3 players Jets should target via trade

The New York Jets have had quite a successful offseason. They added as much talent to the roster as they have had in a while. However there are still some holes that the new front office should look to upgrade.

Many would agree that the New York Jets have had a tremendous offseason. On offense they added, Le’Veon Bell, Jamison Crowder, Kelechi Osemele, and Ty Montgomery. They added C.J. Mosley, Quinnen Williams and Jachai Polite to their defense. While those are some big time additions, there are still some areas that could use an upgrade. This late in the year, a team is not going to find a marquee name through free agency. The big names have been snatched up and any player that is a cap casualty, is not someone that you should put significant faith in to help the roster.  The best place to find a contributor, would be the trade market.

Year after year, there are big name players involved trades that a fan would never expect to happen. The Jets should actively be talking to teams about which players can be had in a deal. With that in mind, here are a list of candidates that should be at the top of the teams wishlist.

3. CB Patrick Peterson

Peterson is a player who could benefit from a change in scenery with the Cardinals undergoing a rebuild. The Cardinals are coming having the worst record in the league and are about to have their second QB in 2 years. They are a team with many holes and are not in a position to compete any time soon. While Peterson is not old, he does not have many prime years left in him. There may be a sense of urgency in him to play for a contender.

Peterson is a game changer at a position the Jets need most. Trading for a player of Peterson’s caliber, would give the Jets a true shutdown corner on the outside, something that is perfect for Gregg Williams’ defensive scheme. Trading for Peterson is also something to look out for as he is under team until 2021. A 29 year old shutdown corner with 2 seasons of control would be a dream trade. To have any hopes of beating Tom Brady, you need good coverage. Peterson allows to take away a teams number one receiver and them scheme your defense around stopping the other threats.

The downside to a trade for Peterson is, he is set to serve a six game suspension to start the season. With the suspension attached to Peterson, it likely makes him a deadline trade for a team in contention for a playoff spot. To trade for him now would not make too much sense, but he is name they should monitor and make sure not to forget. If the Jets are flirting with the playoffs and the Cardinals get off to a poor start, there could be a match to be had.

2. EDGE Jadeveon Clowney

Everyday that goes by that Clowney is unsigned, only increases the odds of him being traded from the Texans. While Houston would have to be crazy to pull the trigger on a deal including him, it would not