Report: Jets Interested in Emmanuel Sanders and Jeremy Maclin

Dec 29, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver

(88) reacts on the field before playing the Cleveland Browns at Heinz Field. The Steelers won 20-7. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Jul 26, 2013; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver

(18) during training camp at the Eagles NovaCare Complex. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports

If the reports are true, the Jets are already planning out how to align Geno Smith with far more weapons than he had in 2013.

There are multiple reports that have surfaced that the Jets are setting their sights on not one, but two free agent wide receivers, Emmanuel Sanders (left), and Jeremy Maclin (below).

According to the report, the team has already factored in the savings of letting Santonio Holmes leave as a free agent, saving them approximately $8.25 million against the cap.

Let’s take a look at these guys.

Here are the career stats for Emmanuel Sanders:

Receiving & Rushing

There are definitely pros to this signing. First of all he is versatile. Here are his stats in the kick return game:

Kick & Punt Returns

It never hurts to add a player that can return kicks and punts. He is only 26 years old, and heading into his prime on a high note. 2013 was his best season yet, with 67 receptions for 740 yards and six touchdowns.

The concern with Sanders is that he doesn’t really play as a number one. He has never shown himself to have the ceiling of a number one receiver. He has always been in the shadow of guys such as Santonio Holmes, and Mike Wallace, among others. A player like Sanders would have to come on board with someone else, either via the draft or free agency.

That could be a guy like Jeremy Maclin.

Here are his stats so far in his career:

Receiving & Rushing

Maclin will also be 26 years old in 2014, also heading into his prime. He would be a logical fit for the Jets, as he comes with knowledge of the Marty Mornhinweg offense. He has also had number one quality numbers, with a season of nearly 1,000 yards to his credit, to go along with ten touchdowns. He also has use in the return game as well.

There is talk that both the Eagles and Maclin are working on a new deal already. If Maclin is available, he would be a great fit, provided that he is healthy. Remember, he lost all of 2013 due to a torn ACL, and we know how much trouble they can be.

Personally, if they can only sign one, give me Maclin, if he is healthy. But either one will be an improvement. How do you guys feel about it?