Jets GM John Idzik adamantly defended his conservative approach to free agency while Rex Ryan tried to dispel reports he is dismayed by the lack of signings in a conference call with area reporters on Thursday.
Idzik insisted he hasn’t missed any opportunities despite losing cornerbacks Antonio Cromartie and Dominque Rodgers-Cromartie to other suitors and allowing Darrelle Revis to be snatched up by the arch-rival Patriots.
Idzik was on the defensive because the Jets have landed two prominent free agents (wide receiver Eric Decker and offensive lineman Breno Giacomini) in the first nine days of the signing period despite more than $30 million in salary-cap room.
“We said all along that we would be judicious and selective in free agency,” Idzik said. “Nine days into free agency, we feel we’ve been productive.”
Idzik pointed to the re-signing of seven of the Jets’ own free agents, including offensive lineman Willie Colon and pass rusher Calvin Pace, as a sign he hasn’t been asleep at the wheel.
“For us to be able to re-sign seven of our own players … a lot of times, that goes somewhat unrecognized because they’re not from a new team,” Idzik said. “To be able to get them back was big for us.”
Ryan, meanwhile, denied reports he was upset with Idzik’s slow pace or losing out on Cromartie, Rodgers-Cromartie (who signed with the Giants) and Revis.
“As far as ever being upset with John, there can’t be anything further from the truth than that,” Ryan said. “We’re in this together and have a great plan. It might not be the plan that everybody wants immediately, but I know the plan. We’re together. We’re side-by-side in this, the entire way. [Free agency] is a long process.”
The Jets showed no interest in bringing back Revis, who was one of Ryan’s favorite players, but the coach said he wasn’t miffed. Nor, Ryan said, was he upset that Cromartie signed a one-year deal Thursday morning with the Cardinals.
“He’s now a Patriot, and it is what it is,” Ryan said of Revis. “This isn’t fantasy football. There’s a lot of factors that go into attaining players, and salary is certainly one of them.”
Ryan said he is content to go forward with the young and mostly inexperienced secondary the Jets are currently stuck with, led by former No. 1 picks Dee Milliner and Kyle Wilson and promising former undrafted free agent Darrin Walls.
Ryan also raved about former Patriots cornerback Ras-I Dowling, a second-round pick by New England who was cut because of an inability to stay healthy.
“I feel really good about our corners,” Ryan said. “But there’s going to be opportunities there. This doesn’t shut the door on other guys coming in, but I’m happy with the guys that we have.”
While the Jets have been mostly quiet in free agency, some big moves at the quarterback position could be imminent heading into the NFL owners meetings that begin Monday in Orlando.
The Jets are hosting Michael Vick’s free-agent visit Friday, and Mark Sanchez could be cut before a $2 million bonus can kick in next week.
Idzik wouldn’t mention Vick by name but indicated the Jets are interested in him because of his connection to offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg. Vick played under Mornhinweg with the Eagles.
“Whenever you have inside knowledge on a player … that is a tremendous advantage,” Idzik said when asked about Vick. “There is less projection, especially if you’re dealing with a position that entails a lot like quarterback.”