How a Big Day of AFC East Acquisitions Affects the New York Jets

Published: 28^th Jul 11 8:16 pm

by Jon Presser
New York Jets Lead Columnist

2 Rants

: The Buffalo Bills signed former Jets receiver/kick returner Brad Smith on Thursday

There was a flurry of action around the AFC East on Thursday, including one ex-Jets player being snapped by a rival.

Brad Smith, the dynamic kick returner/wide receiver/wildcat quarterback/specials teams ace, has indeed played his last game as a New York Jet, as I had anticipated.

The Buffalo Bills have come to terms with Smith on a four-year deal worth $15 million, a pretty good deal for a guy like him. I wish him well as he stays in the division. Just not against us.

What it means for the Jets is that rookie receiver Jeremy Kerley out of TCU will probably take over most of Smith’s duties as a kick returner, special teamer, and perhaps even wildcat snaps. The Jets seem confident in his abilities to let Smith walk.

Meanwhile, the Miami Dolphins acquired running back Reggie Bush from the New Orleans Saints and gave him a new two-year, $10 million contract.

It likely means that free agent running backs Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams are probably on their way out of Miami, and Bush will pair up with rookie Daniel Thomas to form the new-look Miami backfield.

Bush will be an interesting player for the Jets to gameplan for. He isn’t exactly a big threat between the tackles, but he is an excellent receiver out of the backfield, and he’ll be a nice option in the passing game for Chad Henne, should he remain their starting quarterback.

It was the New England Patriots, however who made the biggest splash in the AFC East today. In addition to acquiring Albert Haynesworth from Washington, they also acquired wide receiver Chad ~~Johnson~~ Ochocinco from the Cincinnati Bengals and restructured his contract over three years.

Ochocinco has had his share of run-ins with Jets cornerback Darrelle Revis, but Revis has always had his number.

I expect the Patriots to get the most out of Haynesworth and Ochocinco, and they’re nothing to be trifled with. But quite frankly, I think the Jets match up pretty well with them. I think it’ll be a good battle.

Even with the other three AFC East teams making big moves, I feel confident that the Jets can match up with them, and anybody in the AFC. It should be fun to see the new players. Can’t wait!

Follow me on Twitter @metsjetsnets88 and @JetsReport

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