Content available exclusively for subscribers
Hitting this button is huge for Gang Green
“We felt like this was the best decision for the entire organization moving forward, and hitting the reset button,” said Joe Douglas. “Ultimately, at the end of the day, we felt really good with the value and compensation we were able to get from Carolina. As we’re sitting here now, we have a lot of opportunity in front of us. With that opportunity, we know we have to make the most of it and hit on these picks.”
This hitting of the reset button for the Jets represents an amazing opportunity for them to build a great roster the next few years.
Obviously he’s talking about hitting the reset button at the QB position, trading Sam Darnold, and likely passing the baton to Zach Wilson, after probably picking him with the second pick of the 2021 draft.
Why am I saying “probably picking Wilson?” Because while it’s almost a slam dunk, what Daniel Jeremiah said in his recent mock draft, points out the only reason it’s not 100 percent certain right now.
“Unless something unexpected pops up during Wilson’s NFL Scouting Combine Physical, I’ll be shocked if he isn’t the No. 2 overall pick,” wrote Jeremiah.
Next weekend, 150 prospects are being brought to Indianapolis for physicals. Physicals usually take place at the regular scouting combine in late February, but that was cancelled this year.
It would be a surprise if something on Wilson’s physical scares the Jets off, but remember, he had major shoulder surgery two years ago. His throwing shoulder certainly seemed fine last year considering how he well played, so this likely won’t be a problem.
But the reset button at the QB position might not just be great for the Jets if Wilson turns out better than Sam Darnold, but it’s huge from a roster building standpoint.
You see, when the quarterback reaches his second contract, with the going rate now being around $42 million-a-year, it hurts you ability to address other positions in the years that follow, due to salary cap constraints.
Some of the issues in Seattle the last couple of years were related to Russell Wilson getting that huge contract, and them cutting corners at other positions.
Not saying the Jets would have every paid Sam Darnold $42 million-a-year, but he’s getting closer to that second contract, and the Panthers are likely to pick up his fifth-year option, which is going to be expensive ($18.8 million), and it’s hard to even justify that money if you’re the Jets, considering the inconsistencies of the player the last three years.
So now, the Jets will reset the QB contract clock, likely with Wilson, and will have him locked in for four years at a somewhat reasonable cost.
This could turn out to be amazing for Gang Green, as it allows Douglas to build a strong roster at all positions, without having to pay the quarterback megabucks, for at least three years (sometimes that huge deal happens after three years if the guy is really good).
So with a ton of high draft picks the next two years, and plenty of cap space, and the QB contract set at a reasonable figure for the foreseeable future, Douglas has a chance to build a really strong roster, without cutting corners at certain positions, due to an insane QB contract.
April 7, 2021
Premium will return by 9:30 pm on Thursday.