The New York Jets have several internal free agents that must be re-signed before free agency hits. Here are the top ones that undoubtedly should be brought back for 2018.
Free agency is rapidly approaching. Considering how much salary cap room the New York Jets have, we should expect them to be very active. They will be expected to use their money to retain some of their own players since some of their internal free agents are all difference makers on the gridiron.
Who should the Jets retain? Here are some of their internal potential free agents that should be kept at least for the next few years.
Demario Davis
As a whole, linebacker is a position of weakness for the Jets. But there was nothing weak about the season Demario Davis totaled. No player in the entire NFL had more solo tackles than Davis with 97. He should be back in green next season.
Quincy Enunwa
Quincy Enunwa had a breakout season in 2016-2017. However, as you know he missed all of last season due to a neck injury. Because of that injury, the Jets should be able to retain Enunwa at a cheap price. Enunwa is still very young and even though will be a restricted free agent this offseason, has a lot of football ahead of him. Hopefully, he comes back healthy and ready to pick up from where he left off from.
Morris Claiborne
Last offseason, the Jets signed Claiborne to a one year/$5 million dollar deal, which turned out to be a bargain. Claiborne’s best game as a Jet came against Julio Jones, as he completely shut down one of the best wide receivers in the NFL. He allowed three targets and 0 receptions in his coverage against Jones. Outside of Claiborne, the rest of the cornerbacks don’t look too good. The Jets would be foolish not to try to bring Morris back.
Kony Ealy
After being released by the Patriots before the season, the Jets were able to snag the former Panther. Ealy lead all lineman with 9 pass breakups. Kony Ealy is a solid starter who should return.
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- NY Jets should try to sign Kenny Golladay in free agency
- NY Jets: Jonnu Smith would be a smart free-agent target
- NY Jets expected to be ‘much more aggressive’ in free agency this year
Honorable mention: Josh McCown
McCown played much better than anyone expected him to this past season. Before his season-ending injury, McCown was on pace to throw for 21 touchdowns, 11 interceptions, and over 3,600 yards. However, given that he will be turning 39 years old before the start of next season, it’s unlikely that McCown will be able to play as well again as he did in 2017.
On the other hand, if McCown wants to retire, the Jets should look to hire him as a QB coach. He was very good in the locker room this past season, and he would be a good mentor to whoever the new quarterback would be.
These are the best potential free agents on the Jets roster. Will they stay? If so, will they live up to expectations? Leave your comments below who would you keep or let go in this year’s free agency period.