New York Jets: Isaiah Crowell in on a three-year deal
The New York Jets have reportedly agreed to a three-year deal with running back Isaiah Crowell.
The New York Jets have finally made a move in the free agent market. I’m not sure how I feel on this one, will be curious to hear fans thoughts on this:
Isaiah Crowell intends to sign a 3-year deal with the NY Jets, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 13, 2018
I agree with Rich Cimini that the Jets needed another back. There is a big hole in the backfield with Matt Forte hanging up his cleats and calling it a career. However, is this the right guy to fill the shoes? That’s not an easy answer.
He’s very young which is good. Crowell is only 25 years old with a lot of football ahead of him. At 5-11 190 pounds he’s not a guy that can take a ton of pounding so adding him as part of a trio would be the best way to utilize his talents. But let’s look at those talents so far in his career.
His best season came in 2016 with 952 yards and seven touchdowns. He scored eight times in his rookie year of 2014 but in no other season went over 900 yards. His career average per carry is 4.2 yards with his best also coming in 2016 (4.8). So clearly he has ability to run the rock. He also can catch the ball, averaging 24 receptions per season over his four-year career.
On the other hand, doesn’t that remind you of someone? Bilal Powell has averaged 4.4 yards per carry for his career and averages 27 receptions per season. He is also 5-11 and only marginally bigger at 204 pounds. To me that would make Isaiah Crowell a poor man’s Bilal Powell. If they are trying to create an effective trio, why would you want two guys that are very similar? Wouldn’t contrast be the order of the day? They should be looking for a bruiser to counteract Bilal Powell and his speed.
Now will he be useless? Of course not. Todd Bowles and Jeremy Bates will find a role for him. Isaiah Crowell will be a contributor for this team. However, is he the right guy? I’m just not sure. The running back class is awfully deep. They could select someone and pay them a rookie salary and potentially get more out of them.
What do you say Jets fans?