As the Jets careen toward the end of their first playoff-free season under Herman Edwards, and toward their first losing record since Rich Kotite was in charge, we look toward the 2004 season and beyond.
There are certain to be widespread changes in both player personnel and on the coaching staff. The following is a look at who’ll likely (and should) stay and who’ll likely (and should) go from this team to ensure a better 2004:
QUARTERBACK
The Jets should be set here for at least the next decade with Chad Pennington. The Jets must re-sign him (his contract is up after 2004), the sooner the better. Is Brooks Bollinger capable of being No. 2?
Key decision: What to do with Vinny Testaverde, who’s due to make a $4 million base and is a salary-cap albatross? The Jets are almost certain to swallow the cap hit.
RUNNING BACK
Curtis Martin, who’s returned to life after a slow start, is locked up with a long-term deal signed before the season; so is FB Jerald Sowell, who’s had a solid year.
Key decision: LaMont Jordan becomes a free agent after next season and the Jets cannot afford to let him go.
RECEIVERS
Santana Moss has emerged into a star. Wayne Chrebet should return from his post-concussion syndrome, though he should be nothing more than No. 3. A new starter needs to be brought in, whether it’s via free agency (Terrell Owens), a trade (Keyshawn Johnson), or the draft.
Key decision: Curtis Conway is due to make $1.5 million in 2004. The Jets should release him and move on, particularly if Jonathan Carter emerges as more than a one-hit wonder.
TIGHT ENDS
Chris Baker likely will get more playing time to see what he can do.
Key decision: Anthony Becht, who’s played well, is one of four No. 1 picks of 2000 whose contract is up after 2004. Unless he wants to stay for less money, he likely won’t be re-signed.
OFFENSIVE LINE
Center Kevin Mawae and LT Jason Fabini are locked up with long-term deals. LG Dave Szott, due to make a $1.7 million base, might play another year if the Jets want him. RG Brent Smith is expendable.
Key decision: RT Kareem McKenzie becomes a free agent after this season and should be re-signed.
DEFENSIVE LINE
The Jets must re-sign DE Shaun Ellis, who’s up after 2004 and has become the most complete player on the line. NT Jason Ferguson is solid. They’ll likely bring back DT Josh Evans if he performs well these last six games.
Key decision: Can the Jets afford to re-sign DE John Abraham while re-signing Pennington and Ellis and bringing in a big-time WR? It might come down to a choice between Abraham or a top receiver. The Jets could put a franchise tag on Abraham to keep him an extra year.
LINEBACKER
Bring in the broom and sweep out the room. Mo Lewis ($1.65 million base) is as good as gone with Victor Hobson ready for full-time duty. Marvin Jones ($1.65 million) likely is a goner, too. Sam Cowart ($900,000) might stay because you can’t get rid of all of them.
Key decision: Whom (if anyone) do they keep? Do they fish for replacements in free agency or the draft?
DEFENSIVE BACKS
FS Jon McGraw and CB Donnie Abraham stay. There will be a new starting SS in place of Sam Garnes, whom they’d like to keep as a backup. There should be a new CB in place of Aaron Beasley (due $1.45 million).
Key decision: Do they keep CB Ray Mickens, who’s not been a good fit as a starter in place of Abraham but is a proven value at nickel back? He’s due $1 million (not a lot) and should stay as a role player.
SPECIALISTS
K Doug Brien has been a solid pickup. P Dan Stryzinski has been OK. Moss is a weapon on punt returns, and Carter might be a find on kickoffs.
Key decision: None, really, unless K Olindo Mare, a Mike Westhoff favorite, leaves Miami.
COACHES
Herman Edwards is going nowhere. Offensive coordinator Paul Hackett is tied to Pennington and thus is safe. Defensive coordinator Ted Cottrell, whose defense has regressed, is under fire and could fall victim to an offseason purge, as could DL coach Rubin Carter and DBs coach Bill Bradley. Edwards, more a good cop, needs some stern lieutenants as position coaches to be bad cops.