New York Jets: Potential Free Agent Safeties

Jan 21, 2015; Florham Park, NJ, USA; New York Jets new general manager Mike Maccagnan (left) and new head coach

(right) speak during a press conference at Atlantic Health Jets Training Center. Mandatory Credit: William Perlman/NJ Advance Media for NJ.com via USA TODAY Sports

Mike Maccagnan and Todd Bowles are in place, and the Jets are set to move ahead into the future. Mike Maccagnan has himself a defensive minded coach that needs a secondary. Maccagnan knows personnel, he is a personnel lifer. The Jets are in very capable hands, pending the results he gives us of course. So, let’s go play general manager, and look at some players that could impact the Jets.

We know the Jets need cornerbacks, and we have talked about some potential free agents at the position. But what about safety? The Jets have been lacking a true ball-hawk at safety, one that can see the football, and just go and get it.

Here are some safeties that could make an impact on the Jets in 2015.

Next: Antrel Rolle

Dec 7, 2014; Nashville, TN, USA; New York Giants strong safety

(26) breaks up a pass intended for Tennessee Titans tight end

(82) resulting nn an interception by New York free safety

(35) during the second half at LP Field. Giants defeated the Titans 36-7. Mandatory Credit:

-USA TODAY Sports

Maybe the Jets should go with a big-ticket safety this off-season. Here me out.

Take a look at Antrel Rolle’s career stats to date:

Rolle clearly has ability. He has posted at least an interception every season that he has been in the league. He has knocked down 68 passes in his career and forced eight fumbles. Rolle is an explosive player that can get after that football.

He also is two seasons from picking off six passes, leading the NFL for safeties. He is also durable, missing only one game since 2008. He is costly, as he averaged of $7 million with his last contract. But it just might be worth it. The Jets are littered with young defensive backs. We have seen how Dee Milliner has improved with a veteran safety on the team, see Ed Reed. This move could have immediate and long-lasting impacts for the Jets.

Next: Nate Allen

Dec 28, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Philadelphia Eagles strong safety

(29) runs back an interception against the New York Giants during the fourth quarter at MetLife Stadium. The Eagles defeated the Giants 34-26. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

We have talked about him before, but it bares repeating, Nate Allen would be another good choice for the Jets.

Take a look at his career numbers:

Nate Allen can also get after the football. Jets safeties have had problems with that for a long time now. Calvin Pryor isn’t that player, he needs to move back to his natural position and play closer to the box to stuff the run.

Allen is only 27 years old, still in the prime of his career. He could help the Jets immediately and for the long-term. After a career high of four interceptions, it may be time for Allen to cash in with a big contract. But the Jets can afford it, for one, and two, Allen is young enough to be a long-term investment. Finally, he to can influence young players like Dee Milliner and Dexter McDougle.

Don’t forget that he has a connection with the coach, playing with Todd Bowles in 2012 with the Eagles. The Jets should give Nate Allen a long look.

Next: Rahim Moore

Jan 11, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos safety

(26) against the Indianapolis Colts in the 2014 AFC Divisional playoff football game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Colts defeated the Broncos 24-13. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Maybe the Jets don’t go with an older veteran, but a young player on the cusp of becoming a big-time player. Take a look at the career of Rahim Moore so far:

Rahim Moore is coming off of a big season with four interception, five passes defended and two forced fumbles. Moore is another player that can get after that football, which is something the Jets desperately need. He is only 24 years old, so the best is yet to come.

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Moore is coming off a contract where he made $1.1 million per year on average. It would take a raise to bring him in, but not likely to the level it would take to bring Antrel Rolle into the fold. Rahim Moore could possibly be had at a $3-$4 million level, which would be a bargain for the Jets, if he continues his upward swing.

Next: Devin McCourty

January 26, 2015; Chandler, AZ, USA; New England Patriots free safety

(32) addresses the media during a press conference after their arrival in preparation for Super Bowl XLIX at the Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Hotel. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

I know he plays for the Patriots currently, but the Jets have to take a look at this guy. Devin McCourty can get to the football, take a look:

Another guy that can get after the football. Averaging over three interceptions per season is pretty prolific. He’s a local product, from Nyack, NY. He will command a raise, but again, this is a position of need for the New York Jets. It also doesn’t hurt that this guy comes from …up there….

What do you guys think?

Next: A Sleeper Draft Choice