GM John Idziks free agency flop costs NY Jets Somewhere between the predictable generalities and catch phrases like “sustainable success,” Jets general manager John Idzik insisted Thursday that everything was going according to plan. Green-and-white Kool-Aid drinkers aside, nobody believed him. The sentiment in NFL circles from executives and agents is that Idzik whiffed on free-agent targets after misreading the market. Idzik, the only one of seven general managers hired last year without an extensive player personnel background, has overanalyzed free agency, leaving a cavernous hole at the defensive position that Rex Ryan values most: cornerback. “Do we feel like we missed opportunities?” Idzik said during a conference call. “No. No we don’t.” The facts suggest otherwise. The mission was relatively simple: Sign a cornerback. Don’t overthink. For all the rhetoric about free agency preparation, budgets and player-value assessments, the Jets’ need for a veteran cornerback was elementary and the means plentiful. With a handful of quality options and an ocean of salary cap space, this shouldn’t have been an arduous task. However, Idzik reverted to his capologist roots and rigid ways to miss out on a quality corner market. So, Ryan was left to tell the world this comical fib: “I feel really good about our corners.” It was fitting that news of Antonio Cromartie’s one-year deal with the Cardinals surfaced minutes before Idzik and Ryan started their spin cycle on the half-hour conference call. The Jets missed out on signing cornerbacks Vontae Davis, Alterraun Verner and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie before Antonio Cromartie, who made it clear that he wanted to return, headed west. Idzik’s lack of flexibility and low-ball negotiating tactics have cost the Jets. The most grievous misstep was the GM’s inexplicable decision to not even entertain the possibility of reacquiring Darrelle Revis. High-level Jets personnel wanted to sign Revis, who inked to what amounts to a one-year, $12 million deal with the Patriots after getting cut by the Buccaneers, but Idzik wasn’t interested. “It has to feel right from both ends,” Idzik said about signing any free agent. “It’s us evaluating the player, it’s us evaluating the person and how he fits into the locker room, into our organization, in our community … Then it’s us placing a value on that.” Ryan’s nose likely grew a few inches as he waxed poetic about the Jets’ Three Musketeers in the secondary: Dee Milliner, Kyle Wilson and Darrin Walls. Ryan insisted that he was happy with that bunch. The only people happier: Every wide receiver in the NFL (and some in the upcoming draft). Although the Jets could theoretically trade or draft another cornerback in the coming months, Idzik’s best option was to lock up one of the top available veterans in free agency. He classifies free agency as a “need-based operation,” so why didn’t he fill the team’s biggest defensive deficiency? Idzik doesn’t have a reputation around the league as a closer. He’s not a deal-maker. He has operated more like an accountant than a GM with football instincts during this free agency period, according to people who have negotiated with him. Cornerback isnt the only position that Idzik has swung and missed on. The Jets landed wide receiver Eric Decker, but could have further strengthened the offense last week if not for Idzik’s hard-line stance. His lack of financial flexibility cost the Jets one offensive skill position player from a playoff team last year, according to a person familiar with the team’s negotiation. While the Broncos and Patriots pounced on free agents like Aqib Talib and Revis, Idzik plodded along, sticking to his top secret (INSERT INDEFINITE AMOUNT OF TIME) plan. He shouldn’t be fiscally irresponsible, but sometimes going over budget with so much cap space available is required to get a valuable commodity. However, Idzik hasn’t exhibited the ability to quickly adapt to the ever-changing landscape during free agency. “If we feel we need to add depth or we have a shortcoming,” Idzik said, “We will address it. Sometimes it takes time.” His head coach has one year to make the playoffs or suffer the consequences. The fan base has only been waiting since the ’60s. No rush. Pass the Kool-Aid and drink up. Author: Manish Mehta
Posted on: Fri, 21 Mar 2014 15:43:38 +0000
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