Top 5 free agents to replace Darrelle Revis in 2017

The New York Jets need to replace cornerback Darrelle Revis due to his severe decline playing defense. Here are some solid free agents that would pick up the slack.

Oct 2, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Dallas Cowboys cornerback Morris Claiborne (24) intercepts the ball during the fourth quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi

Who would take the role of cornerback Darrelle Revis on defense for the New York Jets come next season? It’s no secret he’s been unproductive and his time may very well be coming to an end with Gang Green.

Revis has been a disappointment all season long and it’s surprising he’s still seeing playing time. He has been beaten so many times this season that it has caused the Jets to lose many games because of his lackluster efforts.

The Jets will need to get younger and bring in smarter players to help fill that role because his time is almost up. Revis will need to consider to move to another position, perhaps the safety position as it could help further his career.

There are some hard working, productive players that will be free agents this winter that could help the Jets tremendously in 2017. Let’s take a look at the top five free agents who can help the Jets fill the cornerback position faster than a New York minute.

Next: 5. Trumaine Johnson

Oct 2, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Los Angeles Rams cornerback Trumaine Johnson (22) reacts after intercepting a pass against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Rams won 17-13. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

5. Trumaine Johnson

Johnson is a corner that the Jets could really use who has improved his productivity every single year since 2012. Johnson has a good combination of size and speed as he is 6 foot 2 inches tall and his 40 time is 4.61. He has a good closing speed that most corners in the NFL lack.

He has the speed that Revis has been lacking for quite some time and that is why he has been beaten. He has experienced zone cover corner vision. He can also be a productive player in multiple positions which could help the Jets tremendously in case injuries hit their secondary.

Johnson also has a solid tackling technique which could prevent receivers from breaking it open. Coming out of college he was ranked the 8th best cornerback and the 4th best safety in the 2012 NFL Draft.

Since 2012 he has averaged about two to three interceptions per year and this past season in 2015 he had seven interceptions. He reminds of a younger Revis. Johnson plays with speed and quickness that has similarities to most productive NFL corners.

Next: 4. Captain Munnerlyn

4. Captain Munnerlyn

Captain is another person who can replace Revis at the corner position. Coming out of college he was regarded as one of the rising stars at the corner position in the Southeastern Conference. He is short with a legitimate NFL body as he has rare speed and agility.

He also has good explosiveness out of his cuts which are something that Revis really struggles with. Munnerlyn closes quickly and gets his hands on passes which he has soft hands for. He is also not afraid to mix it up with the bigger receivers he faces. As a decent special teams returner, he has experience in fielding punts and kicks.

Munnerlyn is also out to prove a point in wanting to be one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL. It reminds you of how Revis was when he first came out from college.

Since 2014 he has averaged two interceptions per season which doesn’t sound like much but he consistently gets the job done.

Next: 3. Stephon Gilmore

Nov 20, 2016; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Brandon LaFell (11) is pushed out of bounds by Buffalo Bills cornerback Stephon Gilmore (24) after making a catch in the second half at Paul Brown Stadium. The Bills won 16-12. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports

3. Stephon Gilmore

Gilmore is a very physical player the Jets could desperately use as he has been a very productive player for the Buffalo Bills. He has excellent size coming in at 6 feet tall and has a wingspan of 31 inches which adds a nice dynamic. Each year his numbers have also improved which is a plus.

He isn’t afraid of mixing it up like Revis has done for almost 10 plus seasons now. He averages two to three interceptions per season which could help a defense get off the field when needed. Gilmore has good balance and fluidity which allows him to stick with faster players.

He also can return punts and played some Wildcat quarterback plays while in college. Seems to rarely blow a coverage or read a route incorrectly. He is definitely more effective off or in zone coverage which the Jets use a lot.

Gilmore has the bright future that he needs to have in order to make it in the NFL. With the Jets, Gilmore would be an instant difference-maker.

Next: 2. Morris Claiborne

Sep 25, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys cornerback Morris Claiborne (24) prior to the game against the Chicago Bears at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

2. Morris Claiborne

Claiborne is a short corner that has a major upside to his game which makes him a tough defensive back. He has the elite length for the position as he is incredibly fluid when going up against anyone. He can turn and run with the best in the league.

He accelerates quickly once the in a position to defend and can go up to full speed which Revis has had problems with these past two seasons. Unlike most cornerbacks, he is decent in the run game, can shed a block and lay a good hard hit.

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Claiborne has good instincts and he is able to read a route and bait the quarterback. He can get a good jam and redirect out of press man coverage. He is a four down player that doesn’t let up and continues to attack.

He will be hard to steal away from the Dallas Cowboys because his current team is doing so well and one of the best teams in the league at this point in time. However, free agency can be unpredictable and should he hit the free agency market, the Jets would be wise to pursue him.

Next: 1. D.J. Hayden

Dec 20, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Green Bay Packers wide receiver Randall Cobb (18) carries the ball against Oakland Raiders cornerback D.J. Hayden (25) during the second quarter at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

1. D.J. Hayden

Even though his season was cut short due to injury, D.J. Hayden has a bright future in this league. He has very good quickness with his feet which allows him to handle man to man coverage well. When playing off coverage, he is able to close in quickly to make plays on out routes. Revis has had a huge problem with that this year and it continues to hurt the Jets.

When the team asks him to do blind sided blitzes he is amongst the corner backs in the league to cause loss of yardage. His tackling is stronger than his wiry frame would predict, allowing him to separate the ball from the carrier.

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His toughness helps him win fights with receivers for 50/50 balls downfield, and he will run through the play to cover. When he does this he is able to punch the football away and cause fumbles. He was highly sought out in college because of this ability. This would be a great attritube to have in the secondary of the Jets.