A look at the key offseason issues for the Jets:
1. What to do at quarterback
Geno Smith gave the Jets a lot to think about in his rookie season. He excelled at times and looked lost at others. The Jets must decide if they want to bring a veteran in to compete with Smith or go with him and Matt Simms in 2014. It seems unlikely they will draft another, but you never know.
2. Mo Money
There is no question that defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson was the best player on the Jets this season. Now, it’s time for the Jets to lock him up long-term. Wilkerson should get a multi-year deal worth $10-$12 million per season.
3. Fill the skills
General manager John Idzik is going to have about $40 million in cap space to work with and probably 10 draft picks. He has use some of those resources to build an offense. The Jets need wide receivers and a tight end desperately. It won’t matter who the quarterback is if they don’t improve his targets.
4. Trim the fat
Idzik has some bloated contracts to address. The salary cap numbers of CB Antonio Cromartie ($14.9 million), QB Mark Sanchez ($13.1 million) and WR Santonio Holmes ($10.75 million) make them candidates to be cut. Holmes is a definite goner. There is a slim chance the Jets could decide to bring Sanchez back. There is a good chance they’ll bring Cromartie back at a lower price.
5. Secondary issues
The front seven of the defense showed its strength this season. Now, the Jets must bolster the secondary to have an elite defense. They could use an elite cornerback if they decide not to bring Cromartie back and they need an upgrade at safety.