I was just thinking about how we all are excited about the jets having so much cap room but were forgetting that almost 15 other teams have just as much as us. It stinks because were going to have so much competition from other teams getting free agents. Like what would make Asante Samuel or Michael Turner come here rather than the Titans or Bills if he could get the same amount of money at either place.
I hear what you're saying, but for the guys you pointed out we may have a leg up ... Samuel - Knows Mangini Turner - Knows schott
If that's true then use the cap space to rework or extend some of our core players. I'm not a cap genius, but I would think we can front load some contracts to take advantage of the cap space and lock in several of our important players. Then draft wisely, which the FO has done a great job of in year 1. Plus if its between NY, Titans, and Bills I would think most FA's would want to come here considering the Jets are on the rise, have a great coachig staff, and well its NY! As others have said, players are going to want to play here with a solid coaching staff in place.
It's my gut talking, but I actually fully expect Samuel to be starting opposite Dyson next year for the Jets. The Pats will never pay a guy like Samuel what he deserves, so he'll be on the market. The connection with Mangini, and the chance to play for a 2007 contender, will make the Jets a very attractive choice. We shouldn't overpay though, because CB isn't our greatest concern. Samuel will be our big FA pickup this offseason. After that, I think the FO will stick to the draft to fill holes at RT and NT, and pick up a mid round RB and OG with high upside.
Of the teams that have all the cap space how many of them are playoff/potential playoff teams or are going in the right direction? Which teams are they? I'm sure that will make a difference to a FA.
I doubt our front offense spends too much money on any player unless it's a lineman. Mangini knows he can coach up cornerbacks, no reason to give a huge contract to Samuel. I can see them spending big bucks on front 7 players on defense or offensive lineman. The top free agents are going to get very big contracts because of the jump in the cap. Remember getting good and staying good are done through the draft and the cheap free agent signings. Chances are if a good player hits free agency it's because his team doesn't think that highly of him or there is another player in front of him. Don't expect any flashing signings from Tannenbaum.
Is it really that smart to insert more young linemen in this starting lineup? I dont think having a rookie RG and RT would be the wise way to go next draft.
Dyson was a pretty flashy signing IMHO. Samuel is not yet Ty Law in his prime. I doubt the contract would be that massive. Samuel seems more high profile to us because he's in our division. I doubt most out of division fans even know him by name.
Get real. The connection to the coaches and the prospect of playing for a winning team in NY mean nothing. Whatever team pays the most, will get those guys. I'm sure the Jets won't overbid. If they don't get Turner of Samuel, it's not the end of the world.
Moore is fine at RG and Kendall has a couple years left. A rookie RT could work out fine. We need to draft a middle round LG as well, so Kendall has a chance to groom him.
A guy like Turner is most likely looking for the following, although not in order of preference: 1. the best chance to start 2. the best $$ deal 3. Coaching climate/ organization/ city 4. contender I think few teams offer a better combination of the chance to start and better team climate, coupled with mass media market to "be a star". Buffalo particularly would not offer him a chance to start. bottom line: I think being to tell a guy like Turner "we want you to be our feature back and help us get to the next level" has a lot of pull over a young, talented back-up. That's assuming Turner is worth really going after. He's kind of like Lamont's situation a couple of years ago-- showing flashes running behind a legend-- but no proof he can be "the guy".
I think a lot of people know Samuel. He's not on the Champ Bailey level. The Jets didn't overspend for Dyson. He's not a top of the line corner. I don't consider Dyson flashy. My point is that Samuel is not worth, he's probably more a product of the system then anything. I'd rather the Jets keep Dyson and continue to develop Drew Coleman and Justin MIller then spend money on another corner. In the Mangini defense it's much more of a system player then neededing a shutdown player. The most important thing this offseason is to continue to build the lines. Once the foundation is in place then you can really address the other needs.
its a lot less than half the league. there are 5 or 6 teams that have a considerable amount (like the jets). im not sure if those teams have any key FA that they will need to sign either. as far as i know all the core guys are locked up[ through at least next year. so i think we will be a good position to make a key signing or 2. you also have to take into account which way each team is heading. i mean, the jets future is bright. i know that money is the motivater, but so is winning.
I'll agree with you to a point, but we've given up way too many big plays in the passing game. Yes, alot of that is on the DL not getting enough pressure, but if you can get a guy like Samuel for a reasonable (I stress that) price, he's a big upgrade over Barrett and Miller.
If we splurge on FA, then don't expect our players to have much loyalty and take less when they hit the market too. Draft wisely, treat your own players well, and worry about FAs last. You don't build a winner through FA, just ask the Redskins.
