Jets Fans Split On GM Idzik After Missing Out On Rodgers-Cromartie
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Who would have thought John Idzik would be so polarizing? Who does he think he is -- Tim Tebow?
The buttoned-up general manager is collecting detractors on Twitter for apparently losing his check-signing pen, as the New York Jets are striking out on many of their free-agent targets despite having a reported $28 million to play with under the salary cap. And now unnamed agents -- and even a person within the organization -- are piling on.
"It's unbelievable," the team source, described as incredulous, told the New York Daily News.
The person added that Idzik "operates on his own time and schedule."
#nyjets #SNY Idzik coming off like a pompous jerk. What's the point of cap room if you don't use it?
— Matt Smith Bomer (@mattsmith5) March 18, 2014
The Daily News reported that Idzik, who was hired last January, couldn't strike a deal with cornerback Vontae Davis due to a "lack of flexibility." The paper also quoted sources from the league and within negotiations calling Idzik's style "glacial," "meticulous" and "way too deliberate."
One unnamed agent even told the Daily News that he or she felt "led on" by the Jets. The team recently apologized to a representative after appearing to misrepresent their level of interest, the Daily News reported.
It doesn't help that the New York Giants have been signing players left and right, including cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, who agreed with Big Blue two days after leaving the Jets' facility without a contract.
Then there's the camp that believes Idzik has a plan: don't overpay in free agency; build through the draft.
Yes, those fans exist. They're just not as loud as the #JetsTwitter folks growing impatient while the franchise mostly re-signs its own players (see Pace, Calvin).
Don't understand why everybody is bashing Idzik for not being the Dolphins last year or building the "Dream Team."
— SportsBlogNewYork (@SportBlogNYC) March 17, 2014
The Idzik backers argue that last season's draft class, highlighted by Defensive Rookie of the Year Sheldon Richardson, was a huge factor in an 8-8 finish predicted by nobody. The Jets weren't expected to even sniff success in the general manager's first year.
I could go on all day about the #jets . I am going to give them benefit of the doubt. Idzik kills the draft
— Lou's Army (@NYKrant) March 18, 2014
know this about Idzik-1 of main reasons he got GM job was because Jets were convinced media/fan/twitter insanity would have no effect on him
— Bob Wischusen (@espnbob) March 17, 2014
The jury is out. For now, Jets fans will have to wait and see if Idzik has anything else up his sleeve after landing wide receiver Eric Decker and offensive lineman Breno Giacomini.
After all, championships aren't won -- or lost -- in March.
But a head start would be nice.
When Mike T was spending $$ and picks like a drunken sailor, the #Jets were called a circus. Idzik being methodical makes him (con't)
— Mickey Matos (@SlickMick1967) March 18, 2014
...slow and difficult. I'm gonna wait til the dust settles and see where we end up.
— Mickey Matos (@SlickMick1967) March 18, 2014
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