New York Jets: 4 internal free agents to keep and 4 to let walk away
By Ed Stein
Number 4
Go – Demaryius Thomas WR, UFA (32, $2.96M)
He has four Pro Bowl appearances and a Super Bowl Championship on his resume. Those, however, came when he was in his prime. Over the past three years, Demarius Thomas has been a serviceable receiver, just not the weapon he was for the Peyton Manning-led Broncos of the mid-2010s. After Quincy Enunwa suffered a season-ending injury in the opening game, Gang Green was able to get Thomas from New England for a sixth-round draft pick.
The fact that the New York Jets were his fourth team since October 2018 should say something about Thomas’ diminishing skills. Additionally, his season ended prematurely with injuries in both 2018 and 2019. Even if they are short of able-bodied receivers at this point, the Jets can get more bang-for-the-buck using their money elsewhere.
Stay – Tom Compton G/T, UFA (31, $1.6M)
The case for keeping Tom Compton with the New York Jets isn’t a lengthy one. He isn’t a bad player, but Compton isn’t that good either. He is exactly what the Jets signed him last offseason to be. A decent offensive lineman who they could plug into several different positions to fill in where necessary.
Due to injuries and other circumstances late in the season, Compton was forced into a starting role that was a bit over his head. As a limited play backup, Compton is the kind of offensive lineman every team needs. He won’t cost much to resign and already knows the offense.