Going into the offseason, the New York Jets have needs at positions across their offense. While they have nine picks in the 2022 NFL Draft, the organization cannot rely solely on those players to fill out the depth chart. In general, this is considered to be a strong draft for offensive lineman. While the Jets are sure to address the line with a high draft pick, they will likely look to free agency as well so that they can draft the best prospects available. Given the current holes on the team, which players are Gang Green most likely to target in free agency to help Zach Wilson?
Wide Receiver
The Jets rebuilt their receiving core with the additions of Corey Davis and Elijah Moore last offseason. However, a true number one that can help with Zach Wilson’s development is still lacking (though Moore could develop into one).
Chris Godwin & Michael Gallup– I grouped these two players together as they are both coming off of late season ACL tears. Godwin has had the better production of the two, although it helps to be one of the top two receivers on a team with Tom Brady as quarterback. While the beginning of the 2022 season status is in doubt for Godwin and Gallup, both players are young and talented enough to help the Jets and Zach Wilson greatly in the long-term.
Davante Adams– This is more of a pipe dream for the Jets, as Davante Adams is as true as of a number one as there gets. Adams is likely to get franchise tagged by the Packers if they cannot agree on a long-term deal, but if he hits free agency, the Jets should be ready to use a large chunk of their ample cap space to give Adams whatever salary he wants.
Tight End
The Jets have long ignored the tight end position, as they have tried to make late round draft picks and bargain free agents solve their woes that have existed since the days of Dustin Keller a decade ago. A reliable tight end can be of great help to a young quarterback, and the Jets cannot afford to have another season trying to make a combination of Ryan Griffin and Tyler Kroft work.
Zach Ertz– If the Jets are looking for a reliable, security blanket for Wilson, they should look no further than the veteran tight end. Given that he is on the wrong side of 30, he may not be a long-term answer, but the connections that Joe Douglas has to Ertz makes him an attractive option.
Dalton Schultz– Dalton Schultz is the ideal free agent target for the New York Jets. The Cowboys tight end has improved steadily the last couple of seasons and developed into one of the best at his position in the NFL. He is just 25 years old and a complete tight end that can solve this position for the Jets.
David Njoku– Njoku is not the ideal tight end option for the Jets this offseason, but if they are unable to land one of the top free agents, they could do worse than taking a shot on the young, athletic player. If Njoku is the best tight end that they are able to bring in in free agency, then they should look to the top couple rounds of the draft to pair him with another premier talent.
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