Joe Douglas
Jet X Graphic, AP Photo

When sifting through the New York Jets’ future, by way of draft assets and salary cap situation, the maneuverability becomes clear.

Robby Sabo

Ladies and gentlemen, the New York Jets’ future is loaded. I know, you, the fan, has already heard this before—too many times, in fact.

The overwhelming general sentiment: The Jets’ future is bright while the present remains bleak. Sacrificing yet another star player for future assets is just Monday for the Jets. Names such as Keyshawn Johnson, John Abraham, Darrelle Revis and now Jamal Adams bolting town—whether it was the individual player’s goal or not—forces these mega trades to feel as often as Monday.

And although these stars escaping New York have coincided with Super Bowl-less years, it’s not nearly as easy as matching up one-to-one. The Jets have qualified for as many playoff appearances (7) from 1998 through 2010 (during the period they traded away Johnson and Abraham) as they did for the first 38 seasons of play (1960-1997).

Great players are nice to have, but it’s never the end-all, be-all. This league is about drafting properly and legitimate salary-cap success—something Joe Douglas understands fully. And now, he’s put himself in a phenomenal spot to get the Jets’ future right.

2021 offseason

Draft picks:

  • Round 1
  • Round 1 (via Seahawks/Jamal Adams trade)
  • Round 2
  • Round 3
  • Round 3 (via Seahawks/Jamal Adams trade)
  • Round 4
  • Round 5
  • Round 5 (via Giants/Leonard Williams trade, will turn into a 2021 fourth-rounder if Williams re-signs prior to 2021 league year)
  • Round 6 (conditional/could be Jets, Cowboys or Patriots trade depending on conditions)
  • Round 7
  • Round 7 (conditional/Parry Nickerson trade)

This is the offseason. Some have argued all it takes is one draft to right the ship, but if Douglas nailed the 2020 NFL draft, he can simply use the 2021 version to pile on the talent.

Obviously, most of the draft capital comes from the Adams deal. Two first-rounders, a second, two thirds, a fourth (possibly two fourths), two fifths (one fifth if Leonard Williams re-signs with the Giants prior to the 2021 season, a sixth and at least one seven is the current capital owned by the Jets.

Twenty-thirteen marks the last time the Jets owned two first-round picks. Dee Milliner and Sheldon Richardson didn’t exactly work out. Prior to that, 2006 marked the time prior to that grave 2013 disappointment—the flagship draft that helped create, arguably, the best roster in the NFL from 2008-2010. D’Brickashaw Ferguson and Nick Mangold marked the last time the Jets selected a first-round offensive lineman (prior to Mekhi Becton this past virtual offseason).

Salary cap situation:


Jets X-Factor Membership
Sorry, the content stops here if you’re not a Jet X Member, not currently logged-in, or viewing from an outside source such as Google AMP or an RSS Feed where logged-in status is not possible.

Get Started with the button below to access this Jets X-Factor article and the best damn New York Jets content in the world for free (after becoming a member, search for this article near the bottom of the Membership Confirmation page):
Jets X-Factor, Get Started
Log In with the button below if you’re already a member:
Jets X-Factor, Log In
Connect with the button below if you’d like to create a free account first:
Jets X-Factor, Connect

Audio Version available to members only: Learn more here

Download Jet X Mobile on the App Store and Google Play.

Want More NY Jets News & Jets X-Factor Content?

Download the free Jet X Mobile App to get customizable notifications directly to your iOS (App Store) or Google/Android (Google Play) device.

Add Jets X-Factor to your Google News feed to stay up to date with the New York Jets.

Follow us on Twitter @jetsxfactor for all the latest New York Jets news, Facebook for even more, Instagram for some of the top NY Jets images, and YouTube for original Jets X-Factor videos.

Join the official Jets Discord community to connect with likeminded fans.

Robby Sabo is a co-founder, developer and credentialed New York Jets content creator for Jets X-Factor | Jet X, which includes Sabo's Sessions (in-depth film breakdowns) and Sabo with the Jets. Host: Underdog Jets Podcast with Wayne Chrebet and Sabo Radio. Member: Pro Football Writers of America. Coach: Port Jervis (NY) High School. Washed up strong safety and 400M runner. Founder: Elite Sports NY - ESNY (sold in 2020). SEO: XLM Email: robby.sabo[at]jetsxfactor.com
0 0 votes
Article Rating
Subscribe
Notify of
1 Comment
Newest
Oldest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
JPWaxer
JPWaxer
3 years ago

Thanks for listing the 1st tier FA’s for next year…who are the 2nd tier more likely to be in the Douglas wheelhouse?