Tag: New York Jets

Darron Lee’s heading to the Super Bowl, but the ex-Jet has had little impact in Kansas City

The Jets took Darron Lee in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft but traded him three years later to the Chiefs for a sixth-round pick.

The Jets gave Darron Lee a fresh start when they traded him to the Chiefs last offseason, but he hasn’t exactly made the most of it.

After Lee spent three underwhelming seasons in New York, Adam Gase shipped the former first-round pick to Kansas City for a 2020 sixth-round pick. It was one of Gase’s first moves as interim general manager after the Jets fired Mike Maccagnan.

Though he now plays for the Super Bowl-bound Chiefs, Lee hasn’t been an important piece of their defense this season. In fact, it wouldn’t be far off to say the linebacker has been a nonfactor in Kansas City. 

Though he played in all 16 games in 2019, he rarely saw the field. He sat fourth on the inside linebacker depth chart behind Damien Wilson, Anthony Hitchens and Ben Niemann and only played in 14.48 percent of the Chiefs’ defensive snaps this season. He did, however, see a lot of snaps on special teams. He finished the season with only 23 combined tackles and zero sacks.

Lee’s best game came in Week 6 against the Texans when he started for the second time all season, played 51 percent of snaps and finished with a season-high eight combined tackles in a 31-24 loss. But after Week 6, Lee saw his snaps dwindle significantly. Lee averaged 23.2 snaps per game through the first six weeks of the season, but only played 21 total snaps over the final 10 games of the season.

Lee has yet to play in the postseason for Kansas City; it’s hard to see that changing in the Super Bowl. 

Lee never lived up to his first-round billing after the Jets took him 20th overall in 2016. The former Ohio State linebacker didn’t have all the physical tools necessary to dominate on defense despite his speed and coverage ability, and he only tallied 241 combined tackles, three interceptions and four sacks in 40 games for New York.

Lee is on the final year of his rookie contract after neither the Jets nor the Chiefs picked up his fifth-year option, and all signs point to him hitting the free-agent pool after the 2019 season ends. He’s still just 25 years old and offers some appeal, but it’ll be tough for another team to give him another shot after another down season.

Jets Free Agent Profile: What to do with OLB Brandon Copeland?

Jets Wire evaluates if New York should re-sign impending free agent outside linebacker Brandon Copeland this offseason.

Before Joe Douglas can focus on who he plans to target in free agency come March, he’ll have a handful of in-house decisions to make.

The Jets have 32 players set to hit the open market this offseason. Some don’t figure to factor into New York’s plans for 2020, while it’s safe to assume the Jets would like to keep others around for a while. Either way, Douglas has a lot of work to do in his first offseason on the job.

Brandon Copeland’s 2019 season got off to a fortuitous start, but he proved to be a relatively productive rotational linebacker as the year progressed. Will he be back with New York in 2020? Let’s evaluate the situation in Jets Wire’s latest free agent profile.

Pros of keeping him

After returning to the field in October following a four-game suspension to begin the season, Copeland made an instant impact by recording 28 tackles in his first five games. That might not seem like a big number, but considering the banged up state of New York’s linebacker room upon his return, Copeland’s production was much-needed.

Copeland also offers positional versatility. He is predominantly an edge rusher, but can also line up on the inside and make plays in the run game.

Cons of keeping him

Copeland didn’t contribute much following his strong five-game stretch, registering only seven tackles over New York’s final six games.

The fact that Copeland didn’t see much playing time down the stretch speaks volumes when it comes to his future with the team. Yes, teams who are not making the playoffs use the end of the season to give younger players an extended run, but the Jets didn’t have many linebackers in the mix due to injury.

Copeland couldn’t crack a thin linebacker core at the end of the season. With that in mind, it’s hard to see him having a spot when C.J. Mosley, Avery Williamson and Blake Cashman come back healthy next season. Factor in young edge rushers such as Jordan Jenkins and Frankie Luvu likely returning and Copeland’s future with the team becomes even grimmer.

