Jets almost landed Allen Hurns via free agency

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - OCTOBER 22: Allen Hurns #88 of the Jacksonville Jaguars runs with the ball after a reception defended by Nate Hairston #27 of the Indianapolis Colts during the first half at Lucas Oil Stadium on October 22, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - OCTOBER 22: Allen Hurns #88 of the Jacksonville Jaguars runs with the ball after a reception defended by Nate Hairston #27 of the Indianapolis Colts during the first half at Lucas Oil Stadium on October 22, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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The New York Jets were very close to adding wide receiver Allen Hurns to their roster via free agency but talks fell through thanks to the Lone Star State.

This is another case of a “what if?” scenario featuring the New York Jets and what could have been a solid acquisition in free agency. In an article written by Sam Robinson of Pro Football Rumors, he confirmed that the Jets made an offer to at the time, free agent wide receiver Allen Hurns.

As Hurns was visiting several teams at the start of free agency, the Jets scheduled to have a meet-and-greet with him but unfortunately, he never left the state of Texas. Not only did he fall in love with his potential new home but the Dallas Cowboys gave him a good offer as to which he agreed.

Hurns agreed to a $12 million/two-year contract and never had his scheduled meeting with the Jets. It’s a shame since he could have been a big part of the Jets offense and then some. As one of the bright spots on the Jacksonville Jaguars over the years, Hurns was dealing with a lingering ankle injury last season.

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As he missed a lot of playing time, the Jaguars cut him as it sent waves to a plethora of teams that knew if healthy, Hurns could be a difference maker on the gridiron. The Jets ultimately went with free agent wide receiver Terrelle Pryor but he’s yet to participate in minicamp and likely won’t be ready to compete until the start of training camp.

Pryor was given a low-risk/high reward deal with hopes that he can return to form on a team with an offensive system that caters to his strengths. If things don’t work out, well, the Jets could look back and only wonder what could have been if Hurns ended up meeting with them and possibly signing a free agent contract.

Overall, only time will tell if Hurns still has some gas left in the tank or if maybe it was destiny that things fell through and the Jets lucked out. Either way, this will be one of those stories worth revisiting in a year or so to see which team got the better player via free agency.