The New York Jets need to cut ties with some players before the 2021 season.
The New York Jets, regardless of what some diehard fans may insist, are going to be in rebuilding mode when 2021 NFL free agency hits. The Jets are bound for another below-.500 season and, if that occurs, will show head coach Adam Gase the door.
With Jets ownership (hopefully) bringing in an established head coach to replace Gase, there should also be some turnover on the roster to build a team that can compete in the AFC East. Eyeing New York’s roster, there are players who should be released or traded before the start of the 2021 season.
These are four players who shouldn’t put on a Jets uniform come the 2021 campaign.
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Four players the New York Jets should show the door.
4. Frank Gore, RB
Why is Frank Gore on the New York Jets roster, especially after the organization spent so much money to sign Le’Veon Bell in 2019? There were a number of pressing holes on the roster this offseason (wide receiver, tight end, kicker) that would’ve been a better use of money than an older veteran.
This was a foolish decision by the Jets front office, one that ignores what should be the team’s priorities. Gase, the “offensive mastermind” himself, didn’t use Bell well last year in the running game. So what will Gore add to it? He’s only on a one-year deal but he shouldn’t be given a second thought after that.
3. Le’Veon Bell, RB
Releasing Le’Veon Bell at the end of the 2020 season would free up $9.5 million for New York, helping to make bigger moves on offense moving forward. While Bell is a good player who has given nice effort over his one season, his overall production was incredibly lackluster. Their money could be better used elsewhere rather than paying a running back who simply may not be the player he used to be.
2. Sam Darnold, QB
Maybe this is a minority opinion but Sam Darnold needs to go. Whether Gase stays or goes, he’s not been an effective or energetic face of the franchise and that doesn’t appear, to me, like something that will change. They could’ve at least pushed Darnold by signing a veteran in free agency but Joe Flacco isn’t going to be doing that.
As mentioned in a previous article, the Jets should make a play for Dak Prescott if he’s available. Yes, that was met with some blowback but Prescott was simply the more consistently productive player. Prescott gives New York the best chance to be competitive for years to come. Unless something dramatically changes, Darnold looks to be a career backup, not a franchise quarterback for New York.
1. Jamal Adams, S
Jamal Adams seems to be the face of the franchise when that title should belong to Sam Darnold. However, Adams’ recent attitude has been incredibly selfish and not that of a leader. He’s unbelievably talented but isn’t the face of the defense that Darrelle Revis once was. And that fact that he’s requesting a trade in such a public manner only furthers that fact.
Trading Adams at the end of the season would alleviate a toxic locker room dynamic. If the Jets are going to establish a positive culture that can win, they need to cut bait and send a message that a me-first attitude won’t be left idle.