Team CEO Woody Johnson met with a small group of reporters today at the NFL owners meetings in Orlando, FL and repeated a message GM John Idzik has preached for more than a year.
"We're always looking to make the team better. It's not like we're not looking at every single player that's available — we are," said Johnson, who referenced the Jets re-signing of seven players in addition to the market acquisitions of WR Eric Decker and RT Breno Giacomini. "We're trying to make decisions that help the team — help the team now and down the road. So I think we've done a good job in that. We've been disciplined. We know what we're looking for. Sustainable success. That's what we want."
Idzik has set himself up with financial flexibility as OvertheCap.com has the Jets currently $34 million under the salary cap. And then following free agency, the Green & White could have as many as 12 draft picks in the upcoming 2014 NFL Draft. While Decker should give the offense a boost, Johnson was asked if his club would have interest in trading for Eagles weapon Desean Jackson.
"We are looking at a number of players, including DeSean. He's a very good player and we're looking at a number of them," he said. "A trade is not our primary operating motif right now. We're trying to build through the draft. Building through the draft is the way to build a successful team long-term."
The Jets started the weekend with a pair of moves at the quarterback position as veteran Michael Vick was brought in to push Geno Smith.
"We have a lot of hope for Geno. Geno started last year and had a few little injuries at training camp that slowed him down," Johnson said. "But the coaches are confident in him more importantly. He has a demeanor and an attitude. He was very welcoming of Michael Vick. I thought that was great like, 'You couldn't get anybody better to back me up.' I'm sure Vick probably feels the same way in reverse."
After five seasons with the Jets, Mark Sanchez was released Friday. Johnson was thankful today for his contributions as the Jets advanced to two AFC Championship tilts with Sanchez at the offensive controls.
"We really appreciate what Mark did," he said. "We had two extremely exciting years with Mark. Mark was always a positive influence on the team, a great person. I respect him and his family. Just appreciate everything he did for us."
Since Vick experienced a lot of success with current Jets offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg in Philadelphia, a lot of people speculated that a reunion in New York would be a good fit.
"That was a name that right at the beginning looked like it was a possibility. We're trying to make the team better," Johnson said. "I don't really hold any emotional feelings other than I want to serve the fans and give them a winning team. I want to do that on a sustainable basis and make good decisions."
