The Jets enter the second half of the season staring at a true crossroads. There are questions about nearly every area of the team — from the management to the quarterbacks to Rex Ryan’s beloved defense.
Whatever happens over the next eight games will have a major impact on the future. Chances are, the 2013 Jets are going to look much different from this group.
The Jets have some major offseason decisions to make. At 3-5, the team is searching for answers. Whether or not they find them may determine the future of several men with the team.
Here is a look at some of the major offseason decisions that hinge on how the team fares and who definitely will be back, who definitely will be gone and whose future rests on the remainder of the season:
MANAGEMENT
Mike Tannebaum
The general manager is in his seventh season. After building a strong team, Tannenbaum’s roster is not as talented now as it was two years ago. Owner Woody Johnson has not praised Tannenbaum publicly in recent months like he has Ryan. He could be gone if the Jets miss the playoffs.
2013: Up in the air.
Rex Ryan
The blustery head coach was just what the organization needed when he arrived in 2009. But has the luster worn off? Another season without the playoffs will hurt his standing, but he remains popular with Johnson and his players.
2013: Staying
Matt Cavanaugh
If Ryan is back, most of his coaches will be, too. One area the Jets could make a change at is quarterbacks coach. Cavanaugh has been with Mark Sanchez all four years, and the quarterback is not improving. Cavanaugh nearly was out after last season. Unless Sanchez does a 180-degree turn, hard to see him staying.
2013: Going
QUARTERBACKS
Mark Sanchez:
Fans are unhappy with the fourth-year quarterback after a rough start in which he has completed a career-low 52.9 percent of his passes. But with $10 million guaranteed next season, he’s not going anywhere.
2013: Staying
Tim Tebow:
Everyone has been waiting to see if Tebow would supplant Sanchez. It has not happened. Tebow has to be frustrated sitting on the bench. If the Jets don’t promise him an open competition for the starting quarterback job in the offseason, he probably will demand a trade.
2013: Going
POSSIBLE ROSTER CUTS
Bart Scott:
The Jets are projected to be $7 million over the salary cap next season. That means they will have to dump some salary. Scott has slowed down over the past two years and is dealing with injury this season. He will be 33 next year. Releasing him would be a $7.1 million cap savings next year.
2013: Going
Calvin Pace:
The Jets have to improve their pass rush. It’s time to move on from Pace and find someone younger and quicker. Pace’s sack totals have decreased every year since 2009 when he had 8. He turns 33 next year, too. The cap savings would be $8.5 million if they release him.
2013: Going
Santonio Holmes:
Many fans wanted the controversial receiver cut after last season. The reason it didn’t happen then is the same as why it won’t happen this year. He has $7.5 million guaranteed coming to him in 2013. Get ready for the return of ’Tone Time.
2013: Staying
FREE AGENTS
The Jets have 11 unrestricted free agents. Here is where I see each of them fitting:
Staying: Nick Folk.
The kicker has been nearly perfect this year (12-of-13 on FGs). Bring him back.
Going: RB Shonn Greene, OLB Bryan Thomas, G Matt Slauson, OLB Aaron Maybin, WR Chaz Schilens.
It’s hard to make a case for any of these guys getting a new contract with the Jets. Greene has not developed like they had hoped. It’s clear the Jets are grooming Vlad Ducasse to replace Slauson.
Up in the air: TE Dustin Keller, G Brandon Moore, S Yeremiah Bell, S LaRon Landry, DT Mike DeVito.
Keller wanted a new deal before this season and the Jets told him to wait. There are age questions with Bell and Moore. If Landry stays healthy, Jets probably will hold onto him. Will DeVito take a backup role and less money as Quinton Coples plays more? brian.costello@nypost.com