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The New York Jets have signed Mike Goodson, a running back that used to play for the Oakland Raiders and before that, the Carolina Panthers. His contract is for three years at $6.9M. That's a fantastic deal, in my opinion. It's about $1M/year less than what Shonn Greene got with the Tennessee Titans. In the words of Erik Frenz, "Idzik just won." A cheaper alternative that's a better fit for our new West Coast Offense. Here is what our very own David Wyatt had to say about Goodson:
Mike Goodson is a former 4th round selection of the Carolina Panthers out of Texas A&M. Goodson has four years experience in the league, compiling 160 carries for 722 yards for 3 touchdowns, 4.5 yards a pop. However he also has 59 receptions for 534 yards and 1 touchdown, which is an impressive 8.9 yards per catch.
He spent the first three years with the Panthers, mostly serving as a back-up behind Jonathan Stewart and DeAngelo Williams, mostly serving as a 3rd down back and return man. His best season came in 2010 where he compiled 452 yards rushing, 310 yards receiving and over 1,000 yards in kick-off returns averaging 21.8 yards per return.
Before the 2012 season he was traded to the Raiders for Bruce Campbell, he saw limited action with the silver and black, stuck behind Darren McFadden. He will now look to become a more prominent component of another team, that team could be the Jets.
In 2010 Goodson struggled with ball protection, losing 3 fumbles and coughing the ball up 6 times. He has worked on ball protection and although only in limited action, he did not fumble the football once in 2012.
The Jets will have interest due to his hands, in the new offensive system of Marty Mornhinweg a good 3rd down back is a necessity and a back with reliable hands is always going to be a player of interest. Right now our backfield looks quite weak, Goodson is not a Pro Bowler but he would fit in with the new offensive philosophy.
Goodson is a good fit for our team, and while he isn't an every-down back, he'll work well within a rotation. He is explosive, and has considerable upside, so I'm looking forward to seeing him in action.