Jets Given GM Tannenbaum. Head Coach Mangini Guaranteed Extensions through 2009

Owner Woody Johnson came out and said that both of them would keep their jobs through to the end of 2009 season no matter how next season pans out. In a very farsighted move, he says that it takes more than one season to build... but I suppose the magic number is two. 

This organization is doomed. Other than the fact that they play in the same division as the Buffalo Bills, who I think could surprise next year, and the always challenging New England Patriots, and the possibility that two years from now the Dolphins could be a challenge (maybe...)... Let's take a look at their free agent signings:

Kris Jenkins (28, DT)

Alan Faneca (31, LG)

Calvin Pace (27, OLB)

Jesse Chatman (28, RB)

Tony Richardson (36, RB)

Damien Woody (30, RT)

Bubba Franks (30, TE)

To this list we add the 3 or 4 competent starters that they might unearth in this draft and the next one. I'm not saying more players won't emerge, but they'll take longer than two seasons. 

This, plus their current roster, is not a winning team. I firmly believe that Faneca fixes the left side of their line for the next two seasons, but that Damien Woody is going to be a huge bust at RT. So they won't really have an elite O-line. Calvin Pace is probably a bust. Jesse Chatman will be excellent when paired with Thomas Jones, Tony Richardson is way too old, Bubba Franks is a backup, and Kris Jenkins is a big question mark as to how he will perform at nose tackle in a 3-4. 

So let's look at the situation position by position

QB - They're in lots of trouble here, and there is no chance of them getting anything more than a caretaker QB over the next two seasons

HB - Pretty stacked, actually

FB - It's possible that Richardson could keep it together over the next two seasons, but to me he seems like the kind of player that just suddenly drops off the map due to age.

O - line - Has questions on the right side, could maybe be addressed through the draft. 

WR - They guaranteed Coles' last two years to keep him happy, but could really use a solid #2 recievers, Cotchery will be okay though

TE - Chris Baker is serviceable, Bubba Franks is good depth

D-line - Shaun Ellis is a good end, although they need to address the spot opposite him. It's a big question as to whether Kris Jenkins will be able to perform at nose tackle, which will determine the whole success of their scheme. 

MLB - Probably doing okay here, especially with David Harris

OLB - Need some impact pass rushers and play makers, Calvin Pace will not be that man

FS - Kerry Rhodes is a solid, and underpaid, player

SS - There has been little talk about how they will address the departure of the solid, if unspectacular, Erik Coleman

CB - Darelle Revis will be the #1 corner, but Andre Dyson might need an upgrade

Overall, this is, at best, a wild-card team. They really aren't elite or going to be elite anytime soon, and there is very real risk that by the time they address those previous needs their older Free Agents (such as Alan Faneca and Kris Jenkins) will no longer be effective. 

Don't get your hopes up Jets. It's going to be some long years at the Meadowlands.