Bills’ free agency, draft shopping list
As they wade through free agency and prepare to evaluate draft prospects at the Indianapolis Scouting Combine (March 1-6), the Buffalo Bills must decide which players to keep and seek to improve their 7-9 record from last season.
The Sports Xchange and NFLDraftScout.com evaluated the Bills’ roster and created a shopping list to use in free agency and reference during the combine.
Perhaps the biggest question of the offseason is tied to the future of quarterback Tyrod Taylor and whether the new coaching staff wants him back as the starter. In addition, EJ Manuel is a free agent.
There is also pending free agency for wide receivers Robert Wood and Marquise Goodwin to go with the frequent injuries experienced by Sammy Watkins.
New head coach Sean McDermott has a lot of work ahead.
THE BREAKDOWN
2016 finish: 3rd in AFC East (7-9)
2016 STATISTICS
TOTAL OFFENSE: 354.1 (16th)
RUSHING: 164.4 (1st)
PASSING: 189.8 (30th)
TOTAL DEFENSE: 357.0 (19th)
RUSHING: 133.1 (26th)
PASSING: 223.9 (6th)
NEEDS, SHOPPING LIST
TOP THREE NEEDS
1. QUARTERBACK
The Bills believe Cardale Jones has a chance to compete for the starting job, but if Tyrod Taylor and EJ Manuel leave in free agency, the Bills have big problems here.
UFA TARGETS (Age, previous contract’s average annual salary)
Kirk Cousins, Washington (29 in August, $19.95M)
Tony Romo, Dallas (expected to be released; 37 in April, $18M)
Mike Glennon, Tampa Bay (28 in December, $776K)
Brian Hoyer, Chicago (32 in October, $2M)
*Tyrod Taylor, Buffalo (28 in August, $18M)
*Colin Kaepernick, San Francisco (30 in November, $19M)
DRAFT TARGETS (Rating pos/overall, Player, School, Ht., Wt., Proj. Rd.)
1/12 Mitch Trubisky, North Carolina, 6-3, 220, 4.74, 1 (underclassman)
2/20 DeShone Kizer, Notre Dame, 6-4, 230, 4.76, 1 (underclassman)
3/29 Deshaun Watson, Clemson, 6-2, 215, 4.64, 1-2 (underclassman)
4/70 Patrick Mahomes, Texas Tech, 6-2, 229, 4.84, 2-3 (underclassman)
5/99 Brad Kaaya, Miami (FL), 6-4, 210, 4.84, 3 (underclassman)
2. WIDE RECEIVER
With the likely departure of free agents Robert Woods and Marquise Goodwin, a major overhaul is needed to help Sammy Watkins.
UFA TARGETS (Age, previous contract’s average annual salary)
DeSean Jackson, Washington (31 in December, $6M)
Alshon Jeffery, Chicago (27, $14.6M)
Pierre Garcon, Washington (31 in August, $8.5M)
Terrelle Pryor, Cleveland (28 in June, $1.67M)
Anquan Boldin, Detroit (37 in October, $2.75M)
Cordarrelle Patterson, Minnesota (26 in March, $1.8M)
DRAFT TARGETS (Rating pos/overall, Player, School, Ht, Wt., Proj. Rd.)
1/8 Mike Williams, Clemson, 6-3, 225, 1 (underclassman)
2/1 Corey Davis, Western Michigan, 6-3, 213, 1
3/19 John Ross, Washington, 5-11, 190, 1 (underclassman)
4/37 Curtis Samuel, Ohio State, 5-11, 200, 1-2 (underclassman)
5/42 Dede Westbrook, Oklahoma, 5-11, 175, 2
3. SAFETY
Aaron Williams’ neck injuries may force him to retire, and Corey Graham is average. There is a crying need for one starting safety, possibly two.
UFA TARGETS (Age, previous contract’s average annual salary)
Eric Berry, Kansas City (29 in December, $10.8M)
Barry Church, Dallas (29, $2.2M)
T.J. McDonald, L.A. Rams (26, $732K)
Chris Conte, Tampa Bay (28, $3M)
Quintin Demps, Houston (32 in June, $1.5M)
DRAFT TARGETS (Rating pos/overall, Player, School, Ht, Wt., Proj. Rd.)
