By Stephen Levitt ’22, Sports Writer

Jets Make a Big Splash in the 2019 Offseason

The New York Jets started their significant offseason by entering in the Le’Veon Bell sweepstakes. After sitting out of the 2018 NFL season with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Le’Veon Bell was the headliner of free agency. Bell seemed to flirt with many teams this offseason and was very active on social media during his free agency. On March 12th, Ian Rapoport tweeted that Bell would either be signing with the Baltimore Ravens or the New York Jets. The Jets then gave Le’veon Bell a 12 AM March 13th deadline, the same time Bell planned on releasing his album “Life’s a Gamble.” Many people expected Bell to reveal his team in his album, but Adam Schefter tweeted at 9:24 PM on March 12th that Bell would sign a 4 year, $52.5 million contract with the Jets. In addition to Bell, the Jets also picked up a phenomenal defensive player in C.J. Mosley, former ILB for the Baltimore Ravens. Mosley, a 4 time pro-bowler, signed a 5 year $85 million contract with the Jets. Mosley was instrumental to Baltimore’s impressive defense and should prove to be worth his massive contract. In addition to their impressive pickups in the offseason, the Jets introduced their new jerseys. (pictured to the left) Although not loved by all, their new jerseys are a big statement to cap off a successful offseason for the New York Jets Organization.

Giants Suffer Through an Offseason of Loss in Hopes of a Strong 2019 Draft

Over the course of the offseason the Giants lost many talented players including star wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr.. Dave Gettleman, New York Giants general manager, traded away Beckham Jr. to the Cleveland Browns in exchange for a 1st round pick (17th overall), a third round pick (95th overall,), and former Cleveland safety Jabrill Peppers. In addition to the loss of Odell Beckham Jr., the Giants also traded away star defensive end Olivier Vernon to the Cleveland Browns in exchange for offensive guard Kevin Zeitler, who fills an important role in the Giants offensive line. Another key defensive loss was all-pro safety Landon Collins, who signed with division rival, the Washington Redskins, for $84 million over 6 years. After these puzzling offseason moves, Gettleman stated he and the organization have a plan for the future of the team. For the 2019 NFL draft, the Giants hold 2 draft picks, including the 6th and 17th overall pick, which prompts us to ask, is this the time for Giants to replace franchise Quarterback Eli Manning and start planning for the future?

Other Big Moves of the NFL Offseason:

Browns form super-team: The Cleveland Browns gained star WR Odell Beckham Jr. and defensive end Olivier Vernon from the New York Giants while also signing Kareem Hunt, former Chiefs RB. These acquisitions could help people quickly forget the Cleveland Browns history of miserable football, and help build a Super Bowl team behind Baker Mayfield, the 1st overall pick of the 2018 NFL Draft and their extremely talented roster.

Raiders steal AB from Steelers: The Pittsburgh Steelers traded Antonio Brown to the Oakland Raiders in exchange for a third and fifth round pick in the 2019 NFL draft. This trade goes down as one of the most lopsided trades in NFL history and the Oakland Raiders are looking in shape to impress next year.

Nick Foles signs mega-deal: Nick Foles, who led the 2017-2018 Eagles to their first ever Super Bowl win against the Patriots, will sign with the Jacksonville Jaguars for $88 million over 4 years. The Jaguars hope Foles can help them get back to the playoffs after an underachieving year in 2018.

Earl Thomas signs with the Ravens: Earl Thomas former Seattle Seahawks safety signed with the Baltimore Ravens for $55 million over 4 years. The Ravens organization hopes the 3-time all-pro safety will be able to help the always impressive Ravens defense after losing key defensive players this offseason.

Highly regarded Tyrann Mathieu signs with Chiefs: Former Houston Texans safety, Tyrann Mathieu signed a $42 million contract for 3 years with Kansas City Chiefs. Mathieu could give a big boost to the Chiefs defense which could be heading to a Super Bowl behind the arm of Patrick Mahomes.