Making the case for Jets to acquire Shaquil Barrett in FA

The New York Jets could use an outside linebacker via free agency that can bolster their overall pass rush. Here’s a case to sign potential free agent Shaquil Barrett if he hits the market.

One of the biggest area of needs for the New York Jets to immediately address this offseason is their overall pass rush. Last season, the Jets defense failed to consistently pressure and take down opposing quarterbacks.

Like the saying goes, defense wins championships and even though the Jets are far from a contending team, they need to add a pass rusher or two this offseason. Ideally, many potential free agents that could hit the market specialize in such a role or at the very least, have tremendous upside to take their career to the next level.

Such is the case with outside linebacker Shaquil Barrett. In the past four years with the Denver Broncos, Barrett did very well for an undrafted player in a situational role. Even without getting starting reps, the Broncos used him in key defensive situations and more often than not, delivered when it mattered most.

More from The Jet Press

• NY Jets reportedly interested in signing DE Trey Hendrickson
• NY Jets should pursue Yannick Ngakoue in free agency
• NY Jets reportedly interested in free-agent RB Jamaal Williams
• NY Jets should target safety Keanu Neal in free agency
• NY Jets Free Agency: 5 sleeper targets to sign this offseason

So far in his career, Barrett has totaled 78 tackles, 11 sacks, six passes defended, and seven forced fumbles. Again, this is in a rotational role with the Broncos at outside linebacker as one can imagine that if he was used a bit more and even got starter reps, his stats would show more of his ability to get the job done.

Considering that acquiring him via free agency won’t break the bank for the Jets, Barrett would be a solid acquisition by general manager Mike Maccagnan. He could be used to add that much-needed aggression on defense as his potential could be huge being put in the right situation.

Barrett is young, works hard, and will do whatever it takes to do his part to win football games. He embodies the kind of mentality that head coach Todd Bowles wants to see in his players as he’d be a great addition to a defense that could use his talents to great effectiveness. He’s a solid pass rusher and would bring a lot to the table at a positional group that could use an infusion of better talent.