Jets exercise options for Babin and Pace; Cut ties with CJ
- Thread starter Elias
- Start date
F
flgreen
Guest
Jets won’t pick up Chris Johnson’s option, making him a free agent
Posted by Darin Gantt on February 14, 2015, 2:30 PM EST
Miami Dolphins v New York Jets
Getty Images
It seemed like such a good idea at the time.
But the Chris Johnson the Jets signed a year ago wasn’t up to his old standards, so they decided not to keep him around for another year.
The team announced they weren’t picking up the option on the veteran running back’s contract, meaning he’ll be an unrestricted free agent on March 10.
The team did pick up options on linebackers Calvin Pace and Jason Babin, keeping them around for another year.
But Johnson wasn’t deemed necessary. The artist formerly known as CJ2K for topping the 2,000-yard rushing barrier with the Titans in 2009 managed just 663 yards and one rushing touchdown last year.
Posted by Darin Gantt on February 14, 2015, 2:30 PM EST
Miami Dolphins v New York Jets
Getty Images
It seemed like such a good idea at the time.
But the Chris Johnson the Jets signed a year ago wasn’t up to his old standards, so they decided not to keep him around for another year.
The team announced they weren’t picking up the option on the veteran running back’s contract, meaning he’ll be an unrestricted free agent on March 10.
The team did pick up options on linebackers Calvin Pace and Jason Babin, keeping them around for another year.
But Johnson wasn’t deemed necessary. The artist formerly known as CJ2K for topping the 2,000-yard rushing barrier with the Titans in 2009 managed just 663 yards and one rushing touchdown last year.
F
flgreen
Guest
I'm good with all 3 moves. CJ was a waste of a roster spot, and took reps away from Powell who IMO the Jets should extend
I agree. Cj was worth the gamble but it showed he lost a step.
Babin is a beast pass rusher. Pace played well. Hope they can help mentor our next set of pass rushers that we get from this draft.
Rich Cimini @RichCimini · 18m18 minutes agoJets save $3.5M by releasing CJ. Surprised they exercised options for both Pace + Babin, both 34, but $250k doesn't ensure roster spot.
Hoping for some young talent to beat them out in camp/preseason competition.
F
flgreen
Guest
Remember Elias the Jets only have 6 picks in this draft. Not sure they are targeting a pass rusher in the first. That could explain why they are keeping 2 34 YO pass rushers. Pass rushers are certainly needed, but IMO they come behind a QB, 2 CB's, a WR, a guard and maybe a S.
Of course this all depends on how the first 5 picks go. It is possible the way the draft falls, a pass rusher could be the BAP at the time. There are 2 of them that could go at 6 or before
I agree with our team needs. I do think that the secondary will be addressed via free agency, possibly WR. Let's see.
I wasn't in love with the news of exercising thier options but [MENTION=9]flgreen[/MENTION] you make sense. CJ was expected. we just have to see what they will do with Harvin. We must trust Mac's thinking process. We might not agree with everything but have hope my Green blood brothers
This is what I had assumed, and hopefully, it's true.
Joe Caporoso @TurnOnTheJets · 35m35 minutes ago
Responding to a few tweets. #Jets are giving 250K to Pace/Babin to insure depth pending how FA and draft goes. Doesn't guarantee roster spot
Joe Caporoso @TurnOnTheJets · 35m35 minutes agoResponding to a few tweets. #Jets are giving 250K to Pace/Babin to insure depth pending how FA and draft goes. Doesn't guarantee roster spot
S
sg3
Guest
Good moves all.
Johnson was a waste of money from day 1.
In fact. If you watched the 2013 game with the Titans, Powell was by far the best RB on the field, Johnson by far the worst. Rex missed it because Powell plays offense and Idzik was balancing the books in Seattle so Dumb and Dumber decided to let Powell rot on the bench all season while Johnson ran into the pile for 2 yards a carry
Keeping Pace and Babin around for a 500K insurance premium payment make sense too
Johnson was a waste of money from day 1.
In fact. If you watched the 2013 game with the Titans, Powell was by far the best RB on the field, Johnson by far the worst. Rex missed it because Powell plays offense and Idzik was balancing the books in Seattle so Dumb and Dumber decided to let Powell rot on the bench all season while Johnson ran into the pile for 2 yards a carry
Keeping Pace and Babin around for a 500K insurance premium payment make sense too
M
Matriculator
Guest
The question is what RB's will now best fit Gailey's offense? I would think Powell would fit nicely but what about Ivory? Not the best receiving RB out there. Something that bears watching IMO.
Another question I have is do these options exercised indicate the Jets will definitely be running a base 3-4? Maybe this was never in question but it really never has been addressed by the new coach. Inquiring minds want to know.
J
jetfan29
Guest
M
Matriculator
Guest
Agreed. Now how about Ivory?
F
flgreen
Guest
I'd be willing to bet that Ivory is on the team. They would be nuts to let him go.
Will his reps be reduced some? Possibly
M
Matriculator
Guest
I love Ivory too but this isn't the ground and pound any more. Ivory has 23 receptions in four seasons. Gailey implements a one-back set and heavily relies on that back to receive out of the backfield. Just thinking out loud. This is a new regime and a new offense. I wouldn't declare too many guys as safe. Not with upwards of 60M to spend in two years.
F
flgreen
Guest
Agree
No matter what Macc does, some fans are going to love it, and some fans are going to hate it. For me I'll trust him, and assume with all the resources he has available he knows more then I do.
Even Idzik, one of the first things he did was trade for Ivory which I thought was great. It went down hill after that but I was still on his side until the 2014 draft. Then I was done
Although, Gailey is probably more used to the spread than anything, that doesn't mean that we will run that. He isn't married to a single system. I think I read somewhere that he was all about G&P when he was OC of the steelers and had Bettis as his back. I am hoping he is smart enough to not force a system on our roster but instead make sure to build a system around the talent we have. Ivory is an asset and a damn good one. He will do what needs to be done to get playing time. Wasn't Marshawn Lynch bad at receiving, he's improved there and I think Ivory will too. Those two remind me of each other, for obvious reasons.
This is what I had assumed, and hopefully, it's true.
Responding to a few tweets. #Jets are giving 250K to Pace/Babin to insure depth pending how FA and draft goes. Doesn't guarantee roster spot
ah, this makes sense. wouldn't have made sense to guarantee their contracts, but $250K bonus is meaningless (in an nfl cap way).
C
CodieneWanKenobi
Guest
Makes sense but I would have let Pace go. We can do better. We need someone faster that can help out with zone coverage.
M
Matriculator
Guest
Yep, good points. I really do hope we stick with Ivory somehow. He's a great RB and fun to watch. At the same time, this is one of the best RB draft classes I've ever seen. No, make that THE best.