1/4 Malik Hooker, Ohio State, 6-2, 205, 4.47, 1 (underclassman)
2/6 Jamal Adams (SS), LSU, 6-0, 211, 4.54, 1 (underclassman)
3/13 Jabrill Peppers (SS), Michigan, 6-0, 205, 4.52, 1 (underclassman)
4/43 Budda Baker, Washington, 5-10, 192, 4.52, 2 (underclassman)
5/55 Obi Melifonwu (SS), Connecticut, 6-4, 219, 4.58, 2
UFA KEEPERS
CB Stephon Gilmore (27 in September, $3.02M)
LB Lorenzo Alexander (34 in May, $885K)
WR Robert Woods (25 in April, $1.22M)
ROSTER REVIEW
MAJOR COACHING CHANGES
–Sean McDermott was hired as head coach.
–Rick Dennison will be the OC.
–Leslie Frazier will be the DC.
DEPTH CHART
Starters and backups are listed according to their status at the end of the season, but players who were starters before being injured are included.
* Indicates player who ended 2016 season on reserve.
& Indicates player released since the Super Bowl.
QUARTERBACKS: Starter — Tyrod Taylor. Backups — EJ Manuel (UFA), Cardale Jones.
RUNNING BACKS: Starters — LeSean McCoy, FB Jerome Felton (UFA). Backups — Mike Gillislee, Jonathan Williams, Reggie Bush (UFA).
TIGHT ENDS: Starter — Charles Clay. Backups — Nick O’Leary, Gerald Christian, Logan Thomas, *Blake Annen, *Chris Gragg (UFA).
WIDE RECEIVERS: Starters — Sammy Watkins, Robert Woods (UFA). Backups — Marquise Goodwin (UFA), Justin Hunter (UFA), Brandon Tate (UFA), Dezmin Lewis, *Marcus Easley, *Greg Salas, *Kolby Listenbee, *Walter Powell, *Percy Harvin (UFA).
OFFENSIVE LINEMEN: Starters — LT Cordy Glenn, LG Richie Incognito, C Eric Wood, RG John Miller, RT Jordan Mills (UFA). Backups — T Cyrus Kouandjio, T *Seantrel Henderson, C-G Ryan Groy, OT Michael Ola, C-G Patrick Lewis.
DEFENSIVE LINEMEN: Starters — DT Kyle Williams, NT Marcell Dareus, DT Adolphus Washington. Backups — DT Leger Douzable (UFA), NT DeAndre Coleman, DT Jerel Worthy, *DT Corbin Bryant (UFA).
LINEBACKERS: Starters — OLB Jerry Hughes, OLB Lorenzo Alexander (UFA), ILB Preston Brown, ILB Zach Brown (UFA). Backups — OLB Shaq Lawson, OLB Lerentee McCray (UFA), ILB Ramon Humber, ILB Brandon Spikes (UFA), OLB Bryson Albright, ILB *Reggie Ragland, OLB IK Enemkpali (UFA).
DEFENSIVE BACKS: Starters — CB Stephon Gilmore (UFA), CB Ronald Darby, S Corey Graham, *S Aaron Williams. Backups — CB Nickell Robey-Coleman, CB Kevon Seymour, S Jonathan Meeks (UFA), S Corey White (UFA), S Sergio Brown (UFA), CB Marcus Roberson, S Shamiel Gray, *S Robert Blanton (UFA), *S James Ihedigbo (UFA), *CB Jonathan Dowling, *S Colt Anderson, *S Phillip Thomas.
SPECIAL TEAMS: K Dan Carpenter, P Colton Schmidt, LS Garrison Sanborn, KOR/PR Brandon Tate (UFA), Reggie Bush (UFA).
==============
MIAMI DOLPHINS
==============
Dolphins’ free agency, draft shopping list
As the Miami Dolphins wade through free agency and prepare to evaluate draft prospects at the Indianapolis Combine (March 1-6), they must decide which players to keep as they seek to improve their 10-6 record from last season.
The Sports Xchange and NFLDraftScout.com evaluated the Dolphins’ roster and created a shopping list to use in free agency and reference during the Combine.
Although defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh is the linchpin of the defensive line along with end Cam Wake, there is some need there after the release of end Mario Williams and tackle Earl Mitchell.
The Dolphins made the playoffs in 2016, but to do that again, the defense needs an upgrade, with linebacker another area to address.
