New York Jets: Possible replacements for Quincy Enunwa
The New York Jets lost wide receiver Quincy Enunwa for the season with a bulging disk in his neck, but here are possible replacements for the No. 1 guy.
The New York Jets were dealt a crushing blow to their wide receiver corps earlier when they learned that Quincy Enunwa had to be placed on IR with a bulging disk in his neck, an injury that requires season-ending surgery. It was a tough break for the Nebraska product who enjoyed a breakout campaign in 2016 with a team-high 857 receiving yards on 58 receptions. The Jets do not expect the injury to be career-threatening but Enunwa is staring at a 6-9 month rehabilitation timetable.
The setback leaves Gang Green painfully thin at wide receiver. Robby Anderson will slide into the No. 1 role, but he has just 587 career receiving yards. It gets worse after that. Charone Peake (186 yards) and Jalin Marshall (162) are next on the list. Meanwhile, ArDarius Stewart and Chad Hansen, while talented, are rookies that need time to develop.
So what is New York to do? If Christian Hackenberg or Bryce Petty start at quarterback, the Jets need a veteran presence at wideout to aid in their development. Even if 38-year old Josh McCown starts, an experienced WR is needed for that clutch third down reception or to move the chains to keep a drive alive. They need another threat so opponents don’t stack the box to stop New York’s rushing attack.
You won’t find a Randy Moss here. The pickings are pretty slim. However, in desperate times… Let’s take a look at three free agents who could fit that specific role:
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Eddie Royal
A nine-year NFL veteran, Royal had 33 receptions for 369 yards and two touchdowns in nine games for the Chicago Bears last season. Known more as a possession receiver than a speed burner, the 31-year old Royal has 408 catches for 4357 yards and 28 career touchdowns. His last viable season was in 2014 with the San Diego Chargers (62-778-7). Royal can also provide a boost on special teams if needed. He had 19 punt returns for 166 yards and a touchdown for Chicago last year. In addition to that, Royal would be a fine mentor to the young Jets receivers.
Vincent Jackson
The 34-year old Jackson was once one of the premier players in the league, but that was a long time ago. A three-time Pro Bowler, the 6-5 Jackson was a dangerous vertical threat in his prime. He led the NFL in yards per reception (19.2) in 2012 with Tampa Bay and has six seasons of 1,000 or more receiving yards. Jackson is averaging 16.8 yards per reception for his 12-year career but has played in only 15 games the last two years. How much he has left in the tank remains to be seen, but he could be worth a flyer at a low base salary.
Dorial Green-Beckham
A second-round draft pick of the Tennessee Titans in 2015, DGB has been a bust so far. He recorded just 32 receptions for 549 yards and four touchdowns for the Titans in 2015 and was then traded to the Philadelphia Eagles last August for offensive lineman Dennis Kelly. Green-Beckham had a disappointing campaign for the Eagles (36-392-2) last season before being waived two months ago.
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With that being said, there is plenty of upside with DGB. He is just 24 years old and is a huge target at 6-5, 225 pounds. He is known for being very athletic and could still develop into a dangerous wide receiver. Green-Beckham is the best bet for the Jets based on his age and immense potential. They should bring him in for a tryout right away.