The verdict

All signs point towards Copeland not returning next season. He is at the bottom of the pecking order in New York’s outside linebacker rotation and it’s hard to see him rising past any of Gang Green’s younger pass rushers.

Copeland had a fruitful stay at One Jets Drive, but odds are his time in Florham Park is up.

Sam Darnold hopes to retire in New York just like Eli Manning

Sam Darnold has a long career still ahead, but he’d love to finish it where he was drafted and become a New York legend.

Sam Darnold just finished his second season with the Jets, but he already wants to follow Eli Manning’s lead and retire in New York.

“Eli’s had a heck of a career,” Darnold told SNY on Sunday, two days after Manning officially retired. “Hopefully that’s me one day.”

Darnold never played against Manning in the regular season — they faced off twice in the preseason — but he understands the legacy Manning leaves behind in New York after 16 seasons with the Giants. Manning delivered two Super Bowls to New York during his career and held a then-NFL record for most consecutive starts (210). Though there were ups and downs throughout his career, Manning cemented himself as a New York sports icon over his long career.

Darnold obviously has a long road ahead before he can be compared to Manning. The two-year pro has only played 26 games in his career, has yet to play in the postseason and has a few issues that need to be resolved. Darnold appears to have the makings of a great quarterback, though, and it’s encouraging for him to already be thinking about finishing his career in New York.

If the Jets want Darnold to have as long of and as successful of a career as Manning, they’ll need to build a better team around him. The past two seasons, Darnold’s only gone 11-15 with some horrid performances under his belt. This offseason will be critical for Darnold’s development and will hinge primarily on general manager Joe Douglas’ ability to bring in offensive line help and a few other offensive weapons to give Darnold the tools to succeed.

There is a path for Darnold to stake his claim as a New York legend among players like Manning, former Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter and former Jets great Joe Namath, but it’s only just beginning and certainly can’t be traveled alone.

Jets Free Agent Profile: What to do with QB Trevor Siemian?

Jets Wire breaks down whether or not New York should re-sign impending free agent quarterback Trevor Siemian this offseason.

Before Joe Douglas can focus on who he plans to target in free agency come March, he’ll have a handful of in-house decisions to make.

The Jets have 32 players set to hit the open market this offseason. Some don’t figure to factor into New York’s plans for 2020, while it’s safe to assume the Jets would like to keep others around for a while. Either way, Douglas has a lot of work to do in his first offseason on the job.

Trevor Siemian’s 2019 season came to an abrupt end when he suffered a gruesome lower leg injury in Week 2 against the Cleveland Browns. He didn’t get the chance to show much a year ago, but that doesn’t mean he brings no value to the table. Should the Jets bring the veteran back for another season as Sam Darnold’s backup? Let’s evaluate the situation in Jets Wire’s latest free agent profile.

Pros of keeping him

Siemian’s 2019 season essentially ended before it could really begin. That will likely play a major role in Douglas’ decision, but New York’s first-year general manager needs to take a step back and ignore the injury that landed him on injured reserve before coming to any sort of conclusion.

Siemian knows Adam Gase’s system relatively well after spending a whole year at One Jets Drive. The Jets still need a veteran in the building to help Darnold along in his development. Considering his familiarity with New York’s offense, Siemian could be that guy for another season.

Cons of keeping him

It’s tough to evaluate Siemian’s performance in 2019 considering his season lasted less than one half of football, but his past performances as a starter with the Denver Broncos indicate the Jets could possibly upgrade behind Darnold in free agency.

Siemian is also coming off a major injury. Is it really worth keeping a backup who missed a whole season when Douglas could opt for a second-string signal caller with a cleaner bill of health and more upside?

The verdict

Siemian was good for Darnold, but that is not enough to save his job in this situation. This would likely be a much different debate if Siemian did not get hurt, but it’s not like he was a world-beater when healthy anyway.