THE BREAKDOWN
2016 finish: 2nd in AFC East (10-6)
STATISTICS
TOTAL OFFENSE: 332.8 (24th)
RUSHING: 114.0 (9th)
PASSING: 218.8 (26th)
TOTAL DEFENSE: 382.6 (29th)
RUSHING: 140.4 (30th)
PASSING: 242.2 (15th)
NEEDS, SHOPPING LIST
TOP THREE NEEDS
1. LINEBACKER
They badly need aggressive, athletic guys that can tackle and cover. This is the No. 1 offseason priority whether in free agency or the draft.
UFA TARGETS (Age, previous contract’s average annual salary)
OLB:
Chandler Jones, Arizona (27, $2.04M)
Nick Perry, Green Bay (27 in April, $5.05M)
Melvin Ingram, L.A. Chargers (28 in April, $2.1M)
DeMarcus Ware, Denver (35 in July, $10M)
Julius Peppers, Green Bay (37, $8.67M)
ILB:
Dont’a Hightower, New England (27 in March, $1.93M)
Lawrence Timmons, Pittsburgh (31 in May, $9.6M)
Malcolm Smith, Oakland (28 in July, $3.5M)
Akeem Dent, Houston (30 in September, $2.25M)
& D’Qwell Jackson, Indianapolis (34 in September, $5.5M)
DRAFT TARGETS (Rating pos/overall, Player, School, Ht., Wt., Proj. Rd.)
OLB:
1/18 Zach Cunningham, Vanderbilt, 6-3, 230, 4.74, 1 (underclassman)
2/26 Takkarist McKinley, UCLA, 6-2, 258, 4.58, 1
3/27 Tim Williams, Alabama, 6-3, 252, 4.76, 1
4/31 Haason Reddick, Temple, 6-1, 237, 4.54, 1-2
5/48 T.J. Watt, Wisconsin, 6-4, 243, 4.76, 2 (underclassman)
ILB:
1/7 Reuben Foster, Alabama, 6-1, 236, 4.72, 1
2/41 Raekwon McMillan, Ohio State, 6-2, 240, 4.78, 2 (underclassman)
3/44 Jarrad Davis, Florida, 6-1, 238, 4.78, 2
2. DEFENSIVE TACKLE
Run-stuffing is at a premium for a unit that finished 30th (140.4 yards allowed per game) against the run.
UFA TARGETS (Age, previous contract’s average annual salary)
Kawann Short, Carolina (28, $1.16M)
Dontari Poe, Kansas City (27 in August, $2.83M)
Domata Peko, Cincinnati (33 in November, $4.5M)
Vince Wilfork, Houston (possibly retiring; 36 in November, $4.5M)
Nick Fairley, New Orleans (29, $3M)
DRAFT TARGETS (Rating pos/overall, Player, School, Ht., Wt., Proj. Rd.)
1/2. Jonathan Allen, Alabama, 6-3, 291, 4.82, 1
2/22. Malik McDowell, Michigan State, 6-5, 276, 4.89, 1 (underclassman)
3/50. Caleb Brantley, Florida, 6-2, 297, 5.05, 2 (underclassman)
4/56. Carlos Watkins, Clemson, 6-4, 312, 5.06, 2
3. TIGHT END
The Dolphins want an athletic guy who stretches the field and makes the game easier for the wide receivers, quarterback and running back.
UFA TARGETS (Age, previous contract’s average annual salary)
Martellus Bennett, New England (30 in March, $5.1M)
Jared Cook, Green Bay (30 in April, $2.75M)
Jordan Cameron, Miami (29 in August, $7.5M)
Vernon Davis, Washington (33, $2.4M)
DRAFT TARGETS (Rating pos/overall, Player, School, Ht., Wt., Proj. Rd.)
1/11. O.J. Howard, Alabama, 6-6, 249, 4.57, 1
2/30. David Njoku, Miami (FL), 6-4, 240, 4.53, 1-2 (underclassman)
3/45. Evan Engram, Mississippi, 6-3, 236, 4.64, 2
4/72. Bucky Hodges, Virginia Tech, 6-6, 245, 4.78, 2-3 (underclassman)
UFA KEEPERS
TE Jordan Cameron (29 in August, $7.5M)
WR Kenny Stills (25 in April, $589K)
LB Jelani Jenkins (25 in March, $658K)
TE Dion Sims (26, $657K)
ROSTER REVIEW
MAJOR COACHING CHANGES
–DC Vance Joseph left to be Denver’s head coach.
