New York Jets: Morning of Free Agency Preview

Jan 21, 2015; Florham Park, NJ, USA; New York Jets new general manager Mike Maccagnan speaks during a press conference at Atlantic Health Jets Training Center. Mandatory Credit: William Perlman/NJ Advance Media for NJ.com via USA TODAY Sports

Good morning Jets fans. We are a little bit under 12 hours away from the start of free agency. A lot of movement has happened over the last few days, but it all becomes official starting at 4 PM this afternoon. The man heading up the Jets efforts, Mike Maccagnan, takes center stage. What are going to be his first moves to improve the New York Jets? We will find out soon enough.

Over the last few days, news has come out about many of the players that the Jets were interested in. Kareem Jackson is headed back to Houston. Byron Maxwell looks to be headed to join Chip Kelly in Philadelphia. It would appear that Orlando Franklin is off to San Diego, and Mike Iupati is headed to the desert.

So where are the Jets headed? Here are a few names to watch for in the new few days.

Next: Antonio Cromartie

Nov 30, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Arizona Cardinals cornerback

Antonio Cromartie

(31) in action against the Atlanta Falcons in the third quarter at the Georgia Dome. The Falcons defeated the Cardinals 29-18. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

With several of the names coming off the table, a reunion with Antonio Cromartie should gain some momentum. It has been widely discussed that Cromartie wants to return to New York. He played well for the Jets, so we know he can handle it. He also would be one of the major cogs that would help Todd Bowles install his defense.

Cromartie returned to the Pro Bowl last season, showing the world that when healthy, he has something level. Early in the off-season, Cromartie was seen as a “fall back” option by the team, but with some of the big names coming off of the board, Cromartie comes a bit to the forefront.

Next: Darrelle Revis

Jan 29, 2015; Chandler, AZ, USA; New England Patriots cornerback

Darrelle Revis

(24) speaks to reporters during the New England Patriots press conference at Sheraton Wild Horse Pass. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-USA TODAY Sports

Darrelle Revis will be in play for the New York Jets. As of yesterday afternoon, the Patriots are not picking up Revis’ option and he will hit free agency later today. According to Newsday reporter Kimberley Martin, Revis will be looking for three years at $48 million, $40 million guaranteed. We know that Revis would be an upgrade for the Jets.

To me, that’s a lot of money for a cornerback. Revis is a wonderful player, but not the player he once was. Of course he would be a significant upgrade, but the headache that would come in the future is not worth it to me. Let him stay in New England, or join Rex up in Buffalo. The Jets may make the right bid, but you know how I feel here.

Next: Brian Hoyer

Dec 21, 2014; Charlotte, NC, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback

Brian Hoyer

(6) runs with the ball during the third quarter against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. The Panthers won 17-13. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

Brian Hoyer is working hard to get to the Texans, but the Jets haven’t been ruled out. Take a look at this tweet from Adam Schefter:

Still a good chance QB Brian Hoyer winds up in Houston, but his agent still is negotiating with the Jets and NY will be given a chance here.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 9, 2015

In two years with the Cleveland Browns, Hoyer posted a 10-6 record at starting quarterback. He has had limited success in this league, and could provide the Jets some decent veteran quarterback competition. Hoyer did turn the ball over fifteen times last season, so at this point he is very similar to the Jets current quarterback.

But in a weak quarterback market, Hoyer is better than most, and could end up with the Jets.

Next: Clint Boling

Aug 28, 2014; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals guard

Clint Boling

(65) against the Indianapolis Colts at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

The offensive line situation is interesting. With Mike Iupati and Orlando Franklin going elsewhere, a candidate is going to come from elsewhere. As I talked about days ago, Clint Boling is a guy to keep and eye out for. He had a good season in 2014 coming off of an injury. The Jets will be vigilant about improving the interior of the offensive line, especially with the news of Ndamukong Suh joining the AFC East.

Enjoy, Jets fans, it should be great fun this year.

Next: NFL Mock Draft: Jets Take Randy Gregory

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