Reaction: Jets should've kept Keller
March, 15, 2013
Mar 15
12:43
PM ET
By
Rich Cimini | ESPNNewYork.com
Some quick thoughts on the Jets' latest defection -- TE Dustin Keller leaving to take his talents to South Beach for a one-year contract with the Dolphins:
QUESTIONABLE MOVE: I can understand why the Jets let RB Shonn Greene, S LaRon Landry, S Yeremiah Bell and, to a lesser extent, DT Mike DeVito walk out the door, but this Keller situation puzzles me. He's only 28, still in his prime. He's a pass-catching tight end whose skills would've translated nicely into Marty Mornhinweg's West Coast system. He probably didn't break the bank with the Dolphins (guessing around $3 million), so the cost wouldn't have been prohibitive. It's not like they have no cap space; the latest estimate is about $14 million under the cap. It seems that new GM John Idzik has it in his mind that he has to strip down the entire operation.
TOUGH MARKET: Obviously, Keller wanted a long-term deal, but he was undermined by two factors: The tight end market dried up quickly, and his value took a hit because he missed eight games last season due to hamstring and ankle injuries. The durability question is bogus because he didn't miss a game in his first four seasons. He got unlucky at the worst time. Stuff happens. At the end of the season, he talked about not wanting the franchise tag because it afforded no long-term security. As it turned out, he got a scaled-down version of a franchise tag.
NOW WHAT?: The Jets' starting tight end will be Jeff Cumberland, a restricted free agent who received the low tender ($1.3 million). This is troubling. He played in 55 percent of the offensive snaps last season, finishing with 29 catches for 359 yards and three touchdowns -- all career highs. He has the athletic ability, but I wonder if he has the route-running discipline to thrive in a West Coast offense. He doesn't have the same rapport with QB Mark Sanchez that Keller did.
MIAMI NICE: Well, say this for the Dolphins: They're winning the offseason. Of course, that doesn't mean anything. Remember the "Dream Team" Eagles of two years ago? That said, I think Keller will be a good pick-up for them. Coach Joe Philbin employs a West Coast attack, and Keller will give them more in the passing game than his predecessor, Anthony Fasano (Chiefs). Because he's on a one-year contract, Keller will be highly motivated in advance of another bite at free agency.
QUESTIONABLE MOVE: I can understand why the Jets let RB Shonn Greene, S LaRon Landry, S Yeremiah Bell and, to a lesser extent, DT Mike DeVito walk out the door, but this Keller situation puzzles me. He's only 28, still in his prime. He's a pass-catching tight end whose skills would've translated nicely into Marty Mornhinweg's West Coast system. He probably didn't break the bank with the Dolphins (guessing around $3 million), so the cost wouldn't have been prohibitive. It's not like they have no cap space; the latest estimate is about $14 million under the cap. It seems that new GM John Idzik has it in his mind that he has to strip down the entire operation.
TOUGH MARKET: Obviously, Keller wanted a long-term deal, but he was undermined by two factors: The tight end market dried up quickly, and his value took a hit because he missed eight games last season due to hamstring and ankle injuries. The durability question is bogus because he didn't miss a game in his first four seasons. He got unlucky at the worst time. Stuff happens. At the end of the season, he talked about not wanting the franchise tag because it afforded no long-term security. As it turned out, he got a scaled-down version of a franchise tag.
NOW WHAT?: The Jets' starting tight end will be Jeff Cumberland, a restricted free agent who received the low tender ($1.3 million). This is troubling. He played in 55 percent of the offensive snaps last season, finishing with 29 catches for 359 yards and three touchdowns -- all career highs. He has the athletic ability, but I wonder if he has the route-running discipline to thrive in a West Coast offense. He doesn't have the same rapport with QB Mark Sanchez that Keller did.
MIAMI NICE: Well, say this for the Dolphins: They're winning the offseason. Of course, that doesn't mean anything. Remember the "Dream Team" Eagles of two years ago? That said, I think Keller will be a good pick-up for them. Coach Joe Philbin employs a West Coast attack, and Keller will give them more in the passing game than his predecessor, Anthony Fasano (Chiefs). Because he's on a one-year contract, Keller will be highly motivated in advance of another bite at free agency.

