NY Jets: Top 5 free agent wide receivers to target

Dec 20, 2014; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers receiver Anquan Boldin (81) carries the ball against the San Diego Chargers at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

The NY Jets need help at wide receiver as they can’t always depend on their dynamic duo of last season. Any of these top free agents would be able to alleviate the workload.

The Jets’ offense last season was one of the best the franchise has ever seen. Quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick broke the all-time record for touchdowns at 31, wide receiver Brandon Marshall broke the all-time record for receptions at 109 and Eric Decker had some nice streaks where he would get at least one touchdown per game.

Outside of Marshall and Decker, the depth at wide receiver for the Jets was pretty lackluster. The next best receiving option was actually a running back in Bilal Powell who totaled 388 receiving yards on 47 receptions and two touchdowns.

While the Jets enter free agency with some needs to address, one area of importance that is often overlooked is at wide receiver. Keeping in mind that both Marshall and Decker dealt with injuries throughout the season, if something happens where they miss significant amounts of time in 2016, it would be disastrous for the Jets’ offense.

Here are the top five wide receivers the Jets should target once the free agency period begins.

Next: 5. A Bengal worth acquiring

Dec 28, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Mohamed Sanu (12) carries for a touchdown in the second quarter against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

5. Mohamed Sanu

Wide receiver Mohamed Sanu has enjoyed decent success with the Cincinnati Bengals. He might not be an immediate deep threat but he’s good with his route-running and is consistent when it comes to coming up with big plays to ensure first downs.

He would fit the Jets’ offense nicely and wouldn’t break the bank when it comes to their limited salary cap space. His versatility as a kickoff/punt returner would also be a nice addition for the abysmal special teams of the Jets.

Special teams last year was a disaster and adding a wide receiver that can also double up as a returner is an ideal situation to be in. Sanu is coming off a lackluster year due to injury but his career stats with the Bengals isn’t bad at all.

In his career, Sanu totaled 1,793 receiving yards on 152 receptions and 11 touchdowns.

Next: 4. A 49er looking for an escape

Oct 19, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Anquan Boldin (81) during the game against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

4. Anquan Boldin

Things are pretty bad in San Francisco these days. The 49ers have turned into one of the worst and most inconsistent teams in the NFL with a litany of problems. Wide receiver Anquan Boldin is set to hit free agency and even though he’s 35-years-old, he could still be of great value to the Jets.

Boldin has a ton of experience, is well-respected and a Super Bowl champion. The Jets have a core of young yet inconsistent receivers that could also look up to him as a mentor, just like they did last year with Marshall and Decker.

Acquiring him for a short-term deal would be great for the Jets thanks to how well he is in the red zone and his ability to make plays when needed. His stats last year, considering just how bad the 49ers were on offense, are pretty good when one thinks about what Boldin could do with the high-octane Jets’ offense.

Last season, Boldin totaled 789 receiving yards on 69 receptions and four touchdowns.

Next: 3. A Seahawk that will fly in New York

Jan 17, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jermaine Kearse (15) catches a three yard touchdown past Carolina Panthers cornerback Josh Norman (not pictured) in the fourth quarter during the NFC Divisional round playoff game at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

3. Jermaine Kearse

Kearse is another relatively inexpensive option that the Jets can actually afford. He’s got great size at 6’1 and 212 pounds which would be a nice dimension to have on offense. Kearse is coming off his best season yet with the Seattle Seahawks and is only 26-years-old.

In 2015, Kearse totaled 685 receiving yards on 49 receptions for five touchdowns. He rose to the occasion when his number was called and helped to extend plays for quarterback Russell Wilson. Kearse would thrive on the Jets’ offense, especially on deep passing plays down the field.

The Jets’ offense could use another deep passing threat to help intimidate opposing teams. Besides Marshall and Decker, the Jets are missing that clutch No. 3 option that can step right in and take care of business.

Kearse could be that and much more for the Jets that need to add better talent to their wide receiver corps.

Next: 2. A New York state of mind

Dec 20, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants wide receiver Rueben Randle (82) scores a touchdown against the Carolina Panthers during the first quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

2. Rueben Randle

It’s not the first time nor would it be the last time that a player changed teams in the city that never sleeps. Wide receiver Rueben Randle is headed to free agency and after three years in the NFL, finally put everything together to deliver a very good season in 2015.

Last year for the New York Giants, Randle totaled 797 yards on 57 receptions and a career-high eight touchdowns. He looked the best he’s ever been by running routes efficiently and coming through in the clutch when the Giants needed it on offense.

It was surprising to say the least since Randle has been a bit of a disappointment up until last season. Now that he put up some respectable numbers, a few teams will be inquiring about his services as the Jets should be able to bring him in on a short-term deal.

Randle could add some quality depth and wouldn’t miss a beat since it’s not like he has to play in a different stadium or state. He could turn out to be a hidden gem once he trades his blue for a better looking green.

Next: 1. A Dolphin swimming in New York

Nov 23, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Miami Dolphins wide receiver Rishard Matthews (18) carries the football past Denver Broncos cornerback Bradley Roby (29) and free safety Rahim Moore (26) passes in the second quarter at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

1. Rishard Matthews

Wide receiver Rishard Matthews will be one of the top free agents at wide receiver to hit the market. His skill-set is impressive as he has great speed, knows how to get into open space and makes key plays consistently every time the football is in his hands.

Matthews is coming off the best year of his career with the Miami Dolphins. In 2015, Matthews totaled 662 receiving yards on 43 receptions and four touchdowns. Matthews is just 26 years old and is looking to make an impact on a new team due to a chip on his shoulder for the Dolphins not wanting to bring him back in 2016.

More jets: NY Jets 2015 Spotlight: David Harris

He would compliment Decker and Marshall nicely while also providing the Jets’ offense with another reliable target they can depend on for key third downs to convert. Not only would he be great on offense but he also has experience as a kickoff/punt returner.

In addition to his abilities, it would also add a nice piece to the already heated rivalry between the Dolphins and Jets.