The Jets are looking to trade for A.J. Brown or DK Metcalf, a star receiver from Oklahoma but the Browns and Colts reportedly have an agreement in place to sign their preferred target before he can be traded away. It’s unclear if either team will give up on their negotiations with the other but it raises questions about how much leverage teams should have when trying to execute trades during free agency period.
The “new jersey jets” are a team that is looking to make a move for a star receiver. The Jets have been linked to A.J. Brown and DK Metcalf, two receivers who could be available in the upcoming NFL trade deadline.
FLORHAM PARK, N.J. (CBSNewYork) — Take a peek at what’s going on with the New York Jets:
1. Do you want to catch a rising star? The Jets’ ill-fated pursuit of Tyreek Hill highlighted their willingness to make a major move for a WR1, and club executives made no effort to put a damper on that concept during this week’s owners meetings. They continue to examine the wide receiver market, as we reported last week in this space.
In Palm Beach, Florida, general manager Joe Douglas remarked, “If the opportunity is there and the price is right, we’re going to strike.”
DK Metcalf of the Seattle Seahawks and A.J. Brown of the Tennessee Titans are two of the most sought-after players, both of whom have just one year remaining on their rookie contracts and are seeking mega-extensions. In recent weeks, the receiver market has soared, forcing Seahawks general manager John Schneider to express sticker shock. The Jets’ Twitter jumped on this, conjuring up images of Metcalf dressed in green (as in the Jets’ color, not money, though the latter would surely fit).
Is it a good idea for the Jets to make a big move? According to a source, it takes two to tango, and the Seahawks are informing clubs that Metcalf isn’t available. Because of the Titans’ tight cap situation, Brown is the name to monitor, as I stated two weeks ago.
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4. Edge rushers Travon Walker (Georgia) and Kayvon Thibodeaux (Louisiana) are two of the Jets’ most intriguing athletes (Oregon). It’s a no-brainer if one is available, right? Well, not quite. Some skill evaluators believe Thibodeaux is overvalued and lacks a “all throttle, no brake” approach. Walker has uncommon qualities, but his productivity (six sacks) has some people concerned.
Walker is a favorite of ESPN draft analyst Todd McShay, who says, “There isn’t a guy in this class that creates greater power from the ground up, in my opinion. In the NFL, his performance figures will be far higher than they were in college.”
It would be surprising if the Jets did not choose an edge player in the fourth or tenth round.
5. Winners wanted: One of the offseason’s most underappreciated stories is how the Jets followed through on their goal of adding leadership to the locker room, notably guys with a winning track record. Coach Robert Saleh said that he was looking for players that had “championship moments.” You need those kind of players on any team, but particularly on a club like the Jets, who haven’t won anything in a long time.
The Jets did just that, with their top seven free-agent signings playing in a total of 31 playoff games. Cornerback D.J. Reed, defensive lineman Solomon Thomas, and guard Laken Tomlinson of the San Francisco 49ers; safety Jordan Whitehead of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers; and tight end C.J. Uzomah of the Cincinnati Bengals all appeared in Super Bowls. The only one with a Super Bowl ring is Whitehead.
“We’re hoping that the payout begins this year,” Saleh added.
6. The turf devil has been exorcised: Thomas said that he had no reservations about playing on the MetLife Stadium grass. You may remember that he tore his ACL in Week 2 of the 2020 season at MetLife Stadium, one of many 49ers hurt that day. They then complained about the turf’s condition, which had just recently been put. Before a game against the New York Giants last season, Thomas, who will play on it at least eight times, claimed he “forgave” the grass.
“I got out about three hours before game time and sat on the grass and made apologies with it,” Thomas, who is now a member of the Las Vegas Raiders, said. “I had a conversation with it. It wasn’t a big deal to me, so I let it go. ‘Hey, we’re going to be pals from now on,’ I added. Now that I’ve gotten to know the grass, we’re on friendly terms.”
He expects the quality to improve now that it’s been broken in.
7. The Imperfect 10s: Since 2000, Thomas, the third overall selection in 2017, has become the Jets’ 10th previous top-10 pick. Let’s take a stroll down memory lane together. To be sure, some of these names may bring up unpleasant recollections. A couple of them turned out to be successful. Thomas Jones was the finest of the group.
Projects for Reclamation
| Player | Year/team in the draft | Pick | Jets |
|---|---|---|---|
| QB Michael Vick is a football player that is well-known | 2001, Atlanta | 1 | 2014 |
| OT Jason Smith is a writer and a musician. | 2009, St. Louis | 2 | 2012 |
| Solomon Thomas, DT | 2017 in San Francisco | 3 | 2022 |
| Braylon Edwards (WR) | 2005, Cleveland | 3 | 2009-10 |
| Kellen Winslow, tight end | 2004 in Cleveland | 6 | 2013 |
| S LaRon Landry is a football player who plays for the New Orleans Saints | 2007 in Washington, DC | 6 | 2012 |
| Mo Claiborne, CB | 2012, Dallas | 6 | 2017-18 |
| Thomas Jones, RB | Arizona in the year 2000 | 7 | 2007-09 |
| Plaxico Burress (WR) | 2000, Pittsburgh | 8 | 2011 |
| C.J. Spiller (CB) | 2010 in Buffalo | 9 | 2016 |
8. Woody Bucks: It’s impossible to suggest the Jets don’t spend money. According to Over The Cap figures, they’ve given out $81.4 million in completely guaranteed money, which puts them in fifth place. This includes their own players being re-signed.
9. Is anybody able to kick straight? The Jets have set the scene for a duel between two veterans, Greg Zuerlein and Eddy Pineiro, in an attempt to put a stop to the yearly kicking carousel. This is far from certain. Zuerlein, 34, is a frail vet who has never kicked in the cold. Pineiro showed potential in December/January of last year, but has yet to complete a full season.
The Jets, who are known for their tight budgets, actually spent some money on kickers. They awarded Zuerlein a one-year contract with a $1 million guarantee. Pineiro received almost $700,000. Since the start of the season, the Jets’ field goal and PAT percentages have been 31st and 32nd, respectively.
Last but not least: “Without a doubt. In December, we need to be playing significant games.” Douglas –
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