New York Jets Free Agency Predictions

The New York Jets are set to hit free agency with just about $70 million to spend and the pool is littered with talent. Joe Douglas had a very conservative 2020 offseason opting not to dole out guaranteed money for multiple years.

This year the Jets are in a different mindset with so much talent on the open market. Douglas could be in contact with multiple big time free agents, but can he reel any in?

I will be breaking down the top positions of need for the Jets as well as making predictions on who they will sign. Also be aware all contracts are based off Spotrac’s market value estimation.

Interior Offensive Line

The New York Jets desperately need to upgrade the interior line as it was a disaster last season. They brought in Connor McGovern and Greg Van Roten to fill center and right guard spots but the play wasn’t great. McGovern did improve as the season went on and is a fit in the wide zone that is expected to be implemented by the new coaching staff. Van Roten on the other hand should be a cap casualty if New York is able to find an upgrade. Thankfully for fans of Gang Green there are multiple upgrades available on the open market.

Potential Signings: Joe Thuney, Corey Linsley, Trai Turner, Kyle Long

Prediction: Jets sign C. Corey Linsley to a 4 year $42 million contract

The Jets could now slide McGovern over to guard with the arrival of Linsley. Many fans probably want Joe Thuney here, but I think Cincinnati backs up the brink truck to bring him home. The Jets still need to fill another guard position, but that should come during the draft.

Pass Rusher

Hey, Jets fans, when was the last time you guys had a legit pass rusher off the edge? The neglection needs to end now with money to spend and players to be had. New head coach Robert Saleh should not have to depend on guys like Terrell Basham and Frankie Luvu to get to the quarterback. Lets get that edge rusher now.

Potential Signings: Carl Lawson, Bud Dupree, Shaq Barrett, Romeo Okwara, Trey Hendrickson

Prediction: Jets sign DE Trey Hendrickson to a 4 year $44 million contract

This was a bit tougher to predict with so many options available. Lawson is the odds on fan favorite, but Cincinnati will do everything they can to bring him back. Bud Dupree is coming off a pretty significant injury so there’s too much risk there. In the end it was down to Okwara and Hendrickson so the Jets get a guy who broke out with 13.5 sacks a season ago.

Cornerback

Another position that needs a major upgrade is cornerback. The Jets have rolled out free agent busts the last few seasons in Trumaine Johnson and Pierre Desir, now it’s time to get it right.

They do have a promising young corner in Bryce Hall, but New York needs to add at least one veteran to the equation. Somebody that has experience in Saleh’s defense and is willing to help out the younger defensive backs. You see where I’m hinting at?

Potential Signings: Richard Sherman, Shaquill Griffin, Casey Hayward, K’Waun Williams

Prediction: Jets sign CB Richard Sherman to a 2 year $20 million contract. Jets re-sign CB Brian Poole to a 3 year $15 million contract.

The Jets lock up their own slot/nickel corner in Brian Poole while also bringing in veteran leadership on the outside. Sherman has lost a step or two which isn’t great since he’s never had much speed. However, he can still compete while helping younger players already on the roster. He’s also very familiar with Saleh’s defense having been together in Seattle and San Francisco.

Wide Receiver

The New York Jets and Joe Douglas admit they made a mistake letting a promising weapon walk last off season in Robby Anderson so I believe they’ll fix that mistake and land a big time playmaker for whoever is throwing the football for them next season.

Gang Green already have 2020 second round pick Denzel Mims and slot receiver Jamison Crowder on the roster, but they are lacking a true number one threat. There is a boat load of talent to be had this week in free agency.

Potential Signings: Curtis Samuel, Kenny Golladay, Will Fuller V, Corey Davis, Kendrick Bourne, JuJu Smith-Schuster, Nelson Agholor, Rashard Higgins

Prediction: Jets sign WR Curtis Samuel to a 4 year $50 million contract

Now, Curtis Samuel is not a true number one receiver, heck I wouldn’t even call him just a receiver, but he is a weapon. In fact Samuel is a perfect fit for what this new coaching staff will be running. Think of what San Francisco has done with Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk the last few years. That is exactly how I would envision the Jets utilizing Curtis Samuel. If you remember the way Ohio State used him that’s what he could be in New York.