As the offseason begins, Gang Green Nation will take a look at potential ways to improve the club. Today we will explore signing Stacy Andrews.
Profile: Andrews did not play college football until his senior season at Ole Miss. He had been an All-American thrower on the Rebels' track and field team. Despite his lack of experience, Andrews' monster 6'7" 342 pound frame combined with excellent athleticism led the Bengals to use a fourth rounder to develop his raw ability. After seeing time mainly as a reserve at tackle and guard during his first three seasons in the NFL, an injury to Willie Andrews gave Stacy the starting job at right tackle in Cincy for the final eleven games of the season. He allowed only a pair of sacks in that time while the Bengals set a club record for fewest sacks. Andrews' massive frame ate up blockers in the running game and helped the Bengals finish in the top ten in rushing. This was enough to merit the franchise tag for 2008, a season in which Andrews struggled, surrendering 9.5 sacks and blowing out his ACL and MCL in Week 16.
Why It Makes Sense: Andrews is only a year removed from a dominant season. He is a huge man. While the knee injuries will cut down on his athleticism in the short term, at 27, there is a good chance Stacy will make a full recovery. While his ceiling remains high, after a down year and a major injury, his stock is low. The Jets could buy cheap here to address the hole Brandon Moore's departure left on the offensive line. The Jets were looking for a quality starter at a more affordable price. Andrews might fit the bill.
Odds of Happening: Andrews might be legitimate a target. There were rumblings the Jets liked him when he was a restricted free agent two years ago and before the Bengals tagged him last season. Considering the confidence the club has in Bill Callahan to maximize his offensive line talent, one can only imagine they would be intrigued. It depends on how much the injury scares them away.
Should the Jets sign him, some might believe Andrews would automatically shift Damien Woody to guard. This might not necessarily be the case. Woody struggled at guard in Detroit and has really come into his own as a tackle. Andrews has experience inside. The Jets might look to the Dallas Cowboys for a relevant study. Two years ago, Leonard Davis was on the market. Like Andrews, Davis was immense and with terrific athleticism. However, he had never put it all together at tackle, where his play was up and down. The Cowboys signed him and moved him to right guard, where he blossomed and fortified what would become an excellent offensive line. Andrews could provide a similar boost.