Signing Logan Ryan would do wonders for Jets secondary

Jets Wire breaks down why signing free agent cornerback Logan Ryan would be a big-time move to upgrade the secondary.

Joe Douglas has done a nice job addressing the Jets secondary this offseason by signing Pierre Desir and bringing back Brian Poole, but there is still plenty of work to be done for the unit to become a solid one before Week 1 of the 2020 season rolls around.

Beyond Desir and Poole, there is not much on New York’s cornerback depth chart. Bless Austin is penciled in as the No. 2 cornerback opposite Desir, but his inexperience makes him a less than ideal option for the job. Arthur Maulet is a nice backup, but should not be in the running for a starting job. The same goes for Kyron Brown and Nate Hairston.

Fortunately for the Jets, there is a New Jersey native and former AFC East division rival still available for the taking in free agency who could come in and alleviate any cornerback concerns.

The Daily News’ Manish Mehta reported that the Jets are looking into signing former Patriots and Titans cornerback Logan Ryan. The 29-year-old is coming off arguably the best season of his career, setting new highs in tackles (113), pass deflections (18), sacks (4.5) and forced fumbles (four). Ryan also added four interceptions as a member of one of the better defenses in the NFL last season.

Ryan is not an elite corner, but he is exactly what the Jets need at this point in time. A duo of Desir and Ryan would be an immediate upgrade over what New York had at cornerback last season and would give defensive coordinator Gregg Williams two established defensive backs to insert into his scheme.

Before the Jets can realistically entertain any pursuit of the Rutgers product, there are financial hurdles that need to be cleared with only $18.8 million remaining in salary cap space. That could spell the end for Brian Winters’ tenure with the team, as releasing him would free up $7.28 million — likely enough to sign Ryan. It could also mean Avery Williamson’s time with the Jets is up, as New York would clear $6.5 million in cap space by releasing him.

Considering the depth the Jets have on the offensive line and at linebacker, they can absorb the loss of Winters or Williamson in order to improve their secondary. New York needs to do what it can in order to take advantage of a player of Ryan’s caliber lingering in free agency.

If all financial hurdles are cleared and Ryan is interested in a homecoming, adding him to the mix would do wonders for a Jets secondary in desperate need of some experienced talent.

Cap Cut Candidate: Should Jets move on from CB Trumaine Johnson?

Should the Jets keep Trumaine Johnson for another season? Jets Wire says no way.

Before free agency kicks off in March, Jets general manager Joe Douglas is going to have some decisions to make on players already at One Jets Drive.

Along with New York’s 32 impending free agents, there are a handful of players who could be shown the door in an effort to free up salary cap space. The Jets have $53 million to spend right now, according to Spotrac. That number could grow exponentially if Douglas parts ways with players eating up a large chunk of Gang Green’s payroll.

Among those who are a candidate to become a cap casualty is cornerback Trumaine Johnson. After signing a massive five-year, $72.5 million with the Jets in 2018, Johnson has been nothing short of a disappointment in his time with the team. Should he be granted another season to figure things out? Let’s evaluate the situation.

Pros of keeping him

The Jets are in bad shape at cornerback. Brian Poole is set to hit free agency and there is no guarantee he returns to the Big Apple next season. Darryl Roberts was awful in 2019 and is also a candidate to get cut. If Johnson is let go, that leaves New York with Bless Austin, Kyron Brown and Nate Hairston. Maurice Canady and Arthur Maulet are set to hit the open market.

Yes, Johnson has underperformed since joining the Jets. However, there is a reason why he was once the best cornerbacks in football. The 30-year-old has lost a step the last couple of years, but who is to say he can’t bounce back and put together a productive 2020 season? He did look good in training camp last summer before injuring his hamstring, after all.

Cornerback is New York’s weakest position group at this juncture. Why not give Johnson one last shot to get it right?

Cons of keeping him

There is really no point in keeping Johnson at his current salary. New York owes him $11 million next season. Johnson is not worth that number considering how he has performed the last two seasons.

If the Jets release Johnson before June 1, they would absorb $12 million in dead cap, but free up $3 million in cap space. That would allow Douglas to go out and sign a corner to replace him in free agency.

