ESPN -- A breakdown of the first week of free agency for the New York Jets:
Most significant signing: RB Matt Forte. After losing leading rusher Chris Ivory to the Jacksonville Jaguars, the cap-strapped Jets signed the former Chicago Bears star for three years, $12 million. They see Forte as an every-down back. The Forte-for-Ivory swap doesn't improve the running game -- call it a wash -- but Forte's versatility will help the passing attack. The NFL's most prolific pass-catching back since 2008 can line up anywhere in the formation, which should open up the playbook. The downside: Forte is 30 years old. The upside: He was cheaper than Ivory.
Most significant loss: NT Damon Harrison. The Jets made a spirited effort to keep their 350-pound run-stuffer away from the New York Giants, but the money ($24 million guaranteed) got too rich for them. They're planning to replace him with former Pittsburgh Steelers nose tackle Steve McLendon, a serviceable player who is expected to sign on Wednesday. He'll be $6 million a year cheaper than Harrison, but he's 30 years old and not as good as Big Snacks. Clearly, this is a step backward
Player they should have signed or still could sign: The Jets are locked in a stalemate with their free-agent quarterback, Ryan Fitzpatrick. They can't afford to lose him because there are no attractive alternatives on the open market. Robert Griffin III? Please. A trade for Colin Kaepernick? Too costly. The Jets are playing hardball with Fitzpatrick, offering barely above $7 million a year. He's thought to be seeking twice that amount. At age 33, Fitzpatrick is a "bridge" quarterback, but he's the best bridge out there. The Jets are underestimating his value. Get it done.
What's next: With about only $3 million in cap room, the Jets don't have much flexibility and still have a couple of holes to fill. They're exploring the second tier of free agents, looking for value. They've met with ILB Shea McClellin and DE Jarvis Jenkins, both of whom remain on the radar. At some point, the Jets need to add linebackers (inside and outside), as David Harris is the only starter under contract. Also keep an eye on Jets LT D'Brickashaw Ferguson. With a $14.1 million cap charge, he will have to take a pay cut or be released.
Overall grade: B-minus. The roster is a work in progress, so it's difficult to make an evaluation after one week. The Jets restocked their depleted backfield by adding Forte and Khiry Robinson and re-signing Bilal Powell, a valuable role player, but the team as a whole has regressed a bit. The Jets lost two of their best players, Harrison and Ivory, and they replaced them with a pair of aging, hold-the-fort players. They re-signed tight end Kellen Davis, who also happens to be 30. They want to get younger, but they're going in the wrong direction. They're counting on the draft, big time.
Most significant signing: RB Matt Forte. After losing leading rusher Chris Ivory to the Jacksonville Jaguars, the cap-strapped Jets signed the former Chicago Bears star for three years, $12 million. They see Forte as an every-down back. The Forte-for-Ivory swap doesn't improve the running game -- call it a wash -- but Forte's versatility will help the passing attack. The NFL's most prolific pass-catching back since 2008 can line up anywhere in the formation, which should open up the playbook. The downside: Forte is 30 years old. The upside: He was cheaper than Ivory.
Most significant loss: NT Damon Harrison. The Jets made a spirited effort to keep their 350-pound run-stuffer away from the New York Giants, but the money ($24 million guaranteed) got too rich for them. They're planning to replace him with former Pittsburgh Steelers nose tackle Steve McLendon, a serviceable player who is expected to sign on Wednesday. He'll be $6 million a year cheaper than Harrison, but he's 30 years old and not as good as Big Snacks. Clearly, this is a step backward
Player they should have signed or still could sign: The Jets are locked in a stalemate with their free-agent quarterback, Ryan Fitzpatrick. They can't afford to lose him because there are no attractive alternatives on the open market. Robert Griffin III? Please. A trade for Colin Kaepernick? Too costly. The Jets are playing hardball with Fitzpatrick, offering barely above $7 million a year. He's thought to be seeking twice that amount. At age 33, Fitzpatrick is a "bridge" quarterback, but he's the best bridge out there. The Jets are underestimating his value. Get it done.
What's next: With about only $3 million in cap room, the Jets don't have much flexibility and still have a couple of holes to fill. They're exploring the second tier of free agents, looking for value. They've met with ILB Shea McClellin and DE Jarvis Jenkins, both of whom remain on the radar. At some point, the Jets need to add linebackers (inside and outside), as David Harris is the only starter under contract. Also keep an eye on Jets LT D'Brickashaw Ferguson. With a $14.1 million cap charge, he will have to take a pay cut or be released.
Overall grade: B-minus. The roster is a work in progress, so it's difficult to make an evaluation after one week. The Jets restocked their depleted backfield by adding Forte and Khiry Robinson and re-signing Bilal Powell, a valuable role player, but the team as a whole has regressed a bit. The Jets lost two of their best players, Harrison and Ivory, and they replaced them with a pair of aging, hold-the-fort players. They re-signed tight end Kellen Davis, who also happens to be 30. They want to get younger, but they're going in the wrong direction. They're counting on the draft, big time.
