Five More Free Agents the Jets Should Look Into

Some players that new General Manager John Idzik should look into on the free agent market.

A couple of weeks ago, we talked about five free agents that the Jets should look into.  Not taking money into account, just five guys that will upgrade the roster, either restricted, or unrestricted. This morning, I bring you five more free agents that John Idzik should inquire about (all are UFA’s unless noted):

JUSTIN FORSETT, RB: Here is another guy that Jets fans have been begging to bring in here, and the stats tell us why. He was on the field for 124 snaps for the Texans in 2012, and had a rating of 4.6 (PFF). That is far better than Shonn Greene (-2.4), and Bilal Powell (1.2). He carried the ball 63 times in 2012 for 374 yards, a terrific 5.9 yard per carry average. He also has recorded 100 receptions in his career, which would be an asset to the new West Coast style offense. For his career, he is averaging 4.9 yards per rush, and would be a great asset. Make the call, John.

MICHAEL BENNETT, DE: If the Jets want to add a pass rusher, not named Anthony Spencer, and not through the draft, we might just have the guy right here. He has only been in the league for four seasons, so he doesn’t have a lot of mileage on him, at only 26 years old. This past year, his first as a full time starter, he would have led the Jets in sacks with 9. His overall rating was 18.7 which would have led all Jets linemen by a wide margin. A dominant edge pass rusher would make Coples and Wilkerson that much more effective. Maybe they can even stand Bennett up as an outside linebacker. This is another guy that the Jets should at least make the call on.

ISAAC REDMAN, RB(RFA): Yes he is an RFA, but he is still worth a look. On it’s face, he didn’t have stats that jump off the screen, rushing the ball 110 times for 410 yards, a 3.7 yards per carry average. But, you have to remember that he is coming from a team that was deep at the position, with him, Mendenhall, and Jonathan Dwyer. When he had his chance to get in rhythm, he excelled. Week 9 against the Giants, Redman ran the ball 26 times for 147 yards, well over 5 yards per carry. His rating was 6.9, which dwarfs the rankings of any Jets RB. John Idzik, make the call.

September 30, 2012; Tampa, FL, USA; Washington Redskins tight end Fred Davis (83) runs with the ball during the second half against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. The Redskins won 24-22. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

FRED DAVIS, TE: The Jets are going to be in the market for a tight end. Despite the fact that I am a fan, I don’t see them bringing Dustin Keller back, with the injury trouble that he had in 2012. People talk a lot about Anthony Fasano, but what about Fred Davis? He’s a young guy, only 27 years old. Again, Fred’s stats don’t jump off the page, but when he has started more than 10 games in a season, he has actually played quite well. He started 10 in 2009, and caught 48 passes for 509 yards and 6 TDs. In 2011, he started 12, catching 59 passes for 796 yards and 3 TDs. If given the chance, which he would get if playing with the Jets, he performs well. His grade was a 2.1, which was far higher than Keller’s (-0.5). The Jets will need an active player in the passing game from the tight end position, and if they don’t hang onto Keller, Davis might just be the guy. Make the call.

MICHAEL JOHNSON, DE: This is a name that I didn’t even recognize, but I am glad I looked him up. He just finished his fourth season, and came into his own last year. He came off the edge last year to record 52 tackles and 11.5 sacks, which we all know would have led the Jets by quite a wide margin. At 6’7″, 270 pounds, he is a huge body, and could potentially be stood up at an outside linebacker position. He is a guy with good straight line speed and can close. Like we said earlier with Bennett, an impact player off the edge will make Coples and “Beastmo” that much more effective. Make the call.