WATCH: Jets GM Joe Douglas needs to aggressively pursue star CB Jalen Ramsey
The Jets already had a concerning situation at cornerback and now it has grown even more troublesome due to recent injuries.
Starting cornerback Trumaine Johnson had an MRI for a hamstring injury and is listed as week-to-week according to ESPN's Rich Cimini, casting doubt on whether he'll be available for the season opener vs. the Bills.
Rookie Kyron Brown, who was filling the void in Johnson's absence, injured his hamstring on Monday and had to be replaced by 26-year-old journeyman Arthur Maulet, per Cimini.
With the regular season under a month away, it's imperative the front office stabilizes the position. In fact, there's a specific bold move that would make Jets fans forget all about these woes.
Jaguars star cornerback Jalen Ramsey is in a contract dispute. Ramsey will earn $3.6 million this year and $13.7 million in 2020.
While the Jaguars claim they aren't interested in listening to any deals, Jets GM Joe Douglas needs to pick up the phone and do everything in his power to explore bringing the two-time Pro Bowler to the Big Apple.
On the Bussin’ With The Boys’ podcast, the 24-year-old Ramsey entertained the possibility of playing for the Titans and Raiders.
Ramsey cited the lack of state income tax as a factor in those teams' favor. While he'd have to pay a state income tax as a member of the Jets, being in the largest market in the country would offer the kind of endorsement opportunities to offset it.
Ramsey's colorful personality and lockdown ability would make him the most beloved cornerback for Gang Green since the legendary Darrelle Revis. The trash-talking Ramsey is supremely confident and has the track record to back up his bravado.
In his three-year career, Ramsey has amassed nine interceptions, a pick-six, 169 total tackles and a forced fumble.
Ramsey would lend immediate credibility to the cornerbacks unit and significantly bolster the Jets' odds of returning to the playoffs. Ramsey is worthy of whatever price the Jaguars set. If it requires sending away a first-round pick, Douglas shouldn't blink twice.
Things have gotten so dire for the Jets that Pro Bowl safety Jamal Adams volunteered to switch positions.
"If they need me to go to corner, I'll go to corner," Adams said. "I'm dead serious."
Really noble of Adams but the Jets aren't doing that. Meanwhile, Jets coach Adam Gase is putting up a positive public front but the situation is undeniably alarming.
"This is a great opportunity for a lot of guys," Gase said. "Somebody has to step up and make a name for themselves."
Gase is saying all the right things but no one on the Jets comes close to the elite caliber of Ramsey. Acquiring Ramsey would be a seismic boon to cap off Douglas' first summer on the job. Whether a deal can be worked out remains to be seen but the Jets absolutely need to explore the possibility.
