New York Jets: Mike Maccagnan already making strides

By Luis Tirado Jr. | Mar 7, 2015

What a different a year makes, eh? Around this time last year on the New York Jets, then head coach Rex Ryan and general manager John Idzik didn’t really seem to have the harmony needed to succeed. There were rumors they would be heavy spenders in free agency and truly dropped the ball. Sure, they landed wide receiver Eric Decker but failed to get more supporting pieces around him for everything to click on offense. They didn’t get any top cornerbacks which completely let them get hung out to dry and left plenty of money on the table to just stare at.

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Now, with a brand new regime in place that wants to do a complete 180 degree turn while rebuilding for the future, current head coach Todd Bowles and general manager Mike Maccagnan are already making strides towards redemption.

Back when he was originally hired and during his introductory press conference, Maccagnan made it clear that he will be aggressive this offseason in pursuing top talent. Even before it began, he made a blockbuster move by trading for wide receiver Brandon Marshall and got him for just a fifth round draft pick.

In my opinion, that truly is a steal. Granted, Marshall might come with a ton of baggage but he has history with Bowles dating back to their tenure together with the Miami Dolphins. If anyone can relate and be the perfect coach for Marshall to become elite again, it’s him.

Nov 16, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Brandon Marshall (15) celebrates his touchdown against the Minnesota Vikings at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports

Then in one fell swoop, Maccagnan also secured linebacker David Harris for the next three years. It’s no secret that should Harris have hit the free agency market, plenty of teams would have come calling, including Ryan and his new team in the Buffalo Bills.

Harris is one of the most productive defenders on the team, a leader and an athlete that will continue to be a force to reckon with. While Maccagnan landed Marshall and secured Harris, I’m pretty sure he’s nowhere near done yet.

With issues still to fix at both quarterback and cornerback, I expect him to add upgrades to these positions as well. It might not happen right off the bat once free agency starts on March 10, but I’m sure Maccagnan has some tricks up his sleeve.

Could he be instrumental in luring Darrelle Revis back to the Jets? Could he pull off another blockbuster move by trading the No. 6 overall pick in the draft to a team like the Philadelphia Eagles for a veteran quarterback like Nick Foles and move down? Could Maccagnan bring back Antonio Cromartie to bolster the Jets’ defensive secondary?

Feb 18, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; New York Jets general manager Mike Maccagnan speaks to the media during the 2015 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

A great general manager is one that adds a bunch of little pieces into the mix in hopes of turning it into one big cohesive piece. The Jets need playmakers as much as they need leaders, it’s all about complimenting the team to really push the envelope and become contenders again.

Maccagnan is in a prime position to address all these aforementioned issues and really leave this offseason with not only a big smile on his face but giving the dedicated fan base of the Jets something to be positive for. It’s been quite a while to actually be excited for Jets football.

Overall, with some nice moves done already and what is on the horizon, things are on the rise for the Jets to redeem themselves next season and field a competitive team. Who knows, maybe with a better supporting cast thanks to key moves by Maccagnan, perhaps even quarterback Geno Smith will also bounce back nicely and really surprise the masses that he could lead this team to glory.

Next: Brandon Marshall trade stroke of genius by New York Jets

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