–LB coach Matt Burke promoted to DC.
DEPTH CHART
Starters and backups are listed according to their status at the end of the season, but players who were starters before being injured are included.
* Indicates player who ended 2016 season on reserve.
& Indicates player released since the Super Bowl.
QUARTERBACKS: Starter — Ryan Tannehill. Backups — Matt Moore, T.J. Yates (UFA).
RUNNING BACKS: Starter — Jay Ajayi. Backups — Damien Williams, Kenyan Drake.
TIGHT ENDS: Starter: *Jordan Cameron (UFA). Backups — Dion Sims (UFA), Dominique Jones (UFA), MarQueis Gray, Thomas Duarte.
WIDE RECEIVERS: Starters — Jarvis Landry, Kenny Stills (UFA), DeVante Parker. Backups — Jakeem Grant, Leonte Carroo.
OFFENSIVE LINEMEN: Starters — LT Branden Albert, LG Laremy Tunsil, *C Mike Pouncey, RG Jermon Bushrod (UFA), RT Ja’Wuan James. Backups — C/G Kraig Urbik, C Jake Brendel, C/G Anthony Steen, T Sam Young.
DEFENSIVE LINEMEN: Starters — DLE Cam Wake, DLT Ndamukong Suh, DRT Jordan Phillips, DRE Andre Branch (UFA). Backups — DLT Nick Williams, RDE Terrence Fede, &DRT Earl Mitchell, &DRE Mario Williams, *DRE Dion Jordan (UFA).
LINEBACKERS: WLB Jelani Jenkins (UFA), MLB Kiko Alonso, *SLB Koa Misi. Backups — MLB Mike Hull, WLB Donald Butler (UFA), WLB Spencer Paysinger (UFA), SLB Neville Hewitt, SLB Trevor Reilly.
DEFENSIVE BACKS: Starters — LCB Byron Maxwell, RCB Tony Lippett, *SS Reshad Jones, *FS Isa Abdul-Quddus. Backups — FS Bacarri Rambo (UFA), FS Michael Thomas (UFA), RCB Lafayette Pitts, LCB Jordan Lucas, LCB Xavien Howard, SS Walt Aikens, SS A.J. Hendy, *&FS Ifo Ekpre-Olomu, *S Isa Abdul-Quddus.
SPECIAL TEAMS: K Andrew Franks, P Matt Darr, KOR/PR Jakeem Grant, KOR Kenyan Drake, PR Jarvis Landry, LS John Denney (UFA).
====================
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS
====================
Patriots’ free ageny, draft shopping list
As they wade through free agency and prepare to evaluate draft prospects at the Indianapolis Scouting Combine (March 1-6), the New England Patriots must decide which players to keep as they seek to repeat as Super Bowl champions.
The Sports Xchange and NFLDraftScout.com evaluated the Patriots’ roster and created a shopping list to use in free agency and reference during the Combine.
Coach Bill Belichick turned the page quickly to continue his mantra of putting the past in the rearview mirror and working to get better.
The likely top goal will be to re-sign linebacker Dont’a Hightower. The Patriots often elect not to spend big in free agency, but they have a lot of cap space and in the last year traded defensive end Chandler Jones and linebacker Jamie Collins prior to their contracts expiring.
THE BREAKDOWN
2016 finish: 1st in AFC East (14-2)
2016 STATISTICS
TOTAL OFFENSE: 386.3 (4th)
RUSHING: 117.0 (7th)
PASSING: 269.3 (4th)
TOTAL DEFENSE: 326.4 (8th)
RUSHING: 88.6 (T3rd)
PASSING: 237.9 (12th)
NEEDS, SHOPPING LIST
&=Released
TOP THREE NEEDS
1. DEFENSIVE END
Though Trey Flowers broke out over the second half of the season, New England still has a lack of depth and consistent pass rush.
UFA TARGETS (Age, previous contract’s average annual salary)
Jason Pierre-Paul, New York Giants (28, $10M)
Calais Campbell, Arizona (DT; 31 in September, $11M)
Jabaal Sheard, New England (28 in May, $5.5M)
&Mario Williams, Miami (32, $8.5M)
Charles Johnson, Carolina (31 in July, $3M)
DRAFT TARGETS (Rating pos/overall, Player, School, Ht., Wt., Proj. Rd.)
