The Jets won't have any cap room. They are currently $7.7 million under the cap. Their rookie cap is about $4.9 million. That leaves about $2.8 million not counting UDFA signings. The reason the Jets drafted Hill is so they don't have to sign someone like Edwards.
You are the biggest Braylon fan on the planet as far as I can tell, so you can probably appreciate this dilemma. Who is more polished and prepared to be a #2 WR right now? Braylon Edwards, hands down. Who has more potential? Stephen Hill hands down Braylon brings familiarity with Sanchez, and he can teach Hill how to be a beast. Holmes can give Hill some route running tips, but Braylon being a more comparable receiver to Hill, can teach Hill some important things as well. Imagine a 3 wr set with Hill and Braylon on the outside, with Holmes in the slot, Keller lined up off the right side, with Tebow lined up behind Sanchez. What the fuck are you going to concentrate on as a defense? Bringing in Braylon on a vet minimum 1 year deal is not a bad idea at all, particularly, one that isn't guaranteed. Hill would likely be expected to make 25-35 receptions as a rookie. He needs development time. If Hill shows to be further along than expected, a non-guaranteed deal for Braylon would make him cuttable at the conclusion of camp. Thats the perfect deal IMO. If Hill is ready to be a true #2, Braylon is cut because he isn't needed. If Hill isn't ready, Braylon stays on the roster as our #2, Kerley as the #3, and Hill gets situational reps as the deep threat/injury protection
I agree. There is no way Hill (as unpolished as he is) is coming in year one and starting as a #1 receiver. Kerley I like, but in the slot. Chaz Schillens will be injured has soon as he puts his cleats on. Bringing Edwards back would allow for Hill to set back, learn and develop. Plus, he already knows the offense. If they have the cap room, it should be a no brainer IMO. Braylon should sign for the minimum, since his phone hasn't rang for almost a year.
True. But I don't think this version of the "ground and pound" offense will be much different than the last. But I should have said he has chemistry with Sanchez and a familiarity with the team. That's got to put you ahead of the rest of the people at WR.
1.) There's more to learn in order to be a polished receiver in the NFL than just taking reps. 2.) Rex Ryan and this team can't afford to allow a young, inexperienced rookie to learn on the fly and make a ton of mistakes. It is put up or shut up time for Rex and some of these veterans. The Jets need to win now. It makes much more sense to let a guy develop (who needs to) for a year while an experienced vet (Braylon) is helping the team. It's a win/win.
Quite honestly I'd leave this the way it is for now. There's alot of young talented blood here that is hungry. You combine that with the energy Sanchez will surely be playing with early in camp & someone is bound to step up to their potential. It's all about competition. You bring Braylon in here & the roles are pretty much in place with the exception of the 5th wr spot. If nobody steps up early in camp, then you think about Braylon. With his knee concern he is surely to be available. But I'd leave things the way they are for now with the WR's
your right, no player has ever developed without getting all the starting snaps. Hill would be fully capable of learning behind Braylon if asked to be. Hill is extremely raw. He has a fuckton of potential, but he needs time to learn. If Hill is ready to roll, then Braylon can be cut in camp, no issues. If Hill isn't ready to go, Braylon would be a valuable asset to have in the fold. I don't see any issues if Braylon is willing to come in on a non-guaranteed deal. Or rather one thats guaranteed on the day the season starts.
I have to agree with point 2. As for point 1, and to elaborate on a question someone asked earlier. The development of a rookie wide receiver takes 2-3 seasons. They need to learn the blocks, routes, cadences, etc. all the while meshing with their QB AND gaining their confidence. They don't always come in and play like Green or Julio Jones. Even Megatron had a slow rookie season.
The problem is Braylon, Hill, Schilens, and Kerley all don't play special teams (other than Kerley returning punts). To carry so many receivers you'd need them to play some kick coverage as well and Braylon doesn't offer that.
Braylon use to play special teams. He played the punt/FG blocker because of his great leaping ability, and pretty sure he helped block on punt / kickoff returns as well. I think it's good to bring him back for a year, even if just to help teach Hill the ropes. We have plenty of special teamers and added a few more in the late rounds this year.
Braylon was paid $1mil last year. After 19 catches, do u really think he's gonna ask for $8mil a yr? Braylon is not going to demand anything more than what he was paid last year, plus incentives. He might get a $4mil contract filled with incentives, but nothing more than $1mil in guarantees.
WR is one of the hardest positions to just come in and contribute right away. No way Rex/FO are going to say in their minds, " we're set at WR". I see us monitoring Braylon's rehab and bringing him back for a similar deal he had with the 49ers. Remember, he was healthy when he signed with San Fran and got that deal, plus no other teams seemed to really be interested. I can definetly see him back here.
Edwards produced very little before his season ended. Which means Edwards is gonna be 2 years removed from his last productive season. He's coming off surgery, and he's almost 30 years old. Jets are implementing a new scheme so Edwards isn't going to even be familiar with what's being implemented. Rookies and veterans will all be looking at this scheme for the first time as Jets. Holmes + Keller = 2 reliable passing targets. Kerley was showing signs of developing, there's a third target. Hill with just his speed will be able to stretch the field so even if he's not catching a lot of passes he will be contributing to the offense when he's out there. Braylon played great when he was with the Jets but he's not needed now.
i would agree with this thought process. my main thing is to get the rookie as much practice time as possible.
I say yeah, Stephen Hill is very raw Braylon Edwards still might be brought in to play and tutor Hill.
