Should the Jets re-sign Braxton Berrios? 

The 2022 offseason will be very important for creating a strong core for the future and for boosting Zach Wilson’s growth. When you look at Braxton Berrios, you see that he has created a name for himself. For those who don’t remember, Berrios came from the Pats’ practice squad, and was scooped up by the Jets in 2019. Coming into the season, Berrios was ranked the fifth wide receiver on the Jet’s depth chart. This changed when Denzel Mims got covid and then food poisoning. After that, he really didn’t see the field or progress at all, finishing the season with a question mark from a previous promising 2021 season.

The Pros

Berrios has clearly been Zach’s favorite target this season, with two touchdowns, 431 yards, forty-six receptions and an average of 9.4 yards per catch/carry. That doesn’t sound like a lot, but when you look at the stats, it’s the best record for a Jets player this season. Berrios has shown that he has the potential to be a vital piece of what’s to come.  He has said that he wants to be a part of the Jets progress in 2023, but can’t make that decision, and so it really lies on what “Gm” Joe Douglas and head coach Robert Saleh decide. By choosing not to bring Berrios back, they’re losing a receiver and their kick returner, and by paying him, they get two in one.

The Cons

ESPN’s Rich Cimini reported that an agent at the Senior Bowl speculated that Berrios might be looking for a contract that’s around nine million per year. This is important, because when you look at Joe Douglas’ history with the Jets, you see he doesn’t often pay high for players. Also looking at slot receivers, you notice that they usually don’t get paid the same amount that outside receivers get. Most slot receivers usually don’t get paid more than fifteen million a year, and to pay Berrios that type of money, when he doesn’t rank in the top ten of slot receivers, is crazy. You also have to look at free agency and the draft. They could find someone better, and pay them a lot less, and by that, they’re gaining a player with more of an upside.  Because, when you select someone in the draft, the player is on a rookie contract.

Final Thoughts

Any decision the Jets staff makes, I’m going to respect, but I don’t see them paying Berrios nine million, and I also don’t see them taking away a player that Zach feels comfortable with. This is similar to what happened to Robby Anderson with Darnold, a decision that Joe Douglas later said he regretted. So, if what Cimini reported is just a rumor, we have nothing to worry about, but it really does provoke a discussion. If Berrios does choose to stay, Douglas should look around paying him five to six million for three to four years. Regardless, I still expect the Jets to target a free agent wide receiver, or draft one, especially if Berrios does walk.