Expect the Jets to have a new quarterback holding down the No. 2 spot on the depth chart next season.

Jets LB C.J. Mosley expects to participate in spring football

C.J. Mosley expects to be ready for spring football after undergoing groin surgery.

Jets linebacker C.J. Mosley is on pace to return from his groin injury soon.

Mosley suffered the injury in Week 1 of the regular season and pretty much missed the remainder of the 2019 campaign. He underwent surgery in December but said he’s been jogging “a little bit” and expects to participate in “spring football,” according to ESPN’s Rich Cimini.

Additionally, Mosley is changing up his eating habits. He has now switched over to a vegan diet.

“Anything to give me the edge to get myself on the field and stay on the field as long as I can,” Mosley told SNY on Saturday.

Mosley was extremely frustrated last season not being able to be on the field with his teammates. So, this switch-up in diet could be in response to that.

The Jets signed Mosley to a five-year, $85 million deal in free agency last offseason and expected him to be a huge part of their defense. However, the groin injury he went down with in Week 1 took his season off course. Mosley tried to come back in Week 7 against the Patriots, but still didn’t look right. The Jets placed him on injured reserve in December after he opted to get surgery.

All the Jets can hope for is that Mosley can stay on the field in year two after an injury-plagued debut season in New York.

Jamal Adams plays in Pro Bowl with Kobe Bryant on his mind

New York Jets safety Jamal Adams held back tears as he played in his second carer Pro Bowl following the tragic death of Kobe Bryant.

Jamal Adams woke up on Sunday morning ready to embark on the second Pro Bowl of his career.

Before the game could start though, the Jets safety — like the rest of the world — found himself in a state of shock. Prior to the exhibition, Adams, along with his teammates, found out that basketball legend Kobe Bryant and his daughter, Gianna, were among several people killed in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California, on Sunday morning.

None of it felt real to anybody, a legend lost at the age of 41, along with his 13-year-old daughter. Any games on the docket — whether it be the Pro Bowl or the NBA’s full slate — felt pointless in playing.

Before the Pro Bowl, there was a moment of silence held for Bryant. The crowd then erupted in chants of “Kobe.” Like the rest of the athletes in America playing today, the task in front of them was the last thing on their minds. Adams, who idolized Bryant, hardly had time to grieve.

“None of this feels real,” Adams tweeted following the Pro Bowl. “It was so hard to walk out on the field & play football today. Had a lot of tears. A man I watched every single day growing up is gone. I don’t even know how to deal with this. I’m praying for everyone, especially the Bryant family. This is devastating.”

Hurt and emotional, Adams played in the AFC’s 38-33 win over the NFC in Orlando, Fla. During the game, he symbolized Bryant’s No. 24 with his fingers. Adams held up two fingers on his right hand and four fingers on his left, a somber and blank stare on his face.

Bryant is the reason for Adams’ intense win at all costs mentality, the safety said on Twitter. That is a reference to Bryant’s famous Mamba Mentality, which made the Lakers legend one of the fiercest competitors in sports history.

“To sum up what Mamba Mentality is, it means to be able to constantly try to be the best version of yourself,” Bryant said in a 2016 interview.

“That is what the Mentality is,” he added. “It’s a constant quest to try to be better today than you were yesterday.”

Adams has always played with a similar chip, which could be seen in flashes on Sunday. While most players would take it easy in the Pro Bowl, Adams delivered a blow to New Orleans Saints TE Jared Cook.

Treating every game like it means everything is the exact same approach that Bryant took when he was named the NBA All-Star Game MVP on four separate occasions. Adams finished Sunday’s game with three tackles, not quite following up his 2018 Pro Bowl performance that earned him the Defensive MVP award.

Adams has gotten better each and every season that he’s been in New York, though. He was named to his second consecutive Pro Bowl this season and was named a first-team All-Pro selection for his transcendent play in 2019.

