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Who Should Stay and Who Should Go For New York Jets: Linebackers

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By @GregSulik

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The front seven is generally regarded as the strength of the New York Jets, but the linebacking corps has had some struggles over the last couple seasons. With a couple aging vets mixed with still developing youngsters, the Jets need to make some significant moves towards upgrading the linebackers this offseason.

The biggest internal decision the Jets will make this offseason will be regarding inside linebacker David Harris, an eight year veteran who has had a fantastic career for the team. Harris led the Jets in tackles for the sixth time in his career this season, and he can still play at a high level (for a full breakdown on why Harris should stay, click here). However, the Jets have the right to be concerned about committing to a 31 year old middle linebacker.

Look for both sides to try to get a deal done, but it will only happen if Harris is reasonable on his financial requirements. The Jets don’t want to lose Harris’ leadership abilities and locker room presence or his abilities as a player, and they should make sure that Harris finishes his career in New York.

Next to Harris, Demario Davis didn’t take the huge leap forward the Jets were hoping for in his third season. Davis had the best season of his career with 116 tackles, 3.5 sacks, five pass deflections and two forced fumbles. However, he hasn’t become the dominant linebacker his athleticism indicates he could be. The Jets would like to see Davis improve his coverage abilities and become more complete. Davis has matured into an important leader in the locker room and a very good player, but the Jets will be expecting him to become great next season.

Outside linebacker is a big problem for the Jets right now. Calvin Pace and Quinton Coples combined for 11.5 sacks, but they are far from the dominant pass rushers the Jets need. Pace is under contract through next season, but it would only cost $125,000 against the cap to release him. He has been a solid player for the Jets over the last seven years, but it is time to go in a younger direction and look for greater impact. Pace’s fate would certainly be sealed by a switch to a 4-3, a scheme for which he is a poor fit. Of course, we also won’t know what type of linebacker the Jets will be looking for as a replacement until a new coach is hired.

On the other side, Coples recorded a career high 6.5 sacks but still hasn’t lived up to his first round draft status. He is a useful player, but he is nothing close to the type of pass rusher that scares defense. Coples only has one year left on his contract, so next season is going to be his last chance to prove himself in New York. However, he would be the biggest beneficiary of a switch to a 4-3 defense, the preferred scheme of top coaching candidates Doug Marrone and Dan Quinn. Don’t write off Coples just yet, because he still has the talent to become an impact player.

The Jets have a number of reserve linebackers, but none of them are anything to write home about. On the inside, Nick Bellore is a quality special teamer, but the Jets need to add another inside backer in the draft to groom as Harris’ replacement. On the outside, rookies Trevor Reilly and IK Enemkpali look like they could stick as special teamers, but a switch to a 4-3 could prove challenging for them. Finally, Jermaine Cunningham is an unrestricted free agent, and his recent arrest should end his time with the Jets.

The big theme of the offseason at the linebacker position will be youth, as the Jets need to replace Pace and find Harris’ successor. If they stay in a 3-4, adding a top pass rusher is essential, while a quality coverage linebacker would be a necessity for a move to a 4-3. For now, the major storyline is Harris’ situation, but there will likely also be at least one major addition on the outside.

Greg Sulik is a New York Jets writer for Rant Sports. Follow him on Twitter @GregSulik or add him to your network on Google

Previously: Quarterbacks, Running Backs, Wide Receivers, Tight Ends,Offensive Line, Defensive Line

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