New York Jets: Grading Joe Douglas free agent signings

Receivers (Grade: C+)

The New York Jets receiver core will beBreshad Perriman,Quincy Enunwa,Jamison Crowder, tight endChris Herndonand whoever Gang Green picks in the 2020 NFL draft.

The Jest brought in Perriman on a one-year, $8M deal. He should be a decent replacement after the team let Robby Anderson sign with Carolina earlier this month.

Perriman is similar to Anderson in the fact that he is a speedster who can take the top off a defense. However, the former Baltimore Ravens 2016 first-round pick has been considered a bust since his rookie season.

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He did end the 2019 campaign on a high note with Tampa Bay. From Weeks 13-17, Perriman recorded 506 receiving yards, caught 25-of-38 targets, and had five touchdowns. It’s easy for fans to be skeptical about whether he can continue that type of production for a full season, but Perriman himself has no doubt.

According toDennis Waszak Jr.of the Associated Press. Perriman is confident.

"“I think that was just a sneak peek of what’s to come for this season and many other seasons past this season,” the New York Jets wide receiver said. “I just feel like that was a tiny glimpse and I’m looking forward to building from that little run I had last season.”"

With Anderson’s departure and Perriman’s signing, the receiving corps strength took a hit. As an undrafted free agent, Anderson showed more promise and progress throughout his career than Perriman who was a premier pick.

It should also be noted that Darnold lost one of his top targets. Gang Green Nation had a right to be disgruntled with Anderson’s poor route running and catching ability. But chemistry, especially between the quarterback and his receivers, should never go unnoticed. The reason why not re-signing Anderson was so important is that the good relationship he had with Darnold is now gone.

Remember, after the second AFC Championship run with Mark Sanchez and former general manager, Mike Tannenbaum, replaced the majority of the receiving core? The team went from havingBraylon Edwards,Jerricho Cotchery,Dustin Keller, andSantonio Holmes(was only there for one year) to Burress,Derrick Mason,Jeremy Kerley, Keller, and Holmes. That change was one of the many reasons the Jets went 8-8 after back-to-back AFC Championship runs.

Now I know what you are all saying. “Alex, he still had two receivers from the previous year, so it should not make that much of a difference.” Well, losing two of your key receivers (Edwards and Cotchery) and replacing them with a slower Burress and a ready to retire Mason was a huge downgrade. The nuances of timing and situational football between quarterbacks and receivers is very important.

Another concern with Darnold having to develop chemistry with Perriman is also based on COVID-19. They won’t have a normal offseason to get enough reps together to develop timing and consistency. Understandably, other teams will be struggling with the same issues. However, for a developing quarterback going into his third season, to get only a few reps with his new wide receiver is not promising.

The only plus side is that Crowder andRyan Griffinwill be returning, so there is some familiarity there. I would include Enunwa and Herndon, but both players missed the entire last season with injuries.

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