Not only does cutting Johnson make sense from a financial standpoint, but from a schematic point of view as well. Johnson found himself in defensive coordinator Gregg Williams’ doghouse before landing on injured reserve. With the Jets looking to get younger, why would they keep an underperforming and overpaid veteran around?

The verdict

The argument that New York’s cornerback room would become even more of a mess without Johnson could give reason to believe he is worth keeping around for another year, but do not be fooled by this line of thinking.

Keeping Johnson does not solve anything. Just because he has a history of elite production does not mean he is magically going to return to that level of play. The Jets should not keep Johnson. Period.

The bottom line is, New York is better off without its 30-year-old, $72.5 million dollar man on the roster. It’s time to move on from arguably the worst free agent signing in franchise history.

Jets Rookie Power Rankings: The final report card

Jets Wire breaks down the Jets’ rookie class for the final time this season with its final report card.

The regular season is in the books, which means it’s time to evaluate the overall body of work that each Jets rookie put together in 2019.

New York’s rookie class wound up being relatively underwhelming. Whether it was due to injury or ineffective play, Gang Green’s rookies endured up and down first seasons in the NFL. There is still plenty of hope for the future with this class, though, as it is filled with talented players who have the potential to make an impact for the Jets as soon as next season.

So, where do New York’s neophytes stand with 2019 in the rearview? Let’s take a look in the final Jets Wire rookie power rankings of the year.

Honorable Mention

AP Photo/Adam Hunger

The Jets had seven rookies on their active roster in 2019, which means it wouldn’t be fair to leave two players out of the rankings without some sort of acknowledgment.

Cornerback Kyron Brown appeared in three games and made one start against the Dolphins in Week 14 with New York’s cornerback unit depleted due to injury. Brown played well against Miami, but the injury bug bit him as well and put him out for the final three weeks of the regular season. Tight end Trevon Wesco lucked out on the injury front throughout the year, but caught only two passes for 47  on the season and didn’t exactly stand out in his primary role as a blocker.

Brown’s rookie season didn’t end as he would’ve liked, but his stay at One Jets Drive is likely far from over. The Jets are thin at cornerback and Brown has the measurables to be a solid depth piece moving forward. He’ll get a long look in training camp next summer. Wesco also figures to factor into New York’s plans for the future as a blocking tight end despite his quiet rookie season.

Jets vs. Ravens inactives: New York missing numerous starters against Baltimore

Jets vs. Ravens inactives for Thursday night football in Week 15.

If you thought the Jets were missing a lot of impact players against the Miami Dolphins in Week 14, think again.

New York will be without eight starters against the Ravens on Thursday night, as Jamal Adams, Quinnen Williams, Chuma Edoga, Brian Poole, Demaryius Thomas, Arthur Maulet, Kyron Brown and Ryan Griffin are all out against Baltimore due to injuries. Brown (quad) was placed on season-ending injured reserve on Monday after making his first career start against Miami, while Griffin (ankle) became the latest Jet to hit IR on Thursday. In a corresponding move to fill Griffin’s roster spot, the Jets activated offensive lineman Brent Qvale off injured reserve.

Le’Veon Bell returns to the field against the Ravens after a bout with the flu that kept him out of action against the Dolphins, but Bilal Powell is out with an ankle injury and the flu. That leaves Bell and Ty Montgomery to shoulder the load for New York out of the backfield.

The Jets will also have Henry Anderson, Kelvin Beachum, Matthias Farley, Steve McLendon, Nathan Shepherd and Montgomery suited up in Week 15 despite all six players being listed as questionable leading up to the game. Whether or not any of the six can make an impact remains to be seen, but they are all required to dress New York is required to have a minimum of 46 players suited up.

As for the Ravens, they’ll be without starting offensive lineman Ronnie Stanley, who sits due to a concussion. Tight end Mark Andrews and safety Andrew Levine will all play for Baltimore despite being listed as questionable entering Thursday.

Jets add WR Jeff Smith after sending CB Kyron Brown to IR

The Jets can’t escape the injury bug, yet again, as they send another player to the injured reserve list.

The Jets can’t escape the injury bug, as they sent another player to the injured reserve list on Monday.

