Potential Jets: Mario Manningham

Mario Manningham had a 944 yard, 9 touchdown season in 2009. He followed that up with 822 yards and 5 touchdowns in 2010. 2011 was a quieter year. He has battled a knee injury, which led to Victor Cruz getting starts in his place and turning into one of the top five receivers in the NFL. As a result, his spot on the totem pole dropped once he returned to the lineup.

It will be interesting to see how the Giants deal with their now number three receiver, who is set to become a free agent. Part of me wonders whether they will make an effort to retain Manningham to maintain the key cogs that comprise the strength of the team, the wide receivers. Another part of me wonders whether the Giants, knowing Hakeem Nicks and Cruz will need to be paid big in the future, look for a more economical option as their third receiver.

The Jets might come calling with an offer no other team can make, a chance for more playing time without forcing him to uproot himself. Manningham is a speedy, deep threat, playmaker type, the kind of guy who could make teams pay for focusing too much on Santonio Holmes. Manningham isn't overly physical. The word that seems to plague him is focus. He sometimes lacks it and runs sloppy routes or does not come up with catchable balls as a result. I still think he fits the criteria of what the Jets want across from Holmes, somebody with a history of production who can stretch the field.

Manningham probably will not be in much of a position to demand big money coming off an injury plagued season in which he dropped on the depth chart. He might be open to a one year prove it deal to try and pump up his value for another free agency run next year.

He would not be my first choice. I think Braylon Edwards brings more to the table and will be more affordable. I would not upset if the Jets grabbed Manningham, though.