New York Jets: Spurning Robby Anderson trade shows clear direction

Multiple teams offered the New York Jets a trade for Robby Anderson ahead of the deadline. Should they have made the move for a future draft pick?

ESPN’s Chris Mortensen is reporting that the New York Jets turned down trade offers for wide receiver Robby Anderson at the deadline. Per the report, one team that offered a trade for Anderson was the Philadelphia Eagles. Mortensen didn’t report what was offered, however.

It makes sense that the Eagles would look to trade for Anderson. He’s a restricted free agent at the end of the season, and they could tag him and get what they lost in the trade back. But does it make sense from a Jets perspective not to trade him?

The Jets cited Sam Darnold’s development as their reason for not making the trade according to Mortensen, but it must be more than that, because Anderson is limited in his abilities.

The same reason for the Eagles trading for him could be the reason the Jets held on to him. Anderson’s free agency is a restricted one, which means the Jets could tender him and receive draft pick as compensation if he signs a tender with another team.

The Jets may think they can get more than the Eagles offered, in terms of the tender, during the free agency period. They may also want to sign him to a short term, incentive-laden deal. He’s limited to being a deep threat, but that’s okay. He’s needed for that role, but he also needs to stay out of trouble during the offseason.

In today’s NFL, even a receiver with the limited skills of Anderson is a valuable asset, and he might command more in the offseason. He can also be a valuable asset to the Jets with a growing quarterback. In the end, it makes sense to hold on to him for now.