Grading the Jets’ Free Agency Moves

The Jets went on a wild spending spree during free agency this year. Mike Maccagnan and company took money out the bank and used a whole lot of it. Was this money well spent? As free agency winds down, we take a look back in free agency to see just how well he did.

CB Trumaine Johnson:

Contract Details: 5 yrs, $72.5 million ($14.5 million per year), $45 million guaranteed

Trumaine Johnson was essentially the Kirk Cousins of non-quarterback free agents, and Mike Maccagnan went all out for him. The Jets gave Johnson a massive five-year deal worth nearly $15 million per year and $45 million guaranteed.

Worth the money? Absolutely. Johnson is a top tier corner in the league and fits perfectly into Todd Bowles’ scheme. Johnson is practically a modified Darrelle Revis added to this defense. He thrives in man press situations, which is exactly what the D needs. Johnson completes New Jack City and makes it a force to be reckoned with.

Grade: A

RB Isaiah Crowell:

Contract Details: 3 yrs, $12 million ($4 million per year), $6 million guaranteed

What a steal the Jets got here. Isaiah Crowell is a 25 year old back with plenty of upside, and they got him at such a low price. Crowell is a monster power back and fits into the scheme perfectly. He is a younger, cheaper version of Chris Ivory in 2015. The scheme hasn’t changed much since that year, so Crowell can be Ivory 2.0. He also is a perfect compliment to Bilal Powell, who’s elusiveness and vision makes him an elite third down back. Even if Crowell turns out to be not great, the contract provides the Jets a great one year escape route.

Grade: A-

LB Avery Williamson:

Contract Details: 3 yrs, $22 million ($7.5 million per year), $16 million guaranteed

Maccagnan must have clearly liked what he saw in Avery Williamson considering he didn’t even offer Demario Davis a new contract. Davis, who led the team in tackles in 2017, had a breakout season and most thought he was a must re-sign. However, Maccagnan took a different path and signed Williamson.

Williamson, 26, has a similar play style of Davis’ and will fit into the role Davis thrived in. He had 92 tackles and three sacks with the Titans in 2017 as a 3-4 inside linebacker. Williamson will fall into the same 3-4 defense he’s played in during past seasons and should be able to improve with Gang Green. Hopefully he can live up to Davis’ stellar year.

Grade: B

QB Teddy Bridgewater:

Contract Details: 1 year, $15 million (max), $9 million in incentives, $5 million base salary

Teddy Bridgewater is quite the storyline. He seemed to be hitting his stride before he went down with a gruesome knee injury that sidelined him for what felt like centuries. Now, he is looking to prove to the league that he can still ball, and Gang Green has given him the opportunity.

He was given a one year, “prove it” deal that includes a whopping $9 million in incentives. If he hits those incentives, it’s great for the Jets to finally see a quarterback succeed. If he doesn’t, no big deal. He’s only under contract for a year and isn’t guaranteed much. A very low-risk, high-reward move by Maccagnan.

Grade: B+

QB Josh McCown:

Contract Details: 1 year, $10 million

Coach Josh McCown is back in the quarterback room. The soon-to-be 39 year old is reunited with the Jets on a one year deal, and he becomes the mentor to whatever quarterback is picked at third overall. Let’s call him an assistant quarterbacks coach.

However, he could see the field if Bridgewater struggles and the rookie isn’t prepared. Could Maccagnan maybe have overpaid for a mentor? Possibly. The Jets had the money though, so the question is why not?

Grade: B-

WR Terrelle Pryor:

Contract Details: 1 year (money not yet revealed)

The Jets were in need of an offensive playmaker, and they get one in Terrelle Pryor. We saw what he can do in Cleveland, and if he stays healthy, he could return to his old ways.

If he can’t stay healthy? Well, it’s only a one year deal. Win-win for the Jets with this deal. However, it builds a crowded receiver room with plenty of talented guys.

Grade: B

RT if you're pumped for @TerrellePryor in green & white 🤗 pic.twitter.com/VHcxZFwrr5

— New York Jets (@nyjets) March 26, 2018

CB Morris Claiborne:

Contract Details: 1 year, $7 million

Morris Claiborne was thrown into a number one spot as a corner as soon as he got to New York, and he held his own. In 2018 he’ll take a step down into the number two slot behind Trumaine Johnson, which is better for him. Claiborne hopes to remain healthy after playing a career high 15 games in 2017. Good job by Maccagnan throwing him a short deal, avoiding major risk with injuries.

Grade: B+

Other Signings:

Andre Roberts (B+)

Brandon Copeland (C+)

Kevin Pierre-Louis (B-)

– James Cunningham is a staff writer for Full Press Coverage Jets and covers the New York Jets. Like and follow on Follow @nyjfansnationFollow @FPC_Jets