a needed red zone target for Sam Darnold. At Baylor, Mims had 28 total touchdowns while also recording 2,925 receiving yards.

More than likely, Mims will line up on the other side of Breshad Perriman on the outside with Jamsion Crowder in the slot. That’s a lot of speed in the wide receiver room for Gang Green, which should bode well for Adam Gase’s up-tempo offense.

And when the Jets need to put points on the board, the coach won’t have to worry about his rookie’s confidence.

WATCH: Highlights of new Jets WR Denzel Mims

Here are Denzel Mims’ highlights from his 2019 season at Baylor.

After a trade down from pick No. 48 to No. 59, the Jets were still able to land Baylor wide receiver Denzel Mims.

Mims has a good combination of size and speed. He stands at 6-foot-3, 207 pounds and ran an impressive 4.38-second 40-yard dash at the NFL combine. With his size, he can make for a great red zone threat for Sam Darnold. At Baylor, Mims had two 1,000-yard seasons to go along with at least eight touchdowns in three of his four college seasons. The main concern with him is that he tends to drop passes, but he cut that number down every year in college.

Here are some of Mims’ 2019 Baylor highlights:

Report: Jets were willing to give Robby Anderson $10 million per year

The Jets were not going to give Robby Anderson more than $10 million per year in free agency.

Jets general manager Joe Douglas sets a firm price on players and he doesn’t go over that number. Apparently, that was the case with Robby Anderson.

According to The Athletic’s Connor Hughes, Douglas was willing to pay Anderson $10 million per year, but no more than that. The Carolina Panthers ended up giving Anderson a two-year deal worth $20 million with $12 million guaranteed in the first year.

That was simply too much for Douglas and he let his No. 1 wide receiver walk away over an extra $2 million.

Douglas’ approach to free agency is unlike any recent Jets general managers. He’s very conservative with how he hands out money. Instead of paying top dollar for free agents, Douglas puts a certain value on a player and if it’s higher than he likes, he doesn’t sign that player.

In the case of Anderson, it was a tough decision. Anderson hasn’t shown that he’s true No. 1 wide receiver, nor that he’s deserving of such money. Anderson has been a solid receiver for the Jets over the last few years, though. He’s tallied at least 750 receiving yards and five touchdowns in each of the last three seasons.

However, Anderson has been inconsistent. There were games in which he was really good and others where he was nowhere to be found. The lack of a strong quarterback at times has played into Anderson’s lack of production, however.

Luckily for the Jets, Anderson is replaceable. They’ve already signed Breshad Perriman for $4 million cheaper than Anderson. Meanwhile, this upcoming draft class is loaded with wide receivers. So the Jets are going to have their chance to prove that Anderson was not worth the $2 million more he got from the Panthers.

Report: Jets still pushing to re-sign Robby Anderson

The Jets are making efforts to re-sign wide receiver Robby Anderson before he hits free agency.

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.

Jets sign former Redskins WR Josh Doctson

The Jets have signed former Redskins wideout Josh Doctson.

The New York Jets have added another weapon to their offense.

The team announced Saturday that it has signed former Redskins and Vikings wide receiver Josh Doctson.

Doctson was a first-round pick out of TCU by the Redskins in 2016. In three seasons with the Redskins, Doctson made 81 catches for 1,100 yards and eight touchdowns.

The 27-year-old was a surprise cut by the Redskins this past September. Doctson ended up being signed by the Vikings after being waived, but he only appeared in one game and recorded no stats.

The Jets have a lot of uncertainty at the wide receiver position. Their top receiver, Robby Anderson, is a free agent and could be on his way out of New York. Meanwhile, Quincy Enunwa has major health concerns and Demaryius Thomas is also a free agent. The one staple at wide receiver is Jamison Crowder in the slot. Vyncint Smith and Braxton Berrios are under contract as well.

There’s no risk in signing Doctson to a deal. Either he performs well in training camp and makes the roster or he gets cut with no harm.

Robby Anderson believes Jets want him back in New York

The Jets have told free agent wide receiver Robby Anderson that they’d like to re-sign him.

The New York Jets are getting a head start on trying to keep their own free agents.

Robby Anderson spoke to the media at the Miami Convention Center on Wednesday and discussed his upcoming free agency. Anderson has made it publicly known that he’d like to stay with the Jets for years to come, but it wasn’t known if the Jets felt the same way. Now, according to Anderson, the Jets have made their intentions known.

“I know they’ve communicated that they do want me back,” Anderson said Wednesday, according to Newsday. “So, we’ve just got to see how it plays out.”

The specifics of a new deal have yet to be discussed, though. However, Anderson is seeking between $13-15 million annually, according to a previous report from The Athletic’s Connor Hughes.

“I don’t think they’ve gotten to numbers,” Anderson said, “but I know obviously they want to be at the table, and I think they’re planning to be at the table to keep me in-house.”

Anderson said at the end of the season that he would keep his options open in free agency and that he has no plans of giving the Jets a hometown discount.

The fourth-year wideout out of Temple had one of the best seasons of his career in 2019. He recorded 52 catches for 779 yards and five touchdowns. Most of that came at the end of the season when the Jets offense started to come together.

If Joe Douglas can lock Anderson up before he hits the open market, it would be one less thing the general manager has to worry about during free agency.