#Jets need $6.5 million Breshad Perriman gamble to pay off

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“#Jets need $6.5 million Breshad Perriman gamble to pay off”

July 14, 2020 | 8:18am

As the Jets get close to training camp, I am examining the roster and giving you my top 25 players. Each weekday, we will reveal another person on the list, leading right into camp. I am not including rookies on this list because I do not feel it is possible to fully evaluate them before they play a game.

No. 9: Breshad Perriman

Last year’s ranking: Unranked (not on team)

Position: WR

Age on Opening Day: 27

How acquired: Signed a one-year, $6.5 million deal as an unrestricted free agent on April 1.

Years left on contract: 1

2020 Salary Cap figure: $6.4 million

Looking back at 2019

Perriman spent the year with the Buccaneers after signing with them as a free agent.

Perriman played in 14 games, starting four. His role increased late in the season after Tampa Bay suffered injuries at receiver. Perriman ended the year with 36 catches on 69 targets for 645 yards and six touchdowns.

Breshad Perriman New York Jets — Breshad PerrimanIcon Sportswire via Getty Images

He put up most of those numbers in the final five games of the year. During that stretch, he had 25 catches for 506 yards and five touchdowns. He posted 100-yard games in the final three games of the season, all of which he started.

PFF graded him the 43rd best receiver out of 122 qualified. The data site also gave him the second-highest receiving grade vs. man coverage, trailing only the Saints’ Michael Thomas.

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Outlook for 2020

The Jets pounced on Perriman as soon as it became clear Robby Anderson was signing with the Panthers. They hope Perriman can replace Anderson as their speedy deep threat.

The Jets front office is very familiar with Perriman. GM Joe Douglas was still with the Ravens when the team drafted him in the first round in 2015. Director of player personnel Chad Alexander was with the Ravens during Perriman’s three years with the team.

The Jets are hoping that Perriman’s performance at the end of last year was an indication that things are finally coming together for him after a disappointing start to his career. Perriman thrived in Tampa Bay after getting a chance to play. With the Jets, he will be a big part of the offense and a frequent target of Sam Darnold. Can he make the most of the opportunity?

A scout with an opposing team said Perriman should be able to replace Anderson’s ability as a deep threat but he may be more limited as a route runner. That is saying something since Anderson was not the best route runner.

The Jets are counting on Perriman to improve the Jets’ offense despite the inconsistency he has displayed in his career. It is a gamble that Douglas needs to pay off.