New York Jets’ Potential Free Agent Steals

Dec 29, 2013; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys receiver

(19) runs after a reception against the Philadelphia Eagles at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

There are several names not currently linked to New York that I think may pop up in the next few days. For the reasons of tampering teams are not allowed to communicate with or talk to players currently signed on a team. Once that player is released, teams are free to contact them. There are a few starters currently sitting on other teams that I think would be good fits in New York. Here’s my list of under the radar Jets signings this off-season.

Miles Austin WR– Dallas Cowboys. Austin has caught for roughly 1,000 yards in three of the past five seasons. He is 29 years old, and will turn 30 prior to the season. He’s a New Jersey guy and went to Division 3 Monmouth University. Also, in the last five seasons he has produced 31 TD’s. The receiving yards and ability to score make him extremely attractive, and he probably can be had for a reduced salary. He has multiple groin injuries that have cost him his last 1 ½ seasons. Groin injuries although slow to heal aren’t as bad as knee, ankle, or back injuries. I think he will bounce back fine, and give the Jets a # 1 receiver at maybe $5-7 million a season. The potential is there for a legit 1,000 yard guy for the first time in a while.

Matt Schaub QB– Houston Texans. We all saw the Texans implode this past season, which culminated with the fan base turning on Matt Schaub. This is a guy who had his confidence rattled, and desperately needs a change. Expect to find the Texans to cut Schaub after June 1st where they’ll have 3.5 million in dead money instead of 10 million. If the Jets were looking for a low profile quarterback to push Geno Smith with lots of experience, look no further than Schaub. He’s also a cold weather guy from Pittsburgh that wouldn’t mind playing in the Meadowlands in January. He’s also still young enough in QB years (32) to be a great mentor or back up for the next three years or so.

Malcolm Jenkins S – New Orleans Saints. The Saints just signed Jairus Byrd to a $48 million dollar deal to play free safety, which is Jenkins natural position. Do the math and Jenkins is a goner waiting to happen which is the Jets good fortune. Malcolm is only 26 years old. He’s from Piscataway, NJ. He’s a Super Bowl winner with starting experience who won’t break the bank, and a third tier type of guy which would give the team a starter or rotational guy with Antonio Allen manning the strong safety spot to build off. This also gives the team flexibility to add a starter or developmental guy in the draft anywhere from the 2nd round until day 3.

Michael Vick I just don’t see. He seems like he could be more of a distraction than a true possibility. His age, injury history, leadership, accuracy, and decision-making have never been top shelf. If he gets into a competition with Geno Smith, would New York start him, only to see him waffle or get injured midway through the season? Also, you have to wonder what type of mentor he would be when he already plainly stated he doesn’t want to be a backup to anyone? I see that as a bigger headache than potential gain when all the variables are added in.