Derrick Mason Trade: Jets Look to Shake Things Up
The New York Jets traded wide receiver Derrick Mason to the Houston Texans, two league sources confirmed Tuesday night, in response to the teams struggling offense.
The Jets received at conditional draft pick in exchange for the 37-year-old. Mason signed a two-year, $1.3 million contract with the Jets over the off-season.
Jets Head Coach Rex Ryan had high expectations for Mason this season – telling ESPN he'd make at least 80 receptions for the Jets out of the slot position.
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"Adding Derrick Mason is huge," Ryan told ESPN. "I don't know if people realize how big that is."
Mason, however, has struggled since making his move to New York.
He has just 13 receptions in five games this season with zero touchdowns. The veteran also had difficulty learning the Jets playbook. Ryan changed his tone regarding the two time pro-bowler, Monday.
"Guys, let's face it, I thought he'd catch 80 to 90 balls this season and it hasn't happened," Ryan said.
Many speculate that Mason was moved because he was unhappy with the Jets play-calling, but Ryan dismissed the claim, saying he wanted to give rookie Jeremy Kerley an opportunity as the Jets number three receiver.
Ryan also said that he spoke to Mason in private last week regarding a possible trade.
The move may have been made as a wake-up up call to a disappointing Jets offense, which has labored over the last couple of weeks.
The Jets have the 24th ranked offense in the league and have struggled with both their running and passing game.
Quarterback Mark Sanchez still thinks the Jets have a chance to make the playoffs despite the teams' recent execrable play.
"We're going to make it. We've got to win on Monday...It might sound crazy at 2-3, but this team is going to be just fine. We'll be good," Sanchez said on his weekly slot at 1050 ESPN Radio.
The Jets wanted to secure home-field in the playoffs, now they will be lucky just to get in.
"It'll be difficult, some teams are going to have to lose," Sanchez said, "Some teams are going to have to mess some things up for themselves and we're going to have to just control what we can. And that's win the next game on Monday--and maybe not worry about the playoff picture as much."
The Jets will look to end their three game losing streak at home this Monday night as they take on the winless Miami Dolphins.
