I think the Jets make a half assed attempt to sore up the offensive line and we go with the Current wide receivers + a rookie from the Draft. I see us dong nothing to the Safety position , so we are primarily the Same in the secondary. I do see Rex demanding some defensive additions ; like a Free agent splash with a big name (Over-pay as usual) and a couple of journeymen band aids. Over-all we play better and make the playoffs and meet up with our arch rival once again.... 2ND round of the playoffs and done.
First of all I don't share the view that Smith had such an awful year. He is a much better tackler than Pool, and there is a reason, other than how much he is paid, that he started before Pool. But putting an assessment of Smith's year aside, you did refer to the fact that Smith and Leonhard were under contract, and Pool was the only signing at safety this past off season. That was baslically my point - the only move Tanny made was to bring back an inadequate Pool. As you know the first safety off the bench sees a significant amount of playing time. And as we saw he also will be the starter if either of the other two misses a game or more. In setting the roster, I don't see there as being a huge distinction between the third safety and the two starters if one is considering whether the safeties are going to prove adequate. Ironically this is even more of a consideration if your two starters are average to mediocre or have a history of significant injury or both. In hindsight it should be obvious that Tanny's efforts regarding safety were inadequate last off season. I understand your final point about "if no other move is made", but believe two changes must be made at safety due to Leonhard's injury history. A cap move may dictate cutting Smith, but I think the CS likes him, and too many fans laid sole blame on the inability to cover TE's on Smith. I think Leonhard will not return no matter what, Smith will, and Leonhard's replacement is not enough unless a stellar safety replaces him. Pool should go in any event.