- RichCimini Rich Cimini
Rookie RB Miguel Maysonet, formerly of @stonybrooku, is headed to the #Browns. http://t.co/khsvflJ4Kd
about 2 hours ago
- RichCimini Rich Cimini

- RichCimini Rich Cimini
Legal process starts: Mike Goodson to plead not guilty to drug, weapons charges. Told Idzik it wasn't his gun. #Jets http://t.co/5lVbiSVAfo
about 2 hours ago
- RichCimini Rich Cimini

- RichCimini Rich Cimini
Former Stony Brook RB Miguel Maysonet, cut yesterday by Eagles, was claimed on waivers by the Browns, per source.
about 6 hours ago
- RichCimini Rich Cimini

- RichCimini Rich Cimini
Mike Goodson will plead not guilty on drug, gun charges tomorrow at arraignment, per atty. MG told #Jets officials gun in SUV wasn't his.
about 7 hours ago
- RichCimini Rich Cimini

- RichCimini Rich Cimini
Mike Goodson's pre-indictment conference is set for June 12 in Morris County Superior Court, according to court. Middle of #Jets minicamp.
about 13 hours ago
- RichCimini Rich Cimini

- RichCimini Rich Cimini
RT @RothenbergESPN: #Rothenbergfollowthon is trending locally! KEEP IT UP! @alanhahn @RyanRuocco @DonLagreca @PatrickMcEnroe @RichCimini …
1 day ago
- RichCimini Rich Cimini

- RichCimini Rich Cimini
Let's help out Dave and get him over 4,000 followers. RT @RothenbergESPN less than 100 to go! @alanhahn @ESPNNY98_7FM #Rothenbergfollowthon
1 day ago
- RichCimini Rich Cimini

- RichCimini Rich Cimini
The latest on #Jets RB Mike Goodson, including a "super" quote from owner Woody Johnson. http://t.co/4TJ4YoGijP
1 day ago
- RichCimini Rich Cimini

- RichCimini Rich Cimini
In Florham Pk: Goodson shows up, doesn't practice, meets w/ team officials. Boston: Woody says #Jets live by "truth, justice, American way."
1 day ago
- RichCimini Rich Cimini

- RichCimini Rich Cimini
From NFL meetings in Boston RT @MikeGarafolo Woody says the Jets are all about "truth, justice and the American way." #Superman
1 day ago
- RichCimini Rich Cimini

- RichCimini Rich Cimini
RT @MikeGarafolo: Woody Johnson says the Jets are in fact-gathering mode on Mike Goodson.
1 day ago
- RichCimini Rich Cimini

- RichCimini Rich Cimini
RB Mike Goodson, arrested last wk on drugs/weapon charges, showed up for Jets 1st OTA today (voluntary). But isn't practicing. #Jets
1 day ago
- RichCimini Rich Cimini

- RichCimini Rich Cimini
Former Stony Brook star Miguel Maysonet may have been victim of coach/front office disagreement in Philly. #Eagles http://t.co/RB3VO9K4Rn
1 day ago
- RichCimini Rich Cimini

- RichCimini Rich Cimini
The @Eagles make it official, waive former Stony Brook RB Miguel Maysonet. A head scratcher. @SBAthletics
1 day ago
- RichCimini Rich Cimini

- RichCimini Rich Cimini
David Garrard tells @SI_PeterKing that much of cartilage in balky knee is gone, creating bone-on-bone pain. Unable to jog most days. #Jets
1 day ago
- RichCimini Rich Cimini

- RichCimini Rich Cimini
#Jets QB Geno Smith, guest on SiriusXM, said he's "pretty close" to hiring a new agent.
2 days ago
- RichCimini Rich Cimini

- RichCimini Rich Cimini
This is a surprise: Eagles are expected to waive RB Miguel Maysonet of @stonybrooku, per @caplannfl.
2 days ago
- RichCimini Rich Cimini

- RichCimini Rich Cimini
Following up on QB Brian Hoyer: The #Jets didn't show interest before he signed with the Browns, per source.
2 days ago
- RichCimini Rich Cimini

- RichCimini Rich Cimini
For those who want Idzik to cut Goodson asap to send message: He's deliberate on big decisions, i.e Revis, Tebow. Figures to do same here.
2 days ago
- RichCimini Rich Cimini

- RichCimini Rich Cimini
Idzik's interest in QB market, post-Garrard, shows he's not content with Sanchez/Smith. He wants options. Hardly a vote of conf for Sanchez.
2 days ago
- RichCimini Rich Cimini





TWITTER


You must be signed in to post a comment