Forced to start Kyron Brown at cornerback this past weekend, the Akron product left Sunday’s game with a quad injury. That makes 16 Jets to land on IR this season.

As a result, New York filled the void on their roster by signing wide receiver Jeff Smith. Another undrafted free agent, Smith got his start by signing on to the Jets’ practice squad in September.

The wideout started his career at Boston College as a quarterback. Following his freshman campaign, he made the position change, leading to 72 catches for 1,078 yards and nine touchdowns over the next three years.

Smith possesses a versatile skill set that came to life as a Golden Eagle. Boston College utilized him in the ground game, as well. Smith recorded 902 yards and another nine scores as a rusher.

With a new whole on their practice squad after promoting Smith, the Jets added offensive lineman Brad Lundblade. The 24-year-old spent some time with the Carolina Panthers practice squad before being released earlier this week.

Jets Rookie Power Rankings: Kyron Brown plays well, but injury bug bites in first career start

Jets Wire’s rookie power rankings series is back following Gang Green’s triumph over the Dolphins in Week 14.

It was a good afternoon for Kyron Brown until all of a sudden, the injury bug bit him at the worst possible time.

Brown turned in an admirable performance in his first career start against the Dolphins, but succumbed to a quad injury that landed him on season-ending injured reserve on Monday.

How did Gang Green’s other rookies fare against Miami? Let’s take a look in the latest edition of Jets Wire’s rookie power rankings.

No. 5: TE Trevon Wesco

AP Photo/Adam Hunger

Last Week: No. 4

Wesco didn’t appear in the box score against the Dolphins in Week 14.

The West Virginia product’s role is pretty much set in stone at this point in the season. With Ryan Griffin and even Daniel Brown contributing in the passing game, don’t expect to see much of Wesco for the remainder of 2019.

Jets Injury Report: Kyron Brown to IR, many others banged up after Week 14

Jets injury report following New York’s Week 14 win over the Miami Dolphins.

To say Week 14 took a toll on the Jets would be a massive understatement.

Not only did New York lose rookie cornerback Kyron Brown for the season to a quad injury, but numerous other key contributors emerged from Gang Green’s triumph over the Dolphins banged up.

Sam Darnold had his throwing hand stepped on and sustained some bruises, but is fine and his status for New York’s Thursday night matchup with the Baltimore Ravens is not in jeopardy. Ryan Griffin, Bilal Powell, Demaryius Thomas and Quinnen Williams are also dealing with injuries that would’ve kept them out of practice on Monday if the Jets practiced according to Adam Gase. Powell is dealing with an ankle, while Thomas remained bothered by his hamstring and knee.

As for Jamal Adams and Le’Veon Bell, both remain uncertain to play on Thursday night. Bell is trending in the direction, as he is no longer contagious with the flu.

“[He’s] pretty close to 100%,” Gase said of New York’s starting running back.

With Powell banged up, Bell’s status for Week 15 becomes crucial to the Jets’ offensive gameplan. If both Bell and Powell cannot play on Thursday night, New York will be left with only Ty Montgomery in the backfield.

As for Adams, he remains questionable to suit up against the Ravens. Adams missed the first game of his NFL career against the Dolphins on Sunday with an ankle injury.

“I know where Jamal stands by it,” Gase said. “We have to do the right thing by him.”

Jets sign OL Ben Braden to practice squad

The Jets have signed offensive lineman Ben Braden to the practice squad.

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After elevating Kyron Brown from the practice squad, the Jets had a spot to fill.

The team announced on Wednesday that they signed offensive lineman Ben Braden to the practice squad.

Braden was signed by the Jets as an undrafted free agent out of Michigan in 2017. He didn’t make the initial 53-man roster in 2017, but was signed to the practice squad. The Jets then signed him to a future/reserve contract in January 2018.

In 2018, Braden made the 53-man roster, but was waived shortly after that and then re-signed to the practice squad. He was promoted to the active roster at the end of November. In 2019, Braden was back on the practice squad before being waived in September. Braden was signed to the Packers practice squad a couple days later and was waived last week.

Jets sign B.J. Bello, Kyron Brown as Brian Winters, Chris Herndon head to IR

The Jets signed B.J. Bello and Kyron Brown to the active roster and placed Chris Herndon and Brian Winters on injured reserve.

