After the Deadline for teams using the franchise tag has passed, the picture of free agency has become much more clear. As the signing period opens up next week, let’s take a look at some potential Jets targets at positions of need.
Wide Receiver
Michael Gallup
Christian Kirk
With Gallup being 26 and Kirk being 25, both of these options at wide receiver are young enough that their best years could be ahead of them. Their potential, combined with the likelihood that they will be make significantly less than the top receivers on the market make them very attractive options for the Jets.
Gadget Guy
Braxton Berrios
Cordarrelle Patterson
Although “Gadget Guy” is not typically a position, both of these players proved last season that they can be excellent returners while also bringing a different dimension to their offense. If the Jets cannot resign Berrios, adding Patterson would more than make up for that loss.
Tight End
Zach Ertz
Robert Tonyan
O.J. Howard
Dalton Schultz receiving the franchise tag was tough news for Jets fans, but while the free agent pool is not looking nearly as enticing now, there are still a couple of options for the Jets. Ertz is a fantastic veteran who has ties to Joe Douglas. Robert Tonyan is coming off an ACL injury, but he has proven to be a viable red zone target. Howard never really got a chance with the Buccaneers, but his physical tools are tantalizing.
Offensive Guard
Brandon Scherff
Laken Tomlinson
James Daniels
Right Guard seems to be the one position on the offensive line where there is an obvious need, though a Laurent Duvernay-Tardif resigning could change that. If the Jets do look outside the organization for an upgrade, Scherff is consensus top free agent at the position, Tomlinson is a fit in their offense as he comes from the 49ers, Lafleur’s old team, and James Daniels is just 25 and entering his prime.
Center
Ryan Jensen
Center is not a position of need as Connor McGovern had a very solid season, but if the Jets want to upgrade from a good player to a great one, a move here could make sense.
Edge Rusher
Derek Barnett
The free agent edge rushers are not a great class and the Jets will surely address this need in the draft. However, Barnett is just 25 years old and was drafted by the Eagles when Joe Douglas was in the front office.
Defensive Tackle
DJ Jones
Defensive tackle is an underrated need for Gang Green as Foley Fatukasi hits free agency and Sheldon Rankins is a potential cap casualty. Jones hails from Saleh’s old defense in San Francisco and still has his prime years ahead of him.
Cornerback
Carlton Davis
D.J. Reed
Cornerback may not be necessary to address in free agency if the organization believes in Bryce Hall and the other young corners on the roster. However, Davis and Reed are both lockdown corners entering their prime so adding one of them certainly would not hurt their secondary.
Safety
Marcus Williams
Jayron Kearse
Putting aside positional value, safety is the biggest need on the current Jets roster. Marcus Williams is the best free safety on the market, and Kearse is a more affordable stopgap at strong safety.
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