1/1 Myles Garrett, Texas A&M, 6-4, 268, 1 (underclassman)
2/3 Solomon Thomas, Stanford, 6-2, 275, 1 (underclassman)
3/17 Derek Barnett, Tennessee, 6-3, 265, 1 (underclassman)
4/28 Taco Charlton, Michigan, 6-5, 272, 1
5/32 Charles Harris, Missouri, 6-3, 255, 4.74, 1-2 (underclassman)
2. TIGHT END
Rob Gronkowski is coming off his third back surgery, and Martellus Bennett is set to be a free agent and could look to cash in.
UFA TARGETS (Age, previous contract’s average annual salary)
Jared Cook, Green Bay (30 in April, $2.75M)
Jordan Cameron, Miami (29 in August, $7.5M)
Vernon Davis, Washington (33, $2.4M)
DRAFT TARGETS (Rating pos/overall, Player, School, Ht., Wt., 40 time, Proj. Rd.)
1/11 O.J. Howard, Alabama, 6-6, 249, 4.57, 1
2/30 David Njoku, Miami (FL), 6-4, 240, 4.53, 1-2 (underclassman)
3/45 Evan Engram, Mississippi, 6-3, 236, 4.64, 2
4/72 Bucky Hodges, Virginia Tech, 6-6, 245, 4.78, 2-3 (underclassman)
3. RUNNING BACK
There is no lead-back type behind free agent LeGarrette Blount. The Patriots may seek a young, impact runner to add to the backfield committee.
UFA TARGETS (Age, previous contract’s average annual salary)
Le’Veon Bell, Pittsburgh (25, $1.03M)
*Adrian Peterson, Minnesota (32 in March, $14M)
Latavius Murray, Oakland (27, $567K)
Eddie Lacy, Green Bay (27 June, $848K)
Darren McFadden, Dallas (30 in August, $1.5M)
DRAFT TARGETS (Rating pos/overall, Player, School, Ht., Wt., 40 time, Proj. Rd.)
1/5 Dalvin Cook, Florida State, 5-11, 206, 4.43, 1 (underclassman)
2/9 Leonard Fournette, LSU, 6-1, 230, 4.45, 1 (underclassman)
3/24 Christian McCaffrey, Stanford, 6-0, 202, 4.48, 1 (underclassman)
4/60 Alvin Kamara, Tennessee, 5-10, 215, 4.62, 2 (underclassman)
5/86 Joe Mixon, Oklahoma, 6-1, 226, 4.50, 3 (underclassman)
UFA KEEPERS
LB Dont’a Hightower (27 in March, $1.93M)
TE Martellus Bennett (30 in March, $5.1M)
RB LeGarrette Blount (31 in December, $1M)
ROSTER REVIEW
DEPTH CHART
Starters and backups are listed according to their status at the end of the season, but players who were starters before being injured are included.
* Indicates player who ended 2016 season on reserve.
& Indicates player released since the Super Bowl.
QUARTERBACKS: Starter — Tom Brady. Backups — Jimmy Garoppolo, Jacoby Brissett.
RUNNING BACKS: Starter — Dion Lewis. Backups — LeGarrette Blount (UFA), FB James Develin (UFA), James White, Brandon Bolden, D.J. Foster.
TIGHT ENDS: Starters — *Rob Gronkowski, Martellus Bennett (UFA). Backups — Matt Lengel, Greg Scruggs (UFA).
WIDE RECEIVERS: Starters — Julian Edelman, Chris Hogan. Backups — Malcolm Mitchell, Danny Amendola, Michael Floyd (UFA), Matthew Slater.
OFFENSIVE LINEMEN: Starters — LT Nate Solder, LG Joe Thuney, C David Andrews, RG Shaq Mason, RT Marcus Cannon. Backups — *G Tre’ Jackson, T *Sebastian Vollmer, G Ted Karras, T Cameron Fleming, T LaAdrian Waddle.
DEFENSIVE LINEMEN: Starters — DT Alan Branch (UFA), DT Malcom Brown, DE Rob Ninkovich, DE Trey Flowers. Backups — DE Jabaal Sheard (UFA), DE Chris Long (UFA), DT Vincent Valentine, DE Geneo Grissom.
LINEBACKERS: Starters — Dont’a Hightower (UFA), Shea McClellin. Backups — Kyle Van Noy, Elandon Roberts, Barkevious Mingo (UFA), *Jonathan Freeny.