With a couple key injuries over the weekend, the Jets were forced to make some roster moves.

The team announced on Tuesday that it has signed linebacker B.J. Bello and cornerback Kyron Brown to the active roster. In order to make room for them, the Jets placed left guard Brian Winters and tight end Chris Herndon on season-ending injured reserve.

Bello was signed by the Jets at the end of October but was released pretty quickly after that. He was originally with the Browns practice squad in 2017 after going undrafted out of Illinois State. Bello has also been on the Packers and Cardinals practice squads in addition to the Eagles’ roster. He spent training camp this season with the Texans before being cut. In 19 games, Bello has registered nine total tackles.

As for Brown, he has been on the Jets practice squad all season. He signed as an undrafted free agent out of Akron this year and had five tackles in the preseason. He has yet to appear in a regular season game and could see some playing time given the troubles the Jets are having at cornerback.

Jets should take a look at former Buccaneers CB Vernon Hargreaves

The Jets need cornerback help, and 2016 first-round pick Vernon Hargreaves could be the answer.

With the Jets woefully thin at cornerback, New York should take a look at the recently-released Vernon Hargreaves III to fill a position riddled by injury and poor play.

Hargreaves could be a low-risk, high-reward move by the Jets considering his youth and potential. The former 11th overall pick in the 2016 draft only recently turned 24 and was one of the top prospects coming out of Florida just three years ago. He opened his career with a stellar rookie season with the Buccaneers (76 tackles, nine passes defended and one interception), but injuries plagued Hargreaves the past two seasons and he was ultimately cut after a brutal beginning to 2019.

Bruce Arians and the Buccaneers were dismayed by Hargreaves’ lack of enthusiasm and effort this season, culminating in Arians benching Hargreaves after he didn’t hustle on a 55-yard pass play against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 10.

“He didn’t look like he was hustling to go in for a tackle,” Arians said of the play. “He was chasing somebody across the field, and he wasn’t running fast enough.”

Hargreaves, to his credit, didn’t back down from the criticism. He took full responsibility after the game for any perceived concerns about his effort.

“If that’s what coach saw that’s what he saw,” he said. “There’s no arguing with that – I need to hustle. Point blank. End of discussion.”

Hargreaves’ production has dropped off considerably since his rookie season and he has major injury issues – he missed all but one game in 2018 with a shoulder injury and seven games in 2017 with a hamstring injury. His 2019 hasn’t been much better, as he’s allowed a 111.9 passer rating when targeted (51st among cornerbacks), 12.3 yards per reception (37th), 5.7 receptions per game (77th), a catch rate of 63.8 percent (49th) and burned on 3.8 percent of his targets (71st), per PlayerProfiler.com

Those numbers are all terrible. Sadly, they’re also better than every other Jets cornerback other than Brian Poole, who plays 61 percent of his snaps in the slot.

The Jets need a player like Hargreaves to play on the outside, especially if Darryl Roberts can’t play. With Roberts hobbled by a calf injury and Trumaine Johnson on injured reserve, the only healthy cornerbacks the Jets have on the roster are Poole, Nate Hairston (who was benched in the second quarter of Sunday’s game), sixth-round rookie Bless Austin, and undrafted rookies Arthur Maulet and Kyron Brown. Austin played well for the Jets in his first game of the year, but he can’t be expected to fix a Jets secondary that’s been leaky all season.

Hargreaves won’t be a game-changer for the Jets, but he’ll be an infusion of young talent in a depleted secondary. He’ll also be looking to prove himself in search of another contract. The Buccaneers picked up Hargreaves’ $9.954 million fifth-year option this offseason, but it’s only guaranteed for injury. If the Jets claim him, they could easily try him out for a few games and see how he fares in the offseason before committing to that price tag for the 2020 season. 

Hargreaves also has a few former teammates on the Jets – Poole and safety Marcus Maye both played with Hargreaves in Gainesville in 2015. 

The Jets are grasping at straws in the secondary right now. Hargreaves isn’t the player many expected him to be after his rookie season, but he’s young and experienced and could be a short-term solution for the Jets defense heading into the back-half of its schedule.