‘Keep’ in mind
Jets must decide which free agents to bring back
THE 2019 Jets are going to look drastically different than their 2018 counterparts. Adam Gase and an almost entirely new coaching staff is in place, but the roster also will be much different. The Jets have 23 players scheduled to become unrestricted free agents on March 13, or 43 percent of their 53-man roster. It is a big number, and it will be interesting to see how many of them resign with the Jets. Gang Green already took care of locking up its priority on the free-agent list with its four-year, $36 million extension for wide receiver Quincy Enunwa in December. Now, general manager Mike Maccagnan must comb through his other free agents, and get evaluations from Gase and his staff to see who is worth keeping and who they should wave goodbye to.
They have one notable restricted free agent — wide receiver Robby Anderson, who should be in line for a secondround tender.
Here is a look at the Jets set to become free agents in order of how likely I think they are to return:
HENRY ANDERSON, DE
This guy was a revelation last season. He tied for the teamlead in sacks with seven and was a disruptive force along the defensive line. At 27, he is in his prime, and the Jets should try to bring him back. There has been talk of whether he fits new defensive coordinator Gregg Williams’ scheme, but people I have spoken to say Williams will tailor his defense to the players he has, and Anderson can be an important piece up front.
MORRIS CLAIBORNE, CB
The Jets have been treading water for two years with Claiborne, but none of the team’s young cornerbacks have emerged to take his starting job. Do the Jets bring him back for another season? He had some really good moments in 2018 then some terrible penalties at some terrible times. If the Jets feel they can upgrade at cornerback, Claiborne might be allowed to walk. But I could see him being a fallback option.
JASON MYERS, K
He was claimed off waivers in August and ended up going to the Pro Bowl. He missed just three field goals last year and made six from 50 yards or more. The question here will come down to the cost. Maccagnan has shown he is willing to bargain hunt for his kickers. Will Myers look for a big payday after his Pro Bowl season?
ANDRE ROBERTS, KR/PR/WR
Another special teams star, Roberts breathed life into a return game that had been dormant for years. Roberts returned both a punt and a kickoff for a touchdown. Like Myers, you wonder if Roberts’ asking price will be too high after his All-Pro season. The Jets have searched for a returner for years. They found one and should hold onto him.
JONOTTHAN HARRISON, C
He started the final eight of nine games at center last season, replacing Spencer Long. I thought Harrison played pretty well and is a cheap alternative if the centers in free agency look too costly. Harrison’s contract would be reasonable, and he might be a costeffective alternative if the Jets don’t want to spend big on a center.
NEVILLE HEWITT, LB
This flew under the radar a bit, but Hewitt played well over the final four games, when he filled in for the suspended Darron Lee. I would keep him around as a special teams player and reserve linebacker.
JOSH McCOWN, QB
The veteran will be 40 and has not said whether he wants to keep playing. This will be an interesting decision: Do the Jets keep him around for another year as Sam Darnold’s mentor? McCown struggled in his three starts, and the Jets might be better off with another veteran backup.
JERMAINE KEARSE, WR
After a strong 2017 season, Kearse had a disappointing 2018. He and offensive coordinator Jeremy Bates did not mesh, and Kearse was not used as much as the year before. The Jets likely will move on.
BRANDON COPELAND, OLB
He was a pleasant surprise last year, registering five sacks. Nevertheless, I think the team will be looking to upgrade through free agency or the draft at this position.
DARRYL ROBERTS, CB
He had some good moments as a starter last year when Trumaine Johnson was injured. Roberts also showed some versatility by playing safety. He had a tardiness issue, though, and did not play defense in the final game.
RB Bilal Powell, NT Steve McClendon, CB Buster Skrine and G James Carpenter: All of these players have been mainstays but it seems unlikely they will return. The Jets have Elijah McGuire, Mike Pennel and Parry Nickerson ready to replace Powell, McLendon and Skrine, respectively. They will be looking for an upgrade at left guard to replace Carpenter.
Other free agents: OL Ben Ijalana, OL Brent Qvale, OL Dakota Dozier, TE Neal Sterling, S Rontez Miles, OLB Josh Martin, OLB Jeremiah Attaochu, LB Emmanuel Lamur and WR Rishard Matthews.