The raid on the Jets roster began Tuesday night.
The Jaguars and former Jets running back Chris Ivory reached an agreement in principle, according to a source, and Ivory plans on signing with the team when the league year begins Wednesday at 4 p.m.
Ivory could be just the beginning for the Jets when it comes to losses in free agency. It is seeming more and more unlikely the Jets will be able to hold onto nose tackle Damon Harrison and running back Bilal Powell either, who are both set to hit the open market.
Quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick still is expected back with the Jets despite the disagreement between Fitzpatrick and the team about his value. The belief around the league is Fitzpatrick will explore the market, but ultimately wind up back with the Jets.
There is not such optimism when it comes to the other marquee free agents returning to the Jets. The team has just $6.4 million in salary-cap space, which severely limits their ability to keep their free agents. They can make a few moves to create more space, but that space might be needed to sign Fitzpatrick.
The Jets wanted Ivory back, but the running back received a five-year deal worth more than $6 million annually from Jacksonville, according a source. In an interesting twist, former Jets general manager John Idzik, who brought Ivory to the Jets in a 2013 trade, is the assistant GM in Jacksonville and was involved in the negotiations.
Ivory spent three seasons with the Jets, rushing for 2,724 yards and 16 touchdowns. He was a fan favorite because of his punishing running style, but he did have trouble staying healthy. He rushed for a career-high 1,070 yards in 2015, but seemed to tire as the season wore on.
There were plenty of suitors for Ivory. He received inquiries from seven teams, according to a source.
Like Ivory, Harrison is expected to be one of the most sought-after free agents on the market, with the Giants leading the way of teams interested in him. The nose tackle could command $7 million-$8 million per year. The Jets would love to keep Harrison, but that price tag probably is too high for them, especially after using the franchise tag on Muhammad Wilkerson for $15.7 million. That would be a large amount of salary-cap space to invest in the defensive line.
With Ivory gone, Powell’s value to the Jets increases. He has not been connected to any teams yet, but one source said they expected a lot of interest in the back, who rushed for 313 yards and had 388 receiving yards last year.
The loss of Harrison would be tough to take for the Jets, but sources say they have been working on contingency plans to replace him, knowing they likely are to lose him.
The Jets can’t afford to lose both running backs. Zac Stacy is the only running back on their roster right now, with Stevan Ridley also ready to hit free agency.
As for Fitzpatrick, things were quiet Tuesday after the news Monday that the two sides were far apart on a deal. There was a report from the Los Angeles Daily News that the Rams could emerge as a suitor for Fitzpatrick. The Jets hope that once Fitzpatrick tests the market, he will come back and sign with them.