Now that Brett Favre has made his decision to retire, the Jets must find themselves a new starting quarterback. The team hierarchy says it is confident that player already is on the roster. Kellen Clemens and Brett Ratliff are the top in-house candidates, although the Jets could look to bring in a veteran via free agency or a trade.
Of course, the Jets also have other needs, but don't have as many gaping holes as they did last year, when they went on a $152 million spending spree on free agents and players acquired through trades.
TEAM NEEDS/OFFSEASON STRATEGY
ILB Eric Barton, a defensive stalwart since coming over as a free agent before the 2004 season, likely will not be re-signed. But the Jets could be in the market for either of Baltimore ILBs. Bart Scott is younger and has enjoyed playing for Rex Ryan; Ray Lewis, also a Ryan disciple, seems like more of a long shot.
Both kickers, Mike Nugent and Jay Feely, are unrestricted free agents, and both have expressed the desire to be back. Obviously, the Jets will sign only one, and Nugent is six years younger than Feely, so Nugent figures to get the nod. Look for them to try to re-sign FB Tony Richardson, who is getting up in years but still is a tremendous lead blocker, and a good change-of-pace ball carrier when called upon. That is, unless Richardson chooses to rejoin former Jets running backs coach Jimmy Raye, now the offensive coordinator in San Francisco. However, Richardson has professed a desire to stay with the Jets.
TOP THREE TEAM NEEDS
1. Defensive end: The Jets still could use another big-time edge rusher, and veteran Shaun Ellis' production dropped markedly during the second half of 2008.
2. Cornerback: The secondary needs a solid corner to play opposite lockdown corner Darrelle Revis on the left side.
3. Wide receiver: The Jets need a speedster who can stretch defenses, something they've lacked since trading away Santana Moss after the 2004 season.
MEDICAL WATCH: K Mike Nugent (right hamstring) was well enough to play by the middle of the season but never returned after being injured on opening day. But he will be fine for offseason activities.
--NT Kris Jenkins (hip, back) didn't miss any games, but those injuries may have limited the Pro Bowler's effectiveness the last five games.
--LB Eric Barton (knee) played through an injury late in the season but didn't miss any time.
--LB David Harris (fractured ankle) left the final game. He attended Rex Ryan's introductory news conference on crutches. He already had a surgical procedure to repair a groin injury and missed the entire month of November. His status for spring practice is uncertain.
--LB David Bowens suffered a knee injury in the final game, but will be ready for spring practice.
FRANCHISE PLAYER: None.
TRANSITION PLAYER: None.
UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS
--ILB Eric Barton was the team's leading tackler in 2008, but figures to look for (and get) a bigger payday elsewhere.
--CB Ahmad Carroll.
--RB Jesse Chatman's 2008 season was curtailed by a four-game suspension and a knee injury, but returning offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer likes him so he could return.
--K Jay Feely did well for the Jets as a stopgap last season, but Mike Nugent is six years younger, so Nugent makes more sense for the long haul.
--TE Bubba Franks.
--CB Ty Law.
--DT C.J. Mosley has shown flashes as part of the D-line rotation; could be back if the price is right.
--K Mike Nugent missed all but one game with a hamstring injury, but is younger than fellow UFA Jay Feely and figures to return.
--CB Hank Poteat.
--S J.R. Reed.
--FB Tony Richardson is in the twilight of his career but is a workout demon and still is a big-time blocker. He fits Rex Ryan's tough mindset and has stated he wants to be back.
--OLB Cody Spencer is a special-teams standout so the Jets will look to re-sign him if the cost isn't too prohibitive.
RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS
--SS Abram Elam is a hard hitter who is subpar in coverage, yet has an uncanny knack for the big play. Will fit Rex Ryan's system.
--OLB Marques Murrell didn't get much of a chance to show his wares under the previous coaching regime, but could be re-signed if Rex Ryan likes what he sees on Murrell's limited tape.
--WR Wallace Wright is strictly a special-teamer at this point, but he does that very well. Is likely to return.
EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS FREE AGENTS: Unknown.
PLAYERS RE-SIGNED: None.
PLAYERS ACQUIRED: None.
PLAYERS LOST
--CB David Barrett (released).
--QB Brett Favre (retired).