Still processing the loss of an icon, Adams posted an image of Bryant with a quote from the future Hall of Famer.

“I can’t relate to lazy people,” the graphic read. “We don’t speak the same language. I don’t understand you. I don’t want to understand you.”

It was a perfect summary of Bryant, as well as Adams.

Jets Free Agent Profile: What to do with C Ryan Kalil?

Here’s a look at how the Jets should approach Ryan Kalil’s free agency.

Before Joe Douglas can focus on who he plans to target in free agency come March, he’ll have a handful of in-house decisions to make.

The Jets have 32 players set to hit the open market this offseason. Some don’t figure to factor into New York’s plans for 2020, while it’s safe to assume the Jets would like to keep others around for a while. Either way, Douglas has a lot of work to do in his first offseason on the job.

In another addition of Jets Wire’s free agent profile, let’s evaluate Ryan Kalil’s free agent situation.

Pros of keeping him

Kalil performed below expectations in his first season with the Jets, but he did get a late start in training camp.

Kalil was signed by the Jets in late July after Douglas convinced him to come out of retirement. The Jets were hoping that he’d help out Sam Darnold in reading opposing defenses, but he was unable to stay healthy for the majority of the season. When Kalil was healthy, he struggled to hold up in run and pass blocking, as did the rest of the offensive line.

Kalil should be cheap given his age and how he played last season, so if the Jets want to have a veteran presence in the locker room, then why not bring him back as a backup or mentor for a new young center?

Cons of keeping him

The Jets are going to want to get much younger in the trenches and Kalil doesn’t fit that profile.

The offensive line had a lot of wear and tear on it and that included Kalil. He played like a player who was on the last leg of his career. Kalil didn’t assist Darnold much in picking up blitzes, as he was one of the league’s most sacked quarterbacks.

At this point in his career, Kalil doesn’t provide much value to a rebuilding team, so it would be a waste of money to bring him back even for one more year.

The Verdict

Assuming Kalil even wants to continue his career, New York should move on. There was a reason the Jets gave him a one-year deal: to find out of he was still the player he was in Carolina. It didn’t take long to see that he clearly wasn’t.

Kalil got one last paycheck out of the Jets in 2019 and didn’t do much to earn it. He should probably retire again, but the Jets should definitely find a new center regardless.

Jets legend Joe Namath: Eli Manning has ‘done far more than I ever did’

New York Jets legend Joe Namath says the Eli Manning Hall of Fame debate is BS and that the Giants QB did more than he ever did.

The New York Jets took out a full page ad in the New York Post to congratulate New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning on an “extraordinary career” on Saturday, but that was just the tip of the iceberg when it came to kudos from Gang Green.

Jets legend and Pro Football Hall of Famer, Joe Namath, took things to the next level, heaping an almost unbelievable amount of praise on Manning.

“I was pretty good and did some things. Eli, I marveled at. He was remarkable,” Namath told the New York Post. “I wouldn’t compare myself to Eli. He’s done far more than I ever did on the field.”

Questioned about Manning’s Hall of Fame eligibility and whether or not he’d be given consideration if not for the two Super Bowl titles, Namath became a little extra vocal.

“If, if, if. It’s [expletive]. The games played. The durability. The playoffs. I remember early on he was getting some heat, he didn’t always smile much, but every player that’s ever played with Eli swears by his work ethic and his character,” Namath said.

Namath also took a moment to praise Eli’s father, Archie, saying he’d have ended up in the Hall of Fame as well if the New Orleans Saints ever surrounded him with a competent team.

“[If he] ever had a team, he would have been the first Manning in the Hall of Fame. He never had a team,” Namath said.

What more can even be said? Broadway Joe has spoken.

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Ex-Jets LB Bart Scott rips Jordan Jenkins

Ex-Jets linebacker Bart Scott went on Rich Cimini’s ESPN podcast to rip current Jets OLB Jordan Jenkins and questioned his production.

