New York Jets Top Free Agent Targets
Four players New York should have at the top of their list
After an extremely disappointing season led to the New York Jets finishing with a 2–14 record, the only way is up. While the team could, and will look to build through the draft, free agency is also a valuable resource. The good news for New York is not many teams are better positioned to improve through free agency. The Jets are projected to have the second-highest amount of cap space this offseason according to overthecap.com (around $75 million after cutting Henry Anderson). The question is which players does general manager Joe Douglas have at the top of his list. Below I name the four players New York should go all out for this offseason.
4. Corey Linsley (Center)
Linsley, who was a first-team all-pro selection last season for the Green Bay Packers, is expected to hit the open market come the start of the new league year. Linsley said “it looks like all signs point towards snapping the ball somewhere else next year.” A very good sign for the Jets. It’s no secret New York has offensive line issues. The team’s o-line finished ranked 29th according to Pro Football Focus. Outside of rookie Mekhi Becton, the whole unit could use some work. Linsley only allowed one sack last season, and finished with an 89.9 PFF grade. Expect New York to be aggressive in their pursuit of the former Green Bay center.
3. Shaquil Barrett (Outside Linebacker)
Fresh off a Super Bowl victory, Shaq Barrett is the next name that should be on the Jets’ radar. New head coach Robert Saleh made his name on the defensive side of the ball. A big reason for that was his teams’ dominant pass rushers. New York however, lacks that. On the inside Quinnen Williams is a force, as he had a team high seven sacks in 13 games played. After that the pass rush is virtually nonexistent. Tarell Basham finished second on the team in sacks with a measly 3.5. It’s obvious New York needs an edge rusher. What better way to go then a player who has 27.5 sacks in the past two years. Tampa Bay will have to make some tough decisions come free agency, so there’s a chance Barrett could become available. If that happens, he would be a massive upgrade for Robert Saleh’s defense.
2. Allen Robinson (Wide Receiver)
The Jets’ offense last season was abysmal. They finished last in total yards per game, second to last in passing yards per game, and last in points per game. A big reason for that was former head coach Adam Gase. Another reason however, is New York’s lack of offensive firepower, especially at receiver. No player on the team finished with more than 700 receiving yards. For reference, the Jets’ leading receiver Jamison Crowder finished 55th in receiving yards. Allen Robinson on the other hand, finished 9th with 1,250. Robinson is exactly what New York needs, a true number one receiver. While he has proven to have great hands, perhaps the best thing about Robinson as a player is his ability to perform well in bad situations. His entire career he has been able to succeed with guys like Blake Bortles, Mitchell Trubisky, and Nick Foles throwing to him. Robinson would instantly give the Jets’ offense life; and it seems he’s highly interested given his likes on Twitter.
- Joe Thuney (Guard)
The top target for the New York Jets this offseason is the same top target many had for the Jets last season. New England guard Joe Thuney is just what New York has been searching for. The team was planning on going after Thuney hard last offseason before the Patriots used the franchise tag on him. This season, however it seems unlikely New England will tag him again. Thuney is at the top of New York’s list not only because of his stellar play (only three sacks allowed since 2018), but because his signing would weaken a division rival. The Jets have the cap space needed to make Thuney the highest paid guard in the NFL. If he’s interested, there’s no doubt New York would welcome Thuney with open arms.