DEFENSIVE BACKS: Starters — SS Patrick Chung, FS Devin McCourty, CB Malcolm Butler, CB Eric Rowe, CB Logan Ryan (UFA). Backups — FS Duron Harmon (UFA), CB Cyrus Jones, CB Justin Coleman, S Nate Ebner, S Brandon King, S Jordan Richards, CB Justin Coleman.
SPECIAL TEAMS: K Stephen Gostkowski, P Ryan Allen, PR Julian Edelman, KOR Dion Lewis, LS Joe Cardona.
=============
NEW YORK JETS
=============
Jets’ free ageny, draft shopping list
As the New York Jets wade through free agency and prepare to evaluate draft prospects at the Indianapolis Combine (March 1-6), they must decide which players to keep as they seek to improve their 5-11 record from last season.
The Sports Xchange and NFLDraftScout.com evaluated the roster and created a shopping list to use in free agency and reference during the Combine.
Throughout the 2016 offseason, the Jets danced with quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick, but a new contract didn’t happen until the start of training camp. Fitzpatrick won’t return, and Geno Smith is a free agent. That leaves Bryce Petty and Christian Hackenberg, plus perhaps yet another draft pick.
There are also needs on the offensive line and cornerback, plus several other areas.
THE BREAKDOWN
2016 finish: 4th in AFC East (5-11)
2016 STATISTICS
TOTAL OFFENSE: 329.3 (26th)
RUSHING: 112.6 (12th)
PASSING: 216.6 (27th)
TOTAL DEFENSE: 342.4 (11th)
RUSHING: 98.8 (11th)
PASSING: 243.6 (17th)
NEEDS, SHOPPING LIST
* Option not expected to be renewed
TOP THREE NEEDS
1. OFFENSIVE LINE
When three 30-somethings are among the four offensive line starters on injured reserve, it’s time to find replacements. A lot is needed.
UFA TARGETS (Age, previous contract’s average annual salary)
OT:
Andrew Whitworth, Cincinnati (36 in December, $9M)
Russell Okung, Denver (option not expected to be exercised; 29 in October, $10.6M)
Rick Wagner, Baltimore (28 in October, $576K)
Luke Joeckel, Jacksonville (G; 26 in November, $5.3M))
Matt Kalil, Minnesota (injury; 28 in July, $4.94M)
OG/C:
Kevin Zeitler, Cincinnati (G; 27 in March, $1.89M)
T.J. Lang, Green Bay (G/injury; 30 in September, $5.2M)
Ronald Leary, Dallas (G; 28 in April, $2.55M)
JC Tretter, Green Bay (C; 26, $644K)
DRAFT TARGETS (Rating pos/overall, Player, School, Ht., Wt., Proj. Rd.)
OT:
1/14 Ryan Ramczyk, Wisconsin, 6-5, 314, 5.29, 1 (underclassman)
2/25 Cam Robinson, Alabama, 6-6, 310, 5.28, 1 (underclassman)
3/38 Garett Bolles, Utah, 6-5, 296, 4.97, 1-2 (underclassman)
OG:
1/33. Dan Feeney, Indiana, 6-4, 304, 5.09, 1-2
2/35. Forrest Lamp, Western Kentucky, 6-4, 305, 5.12, 1-2
C:
1/64. Ethan Pocic, LSU, 6-6, 307, 5.18, 2
2/80. Pat Elflein, Ohio State, 6-2, 300, 5.22, 2-3
2. CORNERBACK
The Jets badly need a No. 1 corner after bringing back the greats of yesteryear (Darrelle Revis and Antonio Cromartie) didn’t work.
POTENTIAL UFA TARGETS (Age, previous contract’s average annual salary)
A.J. Bouye, Houston (26 in August, $1.67M)
Trumaine Johnson, L.A. Rams (27, $13.95M)
Logan Ryan, New England (26, $693K)
Stephon Gilmore, Buffalo (27 in September, $3.02M)
Brandon Carr, Dallas (31 in May, $10M)
Prince Amukamara, Jacksonville (28 in June, $5.5M)
DRAFT TARGETS (Rating pos/overall, Player, School, Ht, Wt., Proj. Rd.)