Bart Scott has never been afraid to speak his mind. Now that that the former Jets linebacker is an ESPN personality, don’t expect that to change.

Scott showed no such signs of doing so when he appeared on Rich Cimini’s Flight Deck podcast this week. During their conversation, Scott elected took some shots at Jordan Jenkins, New York’s pending free agent outside linebacker.

Scott went as far as to question Jenkins’ production and viewed some of the sacks as “layups” due to Gregg Williams’ coverage schemes. Here is what Scott had to say about Jenkins on Cimini’s podcast:

“I don’t know about Jordan Jenkins. I appreciate what he’s done but come on man those sacks were atta boy. Those weren’t meaningful sacks, they were coverage sacks. If you rush the passer 500 times a couple of those are going to be layups and he got a couple of those.

I think they definitely have to upgrade that position. The Jets can’t afford to use some of that equity on a player that we already know what his ceiling is.”

New York has just over $50 million in cap space, according to OverTheCap, which can increase to over $80 million if the team elects to make obvious cap casualties of players like Trumaine Johnson and Brian Winters. There should be room to re-sign Jenkins if the Jets want to, but Scott is clearly advising against that.

In four years with the Jets, Jenkins has complied 100 total tackles, 20.5 sacks, seven passes defended and six forced fumbles. His 2019 season was the best to date, as Jenkins compiled 21 total tackles, eight sacks, three passes defended and two forced fumbles.

Being a part of the same draft class as Darron Lee and Christian Hackenberg, the 25-year-old Jenkins has been viewed as one of Mike Maccagnan’s better draft choices.

Jenkins has produced immense value as a former third-round pick and seemed to be finally blossoming under a new defensive coordinator. Jenkins is never going to be a player that flirts with double-digit sack numbers, but he can definitely be a valuable player on defense that sets the edge if the Jets find an upgrade that can complement him this offseason.

Whether he is worth a new deal is up for Joe Douglas to decide, not Scott. However, Jenkins obviously does not have a former Jets linebacker on his side.

2020 NFL Draft: ESPN’s Mel Kiper has Jets taking OT Jedrick Wills in new mock

ESPN draft expert Mel Kiper Jr. thinks the Jets will upgrade their offensive line in 2020 NFL draft.

There are a lot of holes the Jets need to fill in this year’s draft, and one expert believes Gang Green will look to shore up its offensive line with the eleventh overall pick.

In his first 2020 mock draft, ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. predicts the Jets will select Alabama offensive tackle Jedrick Wills Jr. with their first-round pick at No. 11. Wills would be the second consecutive Crimson Tide player taken by the Jets in the first round after New York drafted defensive tackle Quinnen Williams with the third overall pick in 2018.

The 6-foot-5, 320-pound Wills would be a great pick for the Jets if he lasts until the 11th pick. The Jets desperately need help along the offensive line and Wills is one of the best all-around players at his position in the draft. Wills is known as a great pass protector – he only allowed one sack and 14 pressures in 450 pass-blocking snaps, per Pro Football Focus. He also improved his run-blocking tremendously in 2019, rising from a 63.1 PFF grade to 91.4 this past season. 

One of the biggest problems that plagued the Jets offensive line – apart from horrific play – was lack of durability and consistency. The Jets swapped linemen throughout the 2019 season due to various ailments and finished the season with only two starters from Week 1. Wills doesn’t have that issue. He started in all 28 games for the Crimson Tide over the past two seasons.

Luckily for the Jets, this draft is rife with offensive line talent. There could be up to four linemen taken in the first half of the first round, and we’re still three months away from the actual draft. Other players like Georgia’s Andrew Thomas, Iowa’s Tristan Wirfs and Louisville’s Mekhi Becton could call all go quickly in the 2020 draft.

Taking Wills would mark the first time the Jets drafted an offensive lineman in the first round since 2006 when they took tackle D’Brickashaw Ferguson at No. 4 and traded back into the first round to grab center Nick Mangold at No. 29.