Post by Jet Nut Sauce on Jun 17, 2015 18:00:31 GMT -5
The New York Jets have a new front office and a new coaching staff, which means there are different eyes in the building -- eyes that won't see things the same way as the previous regime. This sort of thing happens across the NFL, putting certain players -- i.e. older, high-salaried vets -- on notice.
Some players on the Jets that could be on shaky ground in the preseason :
Jason Babin, outside linebacker (cap charge: $1.6 million): At 35, he's the oldest player on the team. Babin is a smart, savvy player whose specialty is getting to the quarterback in a situational role, but he will be expendable if a younger player proves he can do the job. They have three young outside 'backers -- rookie Lorenzo Mauldin, Trevor Reilly and IK Enemkpali.
Stephen Bowen, defensive end ($665,000): The Jets signed Bowen, 31, and Kevin Vickerson, 32, to one-year, minimum-salary contracts to bolster the depth on the defensive line. Bowen has battled knee issues in recent years, so he could be the underdog in a battle that includes Vickerson, Leger Douzable and Ronald Talley.
Willie Colon, guard ($665,000): Obviously, the money isn't an issue. It's his age (32), health (a cranky knee) and a crop of young guards on the roster. Colon has value because of his strong intangibles, but those won't mean much if he gets outplayed in training camp by Brent Qvale, Brian Winters or Oday Aboushi.
Erin Henderson, linebacker ($585,000): Henderson, who turns 29 on July 1, is attempting a comeback after sitting out last season. It would be a heck of a story -- already is -- but as Bill Parcells used to say, they don't sell insurance for this sort of thing. He's battling Joe Mays and Jamari Lattimore for backups spots. Mays, 29, who missed part of the offseason with a sore knee, also belongs on this list.
Calvin Pace, outside linebacker ($2.25 million): Pace, who turns 35 in October, is the projected starting "Sam" linebacker, hoping to squeeze another year out of his career. His pass-rushing production declined last year, but he's still capable of setting the edge versus the run. He'd better watch out for Mauldin, a third-round pick who impressed in last week's minicamp. If he shows in the preseason he can handle every-down responsibilities, it'll put Pace on thin ice.
DeVier Posey, wide receiver ($919,000): Acquired in a draft-day trade, Posey is competing with several receivers for the fifth and sixth spots (if there is a sixth spot). He's a former third-round pick with minimal production, and he doesn't return kickoffs or punts, which hurts his value.
Stevan Ridley, running back ($1.0 million): A crowded backfield, coupled with his uncertain health status, makes Ridley a question mark. Seven months removed from major knee surgery, he was limited throughout the spring. Coach Todd Bowles said he's not sure if Ridley will be cleared for training camp. The Jets knew the circumstances when they signed him (only $80,000 guaranteed), so they have a plan in place. He could be a candidate for the physically-unable-to-perform list.
> espn.go.com/b...le-in-preseason
Some players on the Jets that could be on shaky ground in the preseason :
Jason Babin, outside linebacker (cap charge: $1.6 million): At 35, he's the oldest player on the team. Babin is a smart, savvy player whose specialty is getting to the quarterback in a situational role, but he will be expendable if a younger player proves he can do the job. They have three young outside 'backers -- rookie Lorenzo Mauldin, Trevor Reilly and IK Enemkpali.
Stephen Bowen, defensive end ($665,000): The Jets signed Bowen, 31, and Kevin Vickerson, 32, to one-year, minimum-salary contracts to bolster the depth on the defensive line. Bowen has battled knee issues in recent years, so he could be the underdog in a battle that includes Vickerson, Leger Douzable and Ronald Talley.
Willie Colon, guard ($665,000): Obviously, the money isn't an issue. It's his age (32), health (a cranky knee) and a crop of young guards on the roster. Colon has value because of his strong intangibles, but those won't mean much if he gets outplayed in training camp by Brent Qvale, Brian Winters or Oday Aboushi.
Erin Henderson, linebacker ($585,000): Henderson, who turns 29 on July 1, is attempting a comeback after sitting out last season. It would be a heck of a story -- already is -- but as Bill Parcells used to say, they don't sell insurance for this sort of thing. He's battling Joe Mays and Jamari Lattimore for backups spots. Mays, 29, who missed part of the offseason with a sore knee, also belongs on this list.
Calvin Pace, outside linebacker ($2.25 million): Pace, who turns 35 in October, is the projected starting "Sam" linebacker, hoping to squeeze another year out of his career. His pass-rushing production declined last year, but he's still capable of setting the edge versus the run. He'd better watch out for Mauldin, a third-round pick who impressed in last week's minicamp. If he shows in the preseason he can handle every-down responsibilities, it'll put Pace on thin ice.
DeVier Posey, wide receiver ($919,000): Acquired in a draft-day trade, Posey is competing with several receivers for the fifth and sixth spots (if there is a sixth spot). He's a former third-round pick with minimal production, and he doesn't return kickoffs or punts, which hurts his value.
Stevan Ridley, running back ($1.0 million): A crowded backfield, coupled with his uncertain health status, makes Ridley a question mark. Seven months removed from major knee surgery, he was limited throughout the spring. Coach Todd Bowles said he's not sure if Ridley will be cleared for training camp. The Jets knew the circumstances when they signed him (only $80,000 guaranteed), so they have a plan in place. He could be a candidate for the physically-unable-to-perform list.
> espn.go.com/b...le-in-preseason
