Could Drew Brees be joining the New York Jets?
The former New York Jets' General Manager, John Idzik built a $40 million salary cap nest egg for the franchise. He is no longer around to spend this pile of cash, but the new guy in town is reaping the benefits. Mike Maccagnan has wasted little time in dishing out owner Woody Johnson's cash. CB Darrelle Revis was stolen from the Super Bowl Champions, the New England Patriots. LB David Harris and CB Antonio Cromartie were brought back into the fold. S Marcus Gilchrist came over from the San Diego Chargers and OT Willie Colon is back on a one year deal. WR Brandon Marshall cost only a fifth round draft pick in a deal with the Chicago Bears.
Brian Costello, NYPost:
Jets general manager Mike Maccagnan took a break from signing free agents and swinging trades to attend Oregon’s Pro Day on Thursday to scout quarterback Marcus Mariota.
Mariota had an underwhelming performance in front of representatives from most of the teams in the NFL. He hit his receiver on 60 of 67 overall throws, but never looked comfortable.
As for the New Orleans Saints, they are in their most extreme makeover in a decade.
Jeff Duncan, NOLA:
The Saints weren't kidding when they said they wouldn't just patch a few holes on the roster this offseason. They're backing up those words with action. A lot of it.
In the past week, they've traded two starters, cut two more, signed four guys and asked three others to take pay cuts. Friday morning, the Saints released much-maligned defensive back Corey White, traded promising wideout Kenny Stills to Miami and signed free-agent running back C.J. Spiller from Buffalo.
They are still taking offers for every player on the roster other than QB Drew Brees and WR Brandin Cooks.
Drew Brees carries an $18.75 million salary cut hit for 2015. For 2016 and 2017, the price jumps to $26.4 million. The Saints obviously want to shake the complacency out of the organization. What better way to change the direction of the franchise than by cutting ties with the past?
Former Saints LB Curtis Lofton said the 2014 Saints "did not come together as a team." "I think we struggled with some leadership positions (in 2014)," head coach Sean Payton said.
I would suggest New York Jets' General Manager Mike Maccagnan give the New Orleans Saints' GM Mickey Loomis a call. Why not offer the Saints the sixth pick in the 2015 draft, 2015 second round pick, QB Geno Smith, and a 2016 first round pick? This would allow the New Orleans Saints to choose at: nos. 6, 13, 31, 37 and 44.
The New Orleans Saints would be out from under that albatross that is the NFL salary cap. The Jets would no longer in be hidden in the middle of the newspaper, and the AFC East will finally have a pennant race.
Paul Murphy is a freelance writer from New Hampshire.
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