Ahmad Bradshaw interested in New York Jets

The New York Giants decided to move forward with future second-year running back David Wilson as their starter when they released Ahmad Bradshaw and cleared $2.75 million in cap space in the process. The Giants have several other free agent decisions to make, as well as contract extensions looming for the superstar wide receiver duo of Hakeem Nicks and Victor Cruz.

Dec 30, 2012; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw (44) breaks off big run against the Philadelphia Eagles during the second half at MetLife Stadium. New York Giants defeat the Philadelphia Eagles 42-7. Mandatory Credit: Jim O

Bradshaw could still stay in in New York, because he told NFL AM today that he is “thinking” about signing with the New York Jets. One of the reasons for that train of thought is because the Jets are “just right across the street from where I am now”.

Gregg Rosenthal believes that the Jets “also make some sense”.

Ahmad Bradshaw is the best running back on the open market for sure, and none of the impending free agents will top him either. Bradshaw’s only legitimate concern is health, because he is a fantastic running back overall. He’s the true meaning of a “feature” back as far as talent goes, because Bradshaw is an efficient, talented rusher who can beat you inside or outside, he can make an impact as a receiver out of the backfield, and he’s one of the best blocking running backs in the NFL today.

The Jets will most likely be more of a passing team now that Marty Mornhinweg has taken over for Tony Sparano as the offensive coordinator, but running back is still a need for the Jets. Their cap situations is terrible, though, so that is a definite hitch in a prospective Bradshaw-Jets move. But the Jets will almost certainly allow Shonn Greene to go, and I don’t think they’ll love rolling with an RBBC of Bilal Powell and Joe McKnight next season.

There is still a chance that Bradshaw re-signs with the Giants, and he hasn’t ruled out that possibility either. However, it doesn’t seem like their is space for Bradshaw’s talents with the Giants, because the Giants seem content to use the explosive Wilson and Andre Brown in their backfield.

I doubt the Jets will sign Bradshaw, even if it makes sense from a personnel standpoint. It doesn’t make sense for John Idzik and the Jets from a financial standpoint, because running back is a position that is relatively easy to replace. The Jets can just draft a back to add to their RBBC and possibly make them the leader of it, because that’s the cheapest option for this team. The Jets are in rebuilding mode, and RB is not the first position a team rebuilds.

You can follow Joe Soriano on Twitter @SorianoJoe.