Head Coach Adam Gase and the Jets organization are clearly committed to making sure fans don’t have to go through another season like 2018 or 2017 or even 2016. They are pulling out all the stops to make sure the team puts a quality product on the football field. The resigning of key players like defensive lineman Henry Anderson was vital part of the plan.
Of course, the biggest signing of the week, as the NFL free agency season got underway, was the signing of running back Le'Veon Bell. Filling the running back position was number one on the team's to-do list. Next up was addressing needs on the offensive line and on the defensive side of the ball. While the team is trying to decide how to beef up the offensive line and get a quality center in place, finding a way to shore up the defense is taking priority. Gamblers, who might consider using bet lucky, will want to take note of what's going on in New York. This team will no longer be the NFL's doormat.
As for resigning Anderson to a 3-year, $25.2 million deal, it was a no-brainer. First of all, Gase has decided to keep a base 3-4 defense. Anderson excelled in that defense last year, recording a career high 7.0 sacks. The other motivating factor for making sure he stayed in the fold was his on-field performance during the 2018. Anderson is only 27 and his best years are most likely still ahead.
The 6'6", 301-pound Anderson arrived in New York last season in a trade with the Indianapolis Colts. The deal for a seventh-round choice looked like a steal after Anderson accounted for a team high and personal-best seven sacks with 21 QB hits and six pass defenses. If he is able to continue putting up these kinds of numbers, a little over $8.0 million a year will be a great investment.
The great news is Anderson seems genuinely delighted to stay with the Jets. He told reporters, "I loved playing here last year. I think they do a great job of taking care of the players. Ownership makes sure we have everything we need the staff here is awesome. I love living up here. I really wanted to be back, so I'm glad they made a good offer and I'm excited to be back."
With a couple of key positions locked in with quality players, the Jets staff can now turn its attention to the draft in April. According to draft experts, the Arizona Cardinals are expected to select Oklahoma QB Kylie Murray with the top pick. That would leave defensive ends Nick Bosa (Ohio State) and Josh Allen (Kentucky) on the board. With the second pick, San Francisco will likely take Bosa, leaving the Jets clear to select Allen. Allen is a great pass rusher and will give the 4-3 defense the piece it otherwise would be sorely missing.
From there, it would be prudent for the Jets to go cornerback in the second round and try to land a talented, deep-threat wide receiver in the third.