New York Jets: 2015 Free Agents Who Could Save Next Season

The shortcomings of this year’s roster has been discussed many times since the league year started. Fans hoped for major upgrades via free agency and the draft, but were disappointed in the final outcome. The play on the field this year made the deficiencies on the roster crystal clear for all to see! The question now becomes, how to fix the roster going ahead into next season. Luckily for the Jets, there is a bunch of high-grade talent that is free agent eligible this year.  Many will sign with their present clubs, but from all indications, there will be several top names hitting the market. The Jets have a surplus of cap money, and with a rumored increase in the cap this season, they may even have more space available! I’m thinking the Jets will be major shakers in this round of free agency, as they have the cap space to sign some of these players, and it’s apparent they have the needs. Let’s take a look at some of the players the Jets may pursue this off-season.

Dec 7, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers guard

(66) blocks Detroit Lions defensive tackle

(90) during the third quarter at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports

Ndamukong Suh is another option for the New York Jets. Suh is a monster pass rusher for the Detroit Lions, and the Lions will likely make a concerted effort to resign him. The Lions aren’t in the greatest shape cap wise though, and Suh is looking to be the highest defensive player next season. Rumors have already risen connecting the Jets as a landing spot for the huge defensive tackle. The Jets need to upgrade their pass rush, and this player is an instant contributor to that end. Suh is a force in his own right, but if paired with the Jets Muhammad Wilkerson and the rest of this defensive front, the results would be spectacular! The Jets may look for a cheaper way to upgrade their rushing capabilities, but if they are willing to put up the money, Suh would make an excellent acquisition!

Dec 14, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Dallas Cowboys wide receiver

(88) makes a catch for a touchdown as Philadelphia Eagles cornerback

(24) defends in the second quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. The Cowboys defeated the Eagles 38-27. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

How about a wide receiver to go along with Eric Decker? While Decker has been productive for the Jets this season, it has become apparent he requires more talent surrounding him to get the most out of his abilities. Dez Bryant offers some interesting possibilities, Dallas finds themselves with very little cap space to work with, so Bryant could test the waters. Bryant is just 25 years old, and has years of play left in him. It would be another pricey signing, but if Bryant hits the market and the Jets believe he can behave himself in NYC, they have to look into him I think.

Another top name is eligible for free agency in the form of Demaryius Thomas. I believe the Broncos will get an extension done here though. The Broncos are in a tough spot with several key agents looking for lucrative contracts, they won’t possibly be able to pay them all, but I’d have to think they need to get Thomas under contract. Bryant is an explosive deep threat receiver with Pro Bowl capabilities, if the Jets can land him, the receiving corps will look much better. Instead of investing 10 million dollars a year on Percy Harvin, the Jets might be better served to look free agency for a productive receiver.

October 5, 2014; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers guard

(77) lines up during the third quarter against the Kansas City Chiefs at Levi

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Mike Iupati of the San Fransisco 49ers, is another young player the Jets might want to look into.  Iupati would be an upgrade over anyone the Jets currently have on the roster at left guard. He’s just 26 years old and becomes an un restricted free agent this year. He measures in at 331 pounds and would likely become the Jets starter at the position next season if they choose to pursue him. Signing a veteran along the offensive line in free agency is a must, as many of the faces are likely to change this year. Iupati would lock down the left guard position, giving the Jets more flexibility with some of their youthful guys who will be vying for starting roles next season. At a reasonable price Iupati would be a superb addition for a struggling offensive line. It’s unclear if Iupati actually will make it to free agency, or how much money he’s looking for, but he would definitely be worth a look if he were to hit the market.

These just are a few names I want the Jets to look into during free agency. They are all likely looking for big payday’s, but the Jets do have the luxury of having enough cap space to sign at least one of them if they choose! Cap wise, John Idzik has put the Jets in a very good position this year approaching free agency, and it comes at a great time, as many “experts” are saying this is one of the most talented free agent classes in years! Will the Jets take advantage? Will they spend big? It is anyone’s guess what they do in the market this year.  With uncertainty about who will be in charge next season, and which players actually hit the market, its impossible to say who they may target. Its fun to discuss though. Tell me what you guys are thinking for free agency!  Let’s talk Jets football!