Between now and the start of the new league year in March, TGS is providing brief summaries looking ahead at the offseason from the perspective of each NFL team. In this edition, we look at the New York Jets.
2016 record: 5-11 — 4th place, AFC East
What’s new? Former Saints wide receivers coach John Morton takes over for the retired Chan Gailey as offensive coordinator.
Projected salary cap space: Nil — At the moment, only the Jets and Cowboys are projected to be in the red.
Key in-house free agents: G Brian Winters, QB Ryan Fitzpatrick, QB Geno Smith,
Winters has already been re-signed, but it’s possible they let both quarterbacks walk while reassessing the position. That’s about it, though, which makes the draft incredibly important.
Key needs: Quarterback (so badly), offensive tackle (Ryan Clady stinks), cornerback (Darrelle Revis is done) and front-seven defenders.
Draft breakdown: They hold the No. 6 overall pick but are without a fourth-rounder (traded to Washington last year).
Other potential priorities: Finding and supporting a quarterback is the focus, but that entire 28th-ranked scoring defense needs a major boost.
Outlook: No money, no quarterback. Tough division. Good freakin’ luck.