Which New York Jets players could be on trade block as deadline looms?
When the New York Jets released running back Le’Veon Bell last week, it was the first clear sign that they were focusing more on the future than the present. Still, there was some room for interpretation because of the friction between Bell and coach Adam Gase.
But on Sunday night, when the Jets traded starting defensive tackle Steve McLendon to the Bucs for two future late-round picks, general manager Joe Douglas sent out the NFL's version of the Bat-Signal to other executives across the league: the Jets are open for business.
The trade deadline is on Nov. 3, two weeks from Tuesday. And the Jets, who are 0-6 and have shown zero evidence that they can turn things around, are in fire sale mode.
But how many players are their talent-bare roster will actually draw interest from other teams. And are there any players on this team the Jets should keep no matter what?
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Here’s a look at some of the team’s most prominent names (outside of the rookies, who Douglas drafted less than six months ago and almost certainly won’t be moving on from) and how it might play out.
QB Sam Darnold
The situation: A few short months ago, trading Darnold before the end of his third season was unthinkable. But the 23-year-old quarterback has yet to break through and the Jets seemed destined for the No. 1 overall pick, where Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence will likely be waiting. It would be risky to move Darnold now — especially if the Jets don’t get the No. 1 overall pick or if Lawrence decides to stay in school. And the Jets have given every indication that they still have faith in Darnold, so a trade seems unlikely.
Other factors: Darnold’s inconsistent play lowers his trade value, which is another reason a deal is unlikely. And with 10 games left in the season, there’s still time for him to prove that he’s capable of being their quarterback of the future. He could return from his shoulder injury as soon as this weekend against the Bills.
Verdict: The Jets should listen to offers on Darnold, and if a quarterback-hungry team wants to give them a first-round pick before they deadline they should seriously consider taking the deal. But short of that, the Jets should stick with Darnold and worry about what to do after the season.
DT Quinnen Williams
The situation: He has yet to become the dominant force the Jets were hoping for when they picked him No. 3 overall in last year’s draft. But Williams, despite his lack of flashy stats (he has only 4.5 sacks in his first 19 career games), has been reliable and effective against the run. And at 22 years old, still has the potential to blossom into a major impact player, even though he has yet to break through as he promised he would before this season. Teams reportedly inquired about trading for Williams last year and it will happen again.
Other factors: Trading Williams wouldn’t have a significant impact on his cap number in 2020 or 2021 and Douglas didn’t draft him — both factors that lean in the direction of a trade. But Douglas said he wanted to build around strong line play. And since Williams is going to cost the Jets money whether he’s with the team or not, it makes more sense to keep him around and hope he can continue to improve.
Verdict: The Jets shouldn’t seriously consider trading Williams unless they get a ridiculous package in return.
WR Jamison Crowder
The situation: He’s the Jets’ best receiver and the only offensive player who seems to be exceeding expectations under Gase. Contending teams who need a versatile slot weapon who has a penchant for making big plays will certainly be interested in Crowder.
Other factors: He’s under contract through next season, but with no guaranteed money on his deal, which makes him an even more appealing trade target. But he’s also the only proven receiver on an offense that is seriously devoid of talent.
Verdict: The Jets should not seriously entertain training Crowder. They need a proven offensive weapon around in the final half of the season if Darnold has any hope of getting back on track, and he would also be a key part of next year’s offense as the Jets add weapons.
S Marcus Maye
The situation: Maye has been a little unsteady since the departure of Jamal Adams. But he flashed big-time potential in the season opener and continues to be a versatile and tenacious competitor, who is well respected around the league. He’ll likely draw interest from other teams before the deadline. But there’s growing evidence that he’s better as a free safety, which could hurt his value.
Other factors: Maye is in the final year of his contract, so if the Jets don’t intend on bringing him back next season they’ll have even more incentive to trade him. It depends on if they see rookie Ashtyn Davis as Maye’s replacement or his battery mate.
Verdict: The Jets should test the market for Maye, and if they can get a mid-round pick they should seriously consider making a deal.
CB Brian Poole
The situation: Poole is the Jets’ only proven cornerback and showed what he’s capable of on Sunday with an impressive interception of Ryan Fitzpatrick in the first half. He’s on a one-year deal and would be a useful piece for a contender.
Other factors: The Jets are so thin at cornerback that moving on from Poole would mean a complete overhaul at the position heading into 2021. And Douglas is already going to have a lot of work to do.
The verdict: The Jets should probably hang onto Poole — barring a crazy offer — and try to re-sign him to a reasonable deal next year, as someone to build around.
Other players
TE Chris Herndon: There probably won’t be much of a market for Herndon, who flashed potential as a rookie but after missing most of 2019 has been a non-factor early this year. It makes more sense to hold onto him for the rest of the season in the hopes that something clicks with him and Darnold.
DL Henry Anderson: The Jets would probably be happy to move on from Anderson, who has been a complete non-factor since signing an expensive extension before the 2019 season. But the Jets won’t find a team who is willing to offer any sort of compensation and take on the remainder of his $7 million base salary.
OLB Jordan Jenkins: He’s now the longest-tenured player on the team after McLendon’s departure. But a deal seems unlikely, because the Jets are extremely thin at outside linebacker and Jenkins, while great in the locker room, appears to be an average player midway through his fifth NFL season.
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