Empire Writes Back
Fansided

New York Jets Lose Two More Players In Free Agency

By Kenneth Teape

facebooktwitterreddit

New York Jets Say Goodbye To John Conner, Greg Salas

The New York Jets have had an outstanding offseason, the first under the new duo of general manager Mike Maccagnan and head coach Todd Bowles. They hit it out of the park during free agency, highlighted Darrelle Revis coming back after a two-year hiatus from the team in a total revamping of the defensive secondary. Brandon Marshall highlights the moves on the offensive end, as Geno Smith or newly acquired quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick will have a bevy of weapons to spread the ball around to.

They then did extremely well in the NFL Draft, hitting on not only talent but value throughout the process. The Jets did a great job of upgrading across the board and at multiple positions, which means that players from last season’s 4-12 debacle will undoubtedly be let go for seemingly better players. Two more of those free agents found new homes, as fullback John Conner and wide receiver Greg Salas have both moved on to new teams.

Conner, who was a fifth round pick of the Jets in 2010, gained recognition for his nickname ‘The Terminator’ as one of the main focuses of HBO’s Hard Knocks that summer. He will re reuniting with Rex Ryan, as he signed with the Buffalo Bills.

Conner was released from the Jets after his first two seasons, landing with the Cincinnati Bengals and New York Giants after that. Last season he made his return to the Jets after starting fullback Tommy Bohanon broke his collarbone and was forced to the sidelines. In his career he has 27 rushes for 108 yards and two touchdowns, adding 12 receptions for 84 yards and one touchdown.

While Conner has carved out a decent career for himself based on where he was drafted, it is hard to imagine he would have much of career had Ryan not landed another coaching job, and if he hadn’t gained all of that exposure on Hard Knocks because of his nickname. Regardless, he should find a role with the Bills as he is a Rex Ryan favorite.

As for Salas, he spent the last two seasons with the Jets after starting his career with the St. Louis Rams. Much like his time with the Rams, his Jets tenure was marred by injuries, missing significant time with multiple wrist and leg injuries.

More from New York News

In 18 games with the Jets over two seasons, Salas caught 16 passes for 310 yards and zero touchdowns. He did score a touchdown on the ground this past season though, taking a handoff 20 yards to the house.

Salas will now try and keep his career going with the Detroit Lions, who signed him Wednesday as well. He will compete for a backup role behind superstar Calvin Johnson and running mate Golden Tate.

With Conner and Salas now signed to contract, there is only four of 16 players that remain free agents from the Jets roster last season, as Michael Vick, Chris Johnson, Dawan Landry and Jermaine Cunningham remain free agents.

Next: Who is the best first-round pick made by the Jets?

More from Empire Writes Back

Home/New York News