New York Jets: Potential Free Agent Wide Receivers

Jan 21, 2015; Florham Park, NJ, USA; New York Jets new head coach

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

Mike Maccagnan is beginning his first term as the New York Jets general manager. Coming off of a 4-12 season, we all know there is a lot of work that needs to be done. The Jets must rebuild an offense that despite the additions of Eric Decker, Jace Amaro, and Chris Johnson, was still near the bottom of the league. They need to figure out the quarterback situation, as well as fix a secondary that was beaten more times last season than a bass drum moving down the street during the Macy’s Day Parade.

Mike Maccagnan has said he is going to rely on the draft, as well as be active in free agency. So far, we have looked at competitors at quarterback, cornerback, and safety.

Even if the Jets bring Percy Harvin back, it would be smart to bring in another weapon at wide receiver. Here are a few available guys that could come in and benefit the Jets immediately.

Next: Demaryius Thomas

Jan 11, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos wide receiver

(88) after their loss to the Indianapolis Colts in the 2014 AFC Divisional playoff football game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Colts won 24-13. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

DEMARYIUS THOMAS: Here is a guy that needs very little introduction. We know the production that Thomas has put up over the last three seasons. Granted, they have been with Peyton Manning throwing the football, but he still has to catch them. And catch them he did, to the tune of at least 92 receptions each year, no less than, 1,430 receiving yards, and 35 touchdowns over the three years.

We also know how well he worked with current Jets wide receiver, Eric Decker. They are close, so much so that Thomas stays close to the family. Take a look at a Tweet from Decker’s wife:

Of course ? hes coming for a visit RT @Erin_ciccone: @JessieJDecker do you still talk to DT?

— Jessie James Decker (@JessieJDecker) January 21, 2015

Obviously, this doesn’t mean it is happening during the free agency period, but if Decker wants to show him what it’s like around here, would anyone be upset?

He will cost a pretty penny, but the Jets have the cap room. Demaryius Thomas would instantly make the Jets a better football team.

Next: Torrey Smith

Jan 10, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; Baltimore Ravens wide receiver

(82) catches the ball in front of New England Patriots cornerback

(39) during the third quarter in the 2014 AFC Divisional playoff football game at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports

TORREY SMITH: Now here is a guy that I would love to see come to the New York Jets. The Jets have not had a consistent vertical threat in a long time. Torrey Smith would provide just such a threat. In a four-year career so far, Smith has averaged over seven touchdowns per year, and has averaged nearly 17 yards per catch. Now that is a vertical threat.

Smith only cost just over $1 million against the cap to the Ravens last season. He will take a bit of a big raise, but with that, the Jets would reap the huge benefits of bringing Torrey Smith into the fold.

Next: Randall Cobb

Jan 18, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Green Bay Packers wide receiver Randall Cobb (18) celebrates his first quarter touchdown catch with Jody Nelson against the Seattle Seahawks in the NFC Championship Game at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports

RANDALL COBB: Despite his 5’10” frame, Randall Cobb is a young receiver that is only getting better. Granted, the great Aaron Rodgers has been his quarterback, but Cobb had a breakout year in 2014, with 91 receptions for 1,287 yards and 12 touchdowns. Cobb runs great routes, and has terrific hands. At only 24 years of age, the best is yet to come.

He is another guy that hasn’t had his big payday, with only three years in the league to date. It will take at least a modest raise to secure his services, but the Jets would reap benefits both immediately and in the long-term.

Next: Dez Bryant

Jan 11, 2015; Green Bay, WI, USA; Dallas Cowboys wide receiver

before the 2014 NFC Divisional playoff football game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

DEZ BRYANT: Now, the biggest long shot of them all. We know that Jerry Jones will do all he can to keep Dez Bryant as a member of the Cowboys. But, if there were some way that the Jets were able to pry Bryant lose, we could erect a statue at One Jets Drive in Maccagnan’s honor.

There isn’t much to say here. We all know how good Bryant is. He would excel here, no matter who is the quarterback. As Jets fans, we just shouldn’t get our hopes up. He will likely return to Dallas.

Next: Seven Jets on All-Division Team