Halloween is traditionally associated with costumes, candy, and the occasional scare. It’s a great time for kids and families alike. Unless you’re a general manager in the NFL. So instead of ghosts, goblins, and ghouls scarring you, managing the Trade Deadline brings its horrors. The NFL Trade Deadline was on Halloween. After the clock strikes 4:00 EST, Teams are no longer allowed to execute trades for the remainder of the league year. This day gives front offices one last-ditch effort to drastically improve their roster with playoff implications on the line. For New York Jets general manager Joe Douglas, it was a rather quiet trade deadline. The only trade he executed before the deadline was sending Mecole Hardman back to Kansas City. Nonetheless, The team is riding a way of positive momentum during a three-game winning streak. However, he was able to help the roster by other means.
A Quiet Trade Deadline Led to Help for Jets
Many expected the New York Jets to falter this year after Aaron Rodgers got injured during week one against Buffalo. Odds makers sent the playoff odds plummeting once the Achilles injury became public knowledge. Fortunately, the team persevered to earn a winning record before November at 4-3. Their defense has continued to lead the way for New York, stepping up to a murderer’s row of talented quarterbacks between Josh Allen, Dak Prescott, Patrick Mahomes, Russell Wilson, and Jalen Hurts. The offense is still figuring it out, but Garrett Wilson continues to shine and Breece Hall has completely recovered from his torn ACL last year. Even Zach Wilson has had his bright spots. While not the star many first hoped he would be, he’s taken the challenge in stride. In his last 170 throws, Zach Wilson has thrown only one interception to three touchdown passes.
Some were hoping the winning streak would lead to the team pulling off a big trade. Joe Douglas reportedly attempted to acquire either Mike Evans or Davante Adams. However, neither the Raiders nor Buccaneers made either player available. Fans desired Davante Adams because of his skill set, his history with Aaron Rodgers, and his knowledge of Nathaniel Hackett’s offense. While it would have been nice to pull off the big deal, that doesn’t mean the Jets aren’t getting some help.
Offensive Line help is coming
Outside of wide receiver, the offensive line remained a massive need. The Jets’ offensive line has looked much better this year, but their depth continues to be tested. Veteran tackle Duane Brown was on the IR after the Cowboys game. The team lost Alijah Vera-Tucker to a season-ending injury for the second year in a row. Joe Tippmann was banged up. Both Connor McGovern and Wes Schweitzer went on IR after the Giants win.
When the four o’clock deadline passed, fans were understandably disappointed no trade happened. Their concerns for the line were justified considering the injuries. One game out of the AFC East, many wanted to see New York close the gap between them and Miami on paper. However, that doesn’t mean the team got worse.
It was reported shortly after the deadline that the Jets would make two free-agent signings. Veteran offensive guard Rodger Saffold was signed to the practice squad and Dennis Kelly signed to the active roster. Saffold has been in the league since 2010 after being a 2nd round pick for the Rams in 2010. He’s been regarded as one of the better offensive guards in the league during the previous decade. Saffold made the Pro Bowl twice in his career and was second-team All-Pro in 2017. He’s played for the St Louis/Los Angeles Rams, the Tennessee Titans, and most recently the Buffalo Bills throughout his career.
Dennis Kelly has over a decade’s worth of experience in the league. Drafted in the 5th round in the 2012 NFL Draft, Kelly has played for the Philadelphia Eagles, Tennessee Titans, Green Bay Packers, and Indianapolis Colts respectively. He’s primarily played right tackle for the majority of his career but has started at left tackle as well.
How does Kelly and Saffold help?
Are they the most exciting and talented additions they could have made? Of course not. Fans are disgruntled after seeing the Jaguars trade for Ezra Cleveland and felt Joe Douglas could have done something similar. One reason for this is the injury report has come back in the Jets’ favor. Both McGovern and Schweitzer are expected to be back this season and Duane Brown and Joe Tipmann are both nearing a return.
Instead, Joe Douglas opted for familiarity and veteran leadership. Saffold and Kelly are both familiar with the coaching staff thanks to playing for offensive line coach Keith Carter in Tennessee. Nathaniel Hackett was on the staff in Green Bay with Dennis Kelly as well. Their presence and experiences make for a depth of knowledge a young offensive line can learn from. The prospect of Joe Tippmann learning from a veteran of Saffold’s status is very exciting for his long-term outlook. It’s not perfect, but it’s enough help to prevent utter disaster. The team is in a very good spot right now in the midst of this three-game winning streak. In addition, if the reports of Rodgers’ continued strides in his rehab are true; then it can get even better come December.
Main Photo: [Tom Horak] – USA Today Sports
