The acquisition of running back Frank Gore should fit like a glove.
It was another good pickup for rising Jets GM Joe Douglas, but there still is some room in the cupboard for more.
It is still about adding some more veteran pieces. If the Jets can tack on some appropriate vets, the salivating playoff prediction has a good chance to be a solid reality.
If he continues to perform like he can at 37, Gore is a tight fit and should be a motivator.
Gore is the consummate pro and great locker room presence the Jets could use. He still had a career-low 599 yards last year when he was in a semi-regular role.
More importantly, Gore can push Le’Veon Bell and be a mentor.
He also can be a good role model for rookie La’Mical Perine, who the Jets expect to contribute.
The running back picture may get a little clearer.
The Jets should also bring back the versatile Ty Montgomery. Last season, he had trouble getting enough playing time at either wide receiver or running back.
Gore’s signing, and Perine’s drafting, could likely also signal the end of Montgomery’s tenure.
The same for Bilal Powell.
Powell certainly would be a welcomed addition also for his versatility, but his constant injuries have finally derailed off the Jets’ track and into free agency.
Return specialist Trent Cannon may get more carries this season. Jeff Smith, Kenneth Dixon, and/or Josh Adams will need to win jobs via special teams.
The unit of Bell, Gore, Perine, Montgomery, and Cannon appear to be solid on paper.
But Gore’s addition didn’t save the week.
Instead, wide receiver Quincy Enunwa’s days as a Jet or a player could be over.
Enunwa was the unknown factor this season due to his recurring neck injury. He was grounded again when the Jets placed him on the PUP (physically unable to perform) list.
They also lost fellow receiver Josh Bellamy as a PUP entrant. Like the running game, the Jets thought they had some depth with Enunwa, Jamison, Crowder, and Breshad Perriman as an effective trifecta.
Current roster inhabitants include Braxton Berrios, Josh Doctson, Josh Malone, Keff Smith, Lawrence Cager, George Campbell, and Jehu Chesson.
Do you have them all duel it out for a couple roster spots in August? Or do you re-sign free agent Demaryius Thomas?
Or do you scour the free-agent market?
New England quickly scooped up free agent Marquise Lee before he really had the chance to hit the market.
If the Jets want to add a veteran to their receiver corps, Tavon Austin should be a good addition.
The ex-Rams and later Cowboys burner is still out there, and Dallas and Tampa Bay appear to be in pursuit.
Austin can be a good fit for the Jet, or they could bring back Montgomery and make him a permanent receiver.
Douglas has received glowing grades for his early work, and they’re justified.
Yet, they’re still pieces to the puzzle he must put together.