1/10 Marshon Lattimore, Ohio State, 6-0, 195, 1 (underclassman)
2/15 Teez Tabor, Florida, 6-0, 201, 1 (underclassman)
3/21 Marlon Humphrey, Alabama, 6-1, 196, 1 (underclassman)
4/23 Sidney Jones, Washington, 6-0, 181, 1 (underclassman)
5/34 Desmond King, Iowa, 5-11, 206, 1-2
3. QUARTERBACK
For the 40th straight year, the next Joe Namath probably isn’t available in the draft, but the Jets need to take someone anyway, even after selecting Christian Hackenberg in the second round last year.
UFA TARGETS (Age, previous contract’s average annual salary)
Kirk Cousins, Washington (29 in August, $19.95M)
Tony Romo, Dallas (expected to be released; 37 in April, $18M)
Mike Glennon, Tampa Bay (28 in December, $776K)
Brian Hoyer, Chicago (32 in October, $2M)
*Tyrod Taylor, Buffalo (28 in August, $18M)
*Colin Kaepernick, San Francisco (30 in November, $19M)
DRAFT TARGETS (Rating pos/overall, Player, School, Ht., Wt., Proj. Rd.)
1/12 Mitch Trubisky, North Carolina, 6-3, 220, 4.74, 1 (underclassman)
2/20 DeShone Kizer, Notre Dame, 6-4, 230, 4.76, 1 (underclassman)
3/29 Deshaun Watson, Clemson, 6-2, 215, 4.64, 1-2 (underclassman)
4/70 Patrick Mahomes, Texas Tech, 6-2, 229, 4.84, 2-3 (underclassman)
5/99 Brad Kaaya, Miami (FL), 6-4, 210, 4.84, 3 (underclassman)
UFA KEEPERS
None
ROSTER REVIEW
MAJOR COACHING CHANGES
–John Morton will be the OC, replacing Chan Gailey, who retired.
DEPTH CHART
Starters and backups are listed according to their status at the end of the season, but players who were starters before being injured are included.
* Indicates player who ended 2016 season on reserve.
& Indicates player released since the Super Bowl.
QUARTERBACKS: Starter — Ryan Fitzpatrick (UFA). Backups — *Geno Smith (UFA), *Bryce Petty, Christian Hackenberg.
RUNNING BACKS: Starter — *Matt Forte. Backups — Bilal Powell, *Khiry Robinson (UFA), Brandon Burks, Brandon Wilds, *Romar Morris.
TIGHT ENDS: Starter — *Kellen Davis (UFA). Backups — Austin Seferian-Jenkins, Brandon Bostick, Eric Tomlinson.
WIDE RECEIVERS: Starters — Brandon Marshall, *Eric Decker, Quincy Enunwa. Backups — Robby Anderson, Jalin Marshall, Charone Peake, Devin Smith.
OFFENSIVE LINEMEN: Starters — *C Nick Mangold, *RG Brian Winters (UFA), LG James Carpenter, *LT Ryan Clady (option not expected to be exercised), *RT Breno Giacomini. Backups — C Wesley Johnson, LT Ben Ijalana (UFA), RG Brent Qvale, RT Brandon Shell, G/C Dakota Dozier, OT Donald Hawkins, G Craig Watts.
DEFENSIVE LINEMEN: Starters — DL Muhammad Wilkerson, DL Sheldon Richardson, DL Leonard Williams, NT Steve McLendon. Backups — NT Deon Simon, DL Brandin Bryant, DL Anthony Johnson, *DL Julian Obioha, *DL Lawrence Thomas.
LINEBACKERS: Starters — ILB David Harris, ILB Darron Lee, OLB Jordan Jenkins, OLB Lorenzo Mauldin. Backups — *ILB Erin Henderson, ILB Randall Johnson, ILB Bruce Carter (UFA), OLB Freddie Bishop, OLB Corey Lemonier (UFA), LB Josh Martin (UFA), *LB Mike Catapano, *LB Julian Stanford.
DEFENSIVE BACKS: Starters — CB Darrelle Revis, CB Buster Skrine, *FS Marcus Gilchrist, SS Calvin Pryor. Backups — CB Justin Burris, CB Darryl Roberts, CB Dexter McDougle, CB Marcus Williams, CB Nick Marshall, FS Rontez Miles, SS Ronald Martin, FS Doug Middleton, *S Antonio Allen (UFA).
SPECIAL TEAMS: K Nick Folk, P Lachlan Edwards, KR/PR Nick Marshall, LS Tanner Purdum (UFA).