New York Jets

New York Jets: The Bests and the Worst in 2016

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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Sep 1, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; New York Jets defensive tackle Leonard Williams (92) and linebacker Erin Henderson (58) react on the sideline during the second half against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. The Philadelphia Eagles won 14-6. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Every team makes its good and bad moves during the offseason. Here we take a look at how the New York Jets prepared for 2016.

The 2016 preseason is over. The league’s 97th campaign is on the horizon. Every club has hopes of reaching Super Bowl LI in Houston in early February.

Here we are reviewing and previewing all 32 teams, with a look at the top two moves by each club as well as each franchise’s biggest shortcoming this offseason.

We have been going in alphabetical order and you can get caught up right here on everything we have done to date. The previews began with the Arizona Cardinals and we are now on our 23nd team in the New York Jets. Despite a 10-6 record in 2015, the team fell short of the playoffs in Todd Bowles’ debut season as head coach of the franchise.

But what about this offseason in general. What did the team do right and do wrong the last few months? The club comes off a 1-3 preseason but now prepares for their Week 1 tilt with the Cincinnati Bengals.

Nov 29, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson (96) reacts to the crowd in the second half of the Jets 38-20 victory over the Miami Dolphins at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: William Hauser-USA TODAY Sports

Best: Re-signing DE Muhammad Wilkerson

This was one of the more surprising moves of the offseason, especially when you consider how the story unfolded until the final moments of the NFL deadline to get franchise players re-signed to long-term deals.

It appeared that talented defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson was preparing for his final season with the Jets (and he had yet to sign his one-year tender). But seemingly at the very last second, he agreed to a new five-year with the Green and White.

“(It’s) a deal that, let’s be honest, nobody really thought was going to happen considering how much the Jets have invested in the defensive tackle position, given the other talented players they have there,” said NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport back in July (via Marc Sessler of NFL.com). “Their unwillingness to step up to the plate for Wilkerson for more than a year, well, today, in pretty stunning and stealth fashion, they did all of that. You won’t be reading any more quotes about how Muhammad Wilkerson feels underappreciated.”

In five seasons, the former Temple star has totaled 36.5 sacks, 10 forced fumbles and knocked down 21 passes.

“I give my all every Sunday on the field and play with so much love and passion for the game,” stated Wilkerson on Twitter after agreeing to the new deal. “I’m thankful for everything that comes my way and proud to say I’m back on the green and white for a few more years.”

The Jets did lose outstanding nose tackle Damon Harrison to free agency, but still sport Wilkerson, Sheldon Richardson, and Leonard Williams up front. That’s a pretty fearsome trio, to say the least.

Aug 27, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets running back Matt Forte (22) rushes the ball against the New York Giants during the first quarter of the preseason game at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

Best: Signing RB Matt Forte

When the top rusher in the AFC in 2015 opts for free agency, you have to find a solution. What the New York Jets get in Matt Forte is one of the most versatile running backs in the league.

“His production speaks for itself,” said quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick to Rich Cimini of ESPN in late August. “For a guy to play at that high a level for that many years, that’s pretty incredible in this league. Just hearing stories, too, from former teammates that played with him about his work ethic, he’s been nothing but impressive since he’s been here. The way he approaches the game, I think he’ll fit in the huddle really well. He’s got a calm demeanor about him. He goes about things the right way.”

Eight years in the Windy City added up to 12,718 yards from scrimmage and 64 touchdowns, as well as a pair of Pro Bowl invitations. The Jets 2015 AFC rushing leader Chris Ivory to test free agency and he joined the Jacksonville Jaguars. Forte will team with Bilal Powell to give offensive coordinator Chan Gailey plenty of options.

We didn’t see a lot of the former Bears’ standout during the preseason, but that will change this week. Forte’s 487 career receptions is worth noting, especially for a team that has some questions at the tight end position.

And while we are on the subject…

Sep 13, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets tight end Kellen Davis (47) returns a kickoff during the first half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports

Worst: Not Finding/Drafting a Tight End

It was a position that was virtually forgotten in 2015 when it came to Todd Bowles’ team. With Jace Amaro shelved for the season, tight ends combined for eight receptions in 16 games. That’s a pretty astounding number in this day and age of the passing attack and where we have seen players at the position emerge as primary receivers.

Amaro, a second-round pick in 2014, was given his walking papers. That means the Jets’ current depth chart (via Ourlads, in order) reads Kellen Davis, Brandon Bostick, Braedon Bowman, and Brian Parker. Davis was one of the two tight ends who caught passes for New York last season, totaling three grabs for 18 yards and a touchdown.

The addition of running back Matt Forte, one of the best pass-catchers in the league, will take the sting out of the lack of talent at tight end. But you would have through that the club would have addressed the matter a little more aggressively.