Five Jets facing a make-or-break season in 2015
The New York Jets overhauled their defense this offseason, starting with new head coach Todd Bowles. They then brought in a bevy of defensive players, including cornerbacks Darrelle Revis, Antonio Cromartie, Buster Skrine, saafety Marcus Gilchrist, and rookie defensive end Leonard Williams. Unfortunately, the Jets also lost defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson for four games -- and possibly much more -- to suspension, and have yet to lock up defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson.
The outlook looks bright for New York’s defense in 2015, but the offense is a different story. Quarterback Geno Smith is a huge question mark, and they also don’t have an elite running back with Chris Ivory likely the lead back. This season will be important for Bowles and the Jets for several reasons, but mainly for these players facing a make-or-break year.
Geno Smith, quarterback
The ultimate make-or-break player for 2015 is Geno Smith. He’s had two years to take control of the Jets’ offense and has yet to make a positive impact. He’s been voted the league’s worst quarterback for two straight years, and it really is warranted. He’s thrown 25 touchdowns to 34 interceptions in two years, which is terrible by every measure. If the Jets weren’t so shallow in depth at quarterback, Smith probably would have been unseated by now.
However, that’s not the case and Smith is entering the 2015 season as the starter once again. Giving a quarterback three years to find his stride is reasonable, but anything beyond that is a bit too much — especially for a player like Smith. Another poor season could spell the end of the Geno era in New York, especially because the Jets can cut him in 2016 and only incur $507,655 in dead money. If Smith felt pressure before, he hasn’t felt anything yet.
Quinton Coples, outside linebacker
The 16th-overall pick in 2012, outside linebacker Quinton Coples hasn’t exactly lived up to expectations. He did provide a glimmer of hope in 2014 with 6.5 sacks, but it may not be enough for the Jets to sign him to a long-term deal.
Coples has just 16.5 sacks in three years (46 games), which isn’t what you come to expect from a top-16 pick. He has the stature and physical ability to be a premier pass rusher, but he hasn’t put it all together in three seasons.
With Richardson (possibly), Williams, and Wilkerson on the defensive line alongside Coples, he should get endless one-on-one matchups on the outside. Those are battles he has to win to be effective. If not, he’ll find himself on the open market in 2016 before his contract expires. His cap number next season is the sixth-highest on the team, and the Jets won’t have to eat any dead money if he’s released. That doesn’t help Coples’ case if he doesn’t have a breakout year in 2015.
Dee Milliner, cornerback
Another first-round pick that hasn’t panned out is the oft-injured cornerback, Dee Milliner. He’s struggled with injuries in his first two seasons, missing 16 total games in that time period. Milliner was the ninth-overall pick in 2013 and was expected to be the next Revis for the Jets, but has been anything but that.
The Jets brought in a cavalry of defensive backs this offseason, showing just how much confidence the team has in Milliner. He’s currently slated to be the No. 4 cornerback at best, behind Revis, Cromartie, and Skrine. A strong (and healthy) showing in training camp could help, but I’m not sure it will move Milliner anywhere close to the starting lineup.
His best option could be to move to free safety rather than stay at cornerback. There haven’t been any indications of that happening as of now, but it’s an experiment that would be worth exploring for the Jets and Milliner.
Jeff Cumberland, tight end
The future at tight end for the Jets is Jace Amaro, without a doubt. Although he had fewer starts than veteran Jeff Cumberland, Amaro outperformed him in every category except touchdowns. With that said, Cumberland could have one foot out the door already.
Cumberland may be the starter by nature, but Amaro is the better tight end and should see more time in 2015. If that’s the case, the Jets have little reason to keep Cumberland past this season. He won’t cost the Jets anything in dead money if he’s cut next offseason, and his cap number is nearly double that of Amaro’s.
In 14 starts last season, Cumberland caught just 23 passes for 247 yards. On the other hand, Amaro started four games and caught 38 passes for 345 yards and displayed superior athleticism. With Smith’s struggles, he could use a safety net tight end, and Amaro is better suited for that role.
Muhammad Wilkerson, defensive end
There’s no doubting Muhammad Wilkerson’s talent on the field. He’s one of the Jets’ best defensive players and is well-deserving of a long-term contract. It’s just uncertain if the Jets will be able to sign Wilkerson to a deal that isn’t overly costly for the team.
Before Richardson was suspended for four games and got himself into trouble with the law in July, Leonard Williams was seen as a possible replacement for Wilkerson. That has since changed because of Richardson’s off-the-field issues, as the Jets can’t afford to lose both him and Wilkerson.
This season is obviously the last of Wilkerson’s contract, and he’ll need yet another strong campaign to make his case for a long-term deal. If the Jets don't give it to him, another team most certainly will. This season is arguably the most important in Wilkerson’s career, especially financially.
*All salary cap information comes from Overthecap.com