NFL

Polian: Plenty of time to improve Jets

Panic is taking hold in many segments of the Jets fan base as each day goes by with general manager John Idzik not signing free agents.

So far, Idzik has signed just wide receiver Eric Decker, tackle Breno Giacomini and a few of the Jets’ own mid-level free agents. No splash. No spice. And for many hard-core Jets fans — no peace.

With nearly $40 million in salary cap space at the open of free agency, Jets fans expected several big names to come to Gang Green. Instead, they’ve gotten Decker and … crickets.

But should Jets fans be worried their team is doomed for a losing season after one week of free agency?

“The first thing I would say to Jets fans is relax, there’s a long way to go between now and September,” said former Bills, Panthers and Colts general manager Bill Polian, who is now an ESPN analyst. “That’s point No. 1. Secondly, there’s plenty of time to participate in the secondary free-agent market, which is very often the most efficient and advantageous. That’s still to come.”

Polian, who built six teams that went to Super Bowls, said throwing dollars at big-named players rarely solves a team’s problems.

“History shows that the teams that make the biggest splashes early in free agency frequently bottom out,” Polian said.

Idzik has drawn criticism after spending the first week shopping for bargains instead of blue chips. Agents are complaining about his deliberate approach to negotiations and fans are questioning what his plan is.

“I think with him obviously it’s very important to understand and accept what his known preferred method of operation is,” said ESPN analyst Louis Riddick, the former director of pro personnel for the Eagles. “He is known to be a very deliberate, calculated, cautious thinker. This shouldn’t surprise you that he hasn’t made any decisions that seem very quick or without a lot of thought. “

The biggest criticism of Idzik has come with his approach to the cornerback spot. After letting Antonio Cromartie go last week, the Jets have missed on Vontae Davis and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and passed on the chance to get into the bidding for Darrelle Revis.

A source said Tuesday the Jets only offered Rodgers-Cromartie a one-year deal for $6 million that included options beyond that. Rodgers-Cromartie left the Jets on Saturday and visited the Giants on Sunday. The Giants offered him a five-year $39 million contract. The representatives for Rodgers-Cromartie called the Jets to give them a chance to up their offer but told them they needed a fast answer. According to the source, Idzik took two hours to respond. By then, Rodgers-Cromartie had picked the Giants.

Agents are complaining Idzik is stubborn and won’t budge in negotiations. They also feel he does not move quickly enough.

“Agents like guys who give them a lot of money,” said former Packers front office executive and agent Andrew Brandt, who now writes for MMQB.com. “They’re very simple about it. They like the teams that hand out the easy contracts. In terms of whether he’s popular with agents I’m not sure if that’s a great gauge. The real question is: does he conduct negotiations that are professional and fair-minded in terms of the tactics?”

Idzik has been clear that he’d like to build the Jets primarily through the draft, calling it the team’s “lifeline.” The Jets expect to have 12 picks in May’s draft, plenty to address the team’s needs.

Riddick believes Idzik wants to recreate what he saw with the Seahawks, where draft picks became the core of a Super Bowl team.

“That’s what he’s trying to get to regardless of how much cap room he has,” Riddick said. “How long did it take them in Seattle, four years? So, he’s thinking hey, this is Year Two. If they really hired me to do my job and keep my philosophy, you have to be patient with my deliberate approach. Obviously that goes over a little bit better in Seattle than it does in New York.”