Fans of the New York Jets haven't had much to get excited about in recent years. The team hasn't finished above .500 since 2010 and every modicum of hope - Mark Sanchez, Geno Smith, etc. - has been flattened out over time.
Fortunately, the offseason is a time for optimism among every down-and-out fan base. It's a time when a team can change its fortunes. After all, no other sport has more worst-to-first turnover than the NFL. Working in New York's favor this offseason is a quality salary cap situation.
"Recently exiled GM John Idzik was roundel criticized for his work in New York, but he left the new Jets regime with a healthy cap situation," ESPN NFL Insider Field Yates wrote. "The Jets' current cap-space projection is about $47 million, and that would balloon by $10.5 million if wide receiver Percy Harvin were released. Harvin, left tackle D'Brickashaw Ferguson and center Nick Mangold each carry cap numbers of at least $10,407,100, but the two linemen are performing at a level which that pay can be justified.
"The Jets not only have the opportunity to be proactive in free agency, but they also have the resources to both retain defensive lineman Damon Harrison and extend defensive lineman Muhammad Wilkerson. Both are worthwhile investments."
In addition to retaining their strong core of defensive linemen, the Jets should also consider upgrading the secondary this offseason. If the team is preparing to be active in free agency, All-Pro safety Devin McCourty would be a welcome addition to a pass defense that allowed the seventh most receiving touchdowns in the NFL (31).
The Jets could also find other, more affordable options in Green Bay Packers defensive backs Tramon Williams and Davon House. Both are scheduled to hit the open market, though it is expected that Green Bay will re-sign at least one of them.
As of now, nobody knows definitively what new general manager Maccagnan's plan is for free agency. But it appears as if he'll have some cap space to work with should he feel the need to dip a toe into the open market waters.
