The decision to cut running back Le'Veon Bell, who has already signed with the Kansas City Chiefs, sent a loud message to the locker room: "Nobody is safe," linebacker Avery Williamson said.
At 0-5, Jets general manager Joe Douglas could be in a "sell" state of mind, looking to acquire future assets as the Nov. 3 NFL trade deadline approaches. His phone will be ringing because the league is thinking, "Fire sale!" Things are quiet now, but they will perk up in the coming days.
Let's take a look at prominent players whose names likely will surface:
Quinnen Williams, defensive tackle: The Jets received trade inquiries at last year's deadline, reported ESPN's Adam Schefter, who said one team offered a "blockbuster package of picks." That was when Williams was only eight games out of college, still a shiny prospect as the No. 3 overall pick in 2019. His market value has dipped, though he's still 22 years old with physical traits that make scouts' hearts flutter. Williams has two-plus years and $9.8 million left on his contract (fully guaranteed), a number that will attract suitors. Someone will be willing to bet on his potential, overlooking his pedestrian production. The cap hit wouldn't be awful, but my understanding is they have no desire to move him. Maybe their position will change in the offseason.
Sam Darnold, quarterback: Darnold is a getting a lot of play by media types because of his inconsistent season and the Trevor Lawrence factor, but the Jets have zero interest in trading him. It makes no sense to deal him. None. They'd be taking a major risk. What if they don't get the No. 1 overall pick? What happens if Lawrence suffers a major injury for Clemson? The best plan is to let Darnold get healthy (he could play next week), play out the season and make a decision based on his performance versus draft options. If they're picking first, it's a no-brainer. Take Lawrence and flip Darnold for a second- or third-round pick.
Marcus Maye, safety: He's in the final year of his contract and figures to be a sought-after free agent. The Jets have rookie Ashtyn Davis waiting in the wings, so it wouldn't be a surprise if Douglas shops Maye. It was the same situation last season with Leonard Williams, and they got a solid return in a deadline trade. Maye got off to a great start in his new role at strong safety, but the past few weeks have proven he's not Jamal Adams 2.0. He probably should go back to his old free-safety position. If someone offers a third-round pick, the Jets would have to listen.
Chris Herndon, tight end: If they trade him, they'd be selling low. Herndon has been a disappointment, which has puzzled the organization, but he still has upside and one year remaining on his contract. They should keep him around to see if another coaching staff can develop him.
Henry Anderson, defensive end: The Jets would love to deal him, but that's not going to happen. He still has a $4.9 million guarantee remaining this year and a non-guaranteed $8.2 million in 2021. The previous regime overpaid for a solid 2018 season. Anderson played a season-low 17 snaps in last week's loss, which could be a harbinger.
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At 0-5, Jets general manager Joe Douglas could be in a "sell" state of mind, looking to acquire future assets as the Nov. 3 NFL trade deadline approaches. His phone will be ringing because the league is thinking, "Fire sale!" Things are quiet now, but they will perk up in the coming days.
Let's take a look at prominent players whose names likely will surface:
Quinnen Williams, defensive tackle: The Jets received trade inquiries at last year's deadline, reported ESPN's Adam Schefter, who said one team offered a "blockbuster package of picks." That was when Williams was only eight games out of college, still a shiny prospect as the No. 3 overall pick in 2019. His market value has dipped, though he's still 22 years old with physical traits that make scouts' hearts flutter. Williams has two-plus years and $9.8 million left on his contract (fully guaranteed), a number that will attract suitors. Someone will be willing to bet on his potential, overlooking his pedestrian production. The cap hit wouldn't be awful, but my understanding is they have no desire to move him. Maybe their position will change in the offseason.
Sam Darnold, quarterback: Darnold is a getting a lot of play by media types because of his inconsistent season and the Trevor Lawrence factor, but the Jets have zero interest in trading him. It makes no sense to deal him. None. They'd be taking a major risk. What if they don't get the No. 1 overall pick? What happens if Lawrence suffers a major injury for Clemson? The best plan is to let Darnold get healthy (he could play next week), play out the season and make a decision based on his performance versus draft options. If they're picking first, it's a no-brainer. Take Lawrence and flip Darnold for a second- or third-round pick.
Marcus Maye, safety: He's in the final year of his contract and figures to be a sought-after free agent. The Jets have rookie Ashtyn Davis waiting in the wings, so it wouldn't be a surprise if Douglas shops Maye. It was the same situation last season with Leonard Williams, and they got a solid return in a deadline trade. Maye got off to a great start in his new role at strong safety, but the past few weeks have proven he's not Jamal Adams 2.0. He probably should go back to his old free-safety position. If someone offers a third-round pick, the Jets would have to listen.
Chris Herndon, tight end: If they trade him, they'd be selling low. Herndon has been a disappointment, which has puzzled the organization, but he still has upside and one year remaining on his contract. They should keep him around to see if another coaching staff can develop him.
Henry Anderson, defensive end: The Jets would love to deal him, but that's not going to happen. He still has a $4.9 million guarantee remaining this year and a non-guaranteed $8.2 million in 2021. The previous regime overpaid for a solid 2018 season. Anderson played a season-low 17 snaps in last week's loss, which could be a harbinger.
Jets' top players will draw trade interest, including Quinnen Williams
At 0-5, Jets general manager Joe Douglas could be in a "sell" state of mind, looking to acquire future assets as the NFL trade deadline approaches.
