The New York Jets are suddenly crowded at the running back rotation. The position has been an area of struggle for the team over the past two seasons which has hurt Geno Smith and the offense's ability to remain balanced. However, that will not be the case in 2015 as head coach Todd Bowles made several upgrades during the offseason. Chris Johnson is gone while Stevan Ridley and Zac Stacy enter. So what does that mean for Chris Ivory and Bilal Powell?
According to Bleacher Report, Powell is at risk of getting released before the season starts. The Jets could be very comfortable entering the season with three backs which means someone gets cut. Powell has been a mixed bag since being with the Jets and is currently a $2 million salary cap hit in 2015. That does not look good for his future with the team. Powell is a speedy back with solid pass-catching abilities. If he can carve out a Darren Sproles-type role with the Jets he stands a chance at remaining with the team.
The New York Post reports that originally Ridley and Irvory were expected to carry the rushing load. Both backs are downfield rushers that thrive on contract. However, the addition of Stacy throws a new fold into the plan. Bowles made it clear the team did not sign Stacy because they had doubts regarding the health of everyone else, but he does stand a chance at winning the starting job.
A crowded running back group is not an issue for the Jets. Instead it is welcomed considering the issues of the past. The same can be said for the quarterback position as Geno Smith, Ryan Fitzpatrick and Bryce Petty battle to start. The New York Daily News reports that Smith will get the first-team reps until Fitzpatrick is fully healthy. Meanwhile, Petty is looking more like a project as he reportedly struggled in rookie mini-camp.
With a new head coach general manager in place, veterans are on watch for the Jets. Bleacher Report also named Jeremly Kerley as a player that is currently on notice. The Jets traded for Brandon Marshall while drafting Devin Smith. If the rookie continues to excel, Kerley could see a fall from grace. The wide receiver will not be released considering he has $2.4 million in guaranteed money assigned to his name, but he is not guaranteed to start.
