Ralph Vacchiano | Facebook | Twitter | Archive

The Jets, at 3-8, have nothing left to play for but their future over the last five weeks of the season. And with tons of pending free agents, their future could look a lot different than their present.

While they have some important core pieces in place -- quarterback Sam Darnold, safety Jamal Adams, defensive end Leonard Williams, for example -- they are still heading into an offseason that could see yet another complete overhaul of their roster. The Jets have $100 million or so in salary cap room to spend in free agency.

They also have 23 unrestricted free agents (and two restricted free agents) of their own.

With a new coach possibly on the way too, it's impossible to get a clear read on all of their pending UFAs. But here's a quick, early look anyway at where these players stand, and whether the Jets will - or should - keep them around.

QB Josh McCown - His days as a starter are almost certainly over, especially since he'll be 40 in July, but the Jets love him and the positive influence he's had on Darnold. If he still wants to play, the Jets would surely keep him around as a backup, though not likely at another $10 million for the year.

WR Quincy Enunwa - The Jets want to keep Enunwa, according to a source, and hope to get a new contract done long before free agency. They don't consider him a No. 1 receiver, but see him as a solid, reliable No. 2.

WR Robby Anderson (restricted) - He said this week that he wants a long-term deal, not a one-year tender, but he's going to get the one-year tender. Most likely it'll be the second-round tender at about $3.1 million. The Jets like him as a speedy deep threat, but don't necessarily see him as much more than that.

CB Morris Claiborne - He's played well enough for the Jets to keep him around. The only question is if they'll try to sign him to a third straight one-year deal or if he'll demand more. At 28, he's running out of time for one last big deal, so he might want to cash in.

CB Buster Skrine - At this time last year it wasn't clear he'd stick around to play out his four-year, $25 million contract. He's been good at times, but inconsistent. Todd Bowles was his biggest supporter, but he probably won't be around. Skrine will also be 30 in April. If he stays, it'll be at a much lower price.

LG James Carpenter - The shoulder injury that landed him on injured reserve has probably ended his Jets career, especially since he'll be 30 in March. The Jets are going to overhaul their offensive line.

WR Jermaine Kearse - He was a serviceable veteran presence, but the Jets need young, fast, game-breaking receivers. That's not what he is.

RB Bilal Powell - His injuries have always limited his effectiveness, even though he's been spectacular at times. Elijiah McGuire can more than fill his role, so he won't be back. Of course, it's possible Le'Veon Bell will end up filling his role too.

DT Steve McLendon - He'll be 33 in January and his age and years in the NFL are clearly catching up with his body. The Jets would miss his veteran presence in the locker room, but it'll be a shock if he comes back.

DE Henry Anderson - He has been a solid addition to the Jets as a rotational pass rusher. The entire pass rush needs an offseason upgrade, but they'll look to bring Anderson back on a short-term deal at the right price.

LB Brandon Copeland - The Jets seem to like him a lot, but he'll be 28 in July and isn't nearly productive enough to be a starter on a team with an actual pass rush. He's a fine depth player and will be back if he accepts being paid like one.

C Jonotthan Harrison - He could be an inexpensive option for the Jets' backup center. But the 27-year-old could have other options since centers are hard to find.

OT Ben Ijalana - He'll be 30 in training camp and coming off a shoulder injury that cost him his entire 2018 season. That's not usually the formula to get someone a new deal.

OT Brent Qvale - A 27-year-old backup tackle who could return at a low price and be a decent and versatile reserve.

G Dakota Dozier - A former fourth-round pick, he's an average backup who will be 28 years old. The Jets will likely find younger, interior backups.

K Jason Myers - Kickers tend to be replaceable, but when you have one as reliable as Myers, you find a way to keep him. The Jets should try to re-sign him before free agency begins.

WR/KR Andre Roberts - He's been very good as a return man, and could even end up as a Pro-Bowler. But he'll be 31 next season. If he comes back, it would have to be on a veteran minimum deal.

LB Josh Martin - A once promising pass rusher has had his career derailed by concussions. It's not even clear if he'll decide to play again next season, but it won't be with the Jets.

S Rontez Miles - He'll be 30 next season, but he's a valuable special teams player. For a small, one-year contract he could definitely be back and help.

CB Daryl Roberts - A former seventh-round pick, the 27-year-old has proven to be a good depth player. For a minimum deal, he could still provide that depth.

TE Neal Sterling - The future at tight end for the Jets is Chris Herndon. Everyone else is replaceable and likely won't get much more than the NFL minimum. Sterling is a solid backup if he's OK with that price.

TE Eric Tomlinson - If the Jets tender him, he'll get the low tender of about $2 million. Even that seems like a high price. His fate may be up to the preference of the next coach.

WR Rishard Matthews - He came in as a midseason addition to a team desperate for any receivers that could play, and he's done nothing. He won't return.

LB Jeremiah Attaochu - He's a young player who could come to camp next season, but the Jets will surely want to upgrade at his position. How many other edge-rushers they bring in will determine his fate.

LB Neville Hewitt - A 25-year-old who is a solid backup and special teams player, he will likely be offered a minimum deal and a chance to return.

Popular in the Community