New York Jets: Wide receivers to re-sign, drop for 2019?
The New York Jets have important decisions to make regarding their wide receiver corps. Which WR should they sign/drop for 2019?
As the New York Jets wind down another disappointing season, they’ll have some important decisions to make regarding their wide receiver corps for 2019.
Rookie Sam Darnold looks like the real deal at quarterback and Gang Green will have a plethora of cash to spend in free agency. Which Jets on their current roster should be signed and which ones should be jettisoned (pardon the pun)?
Let’s take a look at their top three wideouts and make the decisions for the franchise.
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Robby Anderson
2019 Contract Status: Restricted Free Agent
Where has the recent version of Anderson been all year? After being in hibernation for almost the entire 2018 campaign, the Temple product has exploded lately with 13 receptions for 216 yards and two touchdowns in his last two contests. He seems to be building quite a rapport with rookie quarterback Sam Darnold. Perhaps he is also motivated by the need for a new contract — that is always the prime motivating factor.
Whatever the reason, the 6-3, 190-pounder is flashing signs of his potential in recent weeks. Anderson still needs to get stronger, expand his route tree and mature more on and off the field but his breakaway speed is something you just can’t teach. He is worth keeping but Gang Green should not break the bank for him.
On a really good team, Anderson projects to be a WR2/WR3. The Jets will still need to sign a top-tier free agent wide receiver to become their WR1. Anderson’s ceiling is simply too high to discard at this point of his career.
Decision: Re-Sign
Quincy Enunwa
2019 Contract Status: Free Agent
It’s really a shame that an ankle injury has dramatically curtailed Enunwa’s fourth NFL season. It has hindered him for most of the year. Heading into the season finale against the Patriots on Sunday, the former sixth round draft pick has recorded just 38 receptions for 449 yards and one touchdown in 11 games.
When healthy, the Nebraska product is one of the finest slot receivers in the game. He’s still young (26) and his upside is too high for the Jets to give up on him. He should draw some potential suitors but the feeling here is that Enunwa would like to stay with Darnold and help build something special with New York.
Decision: Re-Sign
Jermaine Kearse
2019 Contract status: Free Agent
The veteran wideout suffered an Achilles’ injury against Green Bay last Sunday – terrible timing for an impending FA. He’s almost certainly out for the season finale in New England and he should also be out of consideration for a roster spot in 2019. The 6-1, 209-pounder’s numbers are down across the board this season — 37 catches for 371 yards and just one touchdown in 14 games. His catch percentage is a paltry 48.7 percent.
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Kearse filled in for Enunwa in the slot and has simply not produced — his separation skills have slipped and his hands aren’t as reliable as they used to be. Gang Green should pass on signing him during the off-season and not look back. There will be better options available.
Decision: Drop