Reaching into the Week 13 mailbag for a New York Jets question:
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@RichCimini: Yes, I think it's a definite possibility, considering Marcus Williams' emergence and Antonio Cromartie's contractual status. Cromartie is signed for three more years, but his cap charge in 2016 is $8 million -- the amount of his non-guaranteed base salary. In other words, he's an easy cut. They can clear $8 million in cap space by releasing him, and you have to believe that's a strong possibility, considering the falloff in his play.
You're right, Skrine is best suited for the slot. The Jets like his short-area quickness and ability to blitz, an important trait when you play in a Todd Bowles defense. He can play outside (you might see him there Sunday against the New York Giants), but, in a perfect world, he would be on the inside, covering slot receivers.
Which brings us to Williams. Bowles loves everything about him -- his work ethic, his technique, his football IQ, you name it. You can't argue with the results; Williams has a team-high five interceptions even though he has played only about 250 defensive snaps. Projected over a full season, he would have 20 interceptions. Obviously, that's not realistic, but they like his long-term potential. His biggest flaw is tackling; he's not a good tackler.
Another factor that makes Williams attractive is his salary -- only $600,000. The Jets will have some cap issues in the offseason, and it would be a huge help if they can save $7.4 million in a Cromartie-for-Williams swap in the starting lineup. Remember, Darrelle Revis will be eating up $17 million, and a franchise tag for Muhammad Wilkerson would be about $16 million. So, yes, the Jets might need to cut corners, no pun intended.
I guess we should mention Dee Milliner (remember him?) as a possibility, but it has become obvious in recent weeks that he still hasn't earned the trust of the coaching staff. I expect him back next season (his $2.1 million is guaranteed), but he won't be handed anything. He could compete for the No. 2 job or, more than likely, provide depth.
It's crazy how these things work out sometimes. Milliner was the ninth overall pick in 2013, Williams was undrafted in 2014 -- and it looks like Williams has a brighter future.
[TWEET]672804949261082625[/TWEET]
@RichCimini: Yes, I think it's a definite possibility, considering Marcus Williams' emergence and Antonio Cromartie's contractual status. Cromartie is signed for three more years, but his cap charge in 2016 is $8 million -- the amount of his non-guaranteed base salary. In other words, he's an easy cut. They can clear $8 million in cap space by releasing him, and you have to believe that's a strong possibility, considering the falloff in his play.
You're right, Skrine is best suited for the slot. The Jets like his short-area quickness and ability to blitz, an important trait when you play in a Todd Bowles defense. He can play outside (you might see him there Sunday against the New York Giants), but, in a perfect world, he would be on the inside, covering slot receivers.
Which brings us to Williams. Bowles loves everything about him -- his work ethic, his technique, his football IQ, you name it. You can't argue with the results; Williams has a team-high five interceptions even though he has played only about 250 defensive snaps. Projected over a full season, he would have 20 interceptions. Obviously, that's not realistic, but they like his long-term potential. His biggest flaw is tackling; he's not a good tackler.
Another factor that makes Williams attractive is his salary -- only $600,000. The Jets will have some cap issues in the offseason, and it would be a huge help if they can save $7.4 million in a Cromartie-for-Williams swap in the starting lineup. Remember, Darrelle Revis will be eating up $17 million, and a franchise tag for Muhammad Wilkerson would be about $16 million. So, yes, the Jets might need to cut corners, no pun intended.
I guess we should mention Dee Milliner (remember him?) as a possibility, but it has become obvious in recent weeks that he still hasn't earned the trust of the coaching staff. I expect him back next season (his $2.1 million is guaranteed), but he won't be handed anything. He could compete for the No. 2 job or, more than likely, provide depth.
It's crazy how these things work out sometimes. Milliner was the ninth overall pick in 2013, Williams was undrafted in 2014 -- and it looks like Williams has a brighter future.
