3 NFL GMs That Made Smart Moves in Free Agency
Jan 31, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, New York Giants general manager Mike Maccagnan on the red carpet prior to the NFL Honors award ceremony at Symphony Hall. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
1. Mike Maccagnan, New York Jets
First year general manager, Mike Maccagnan, has taken the Jets and New York by storm. To be honest, I cannot remember another time that a 4-12 team made this many moves in hopes of quickly improving. It appears that Maccagnan wanted to attack the Jets biggest area of weakness in 2014 (their secondary), and quickly make it a strength.
By adding former Jets, Darrelle Revis, and Antonio Cromartie, in addition to Buster Skrine, and Marcus Gilchrist the Jets now have at least a top five secondary. Their defense was already talented, now it is great. Still Maccagnan’s renovation job did not stop there, as he also managed to improve the Jets offensive line by signing James Carpenter, this after trading for superstar, Brandon Marshall.
The pickup of Ryan Fitzpatrick may not be flashy, but he is surely an upgrade over Geno Smith, which is about all you can ask for when choosing from such a pedestrian free agent, quarterback, market.
All these signings being injunction to Maccagnan re-signing his own players, namely David Harris, and Bilal Powell. Maccagnan still has much work ahead of him, if he hopes to make the Jets a true contender. Nevertheless, the Jets were 4-12 last season; great improvement is needed, and expected, but it won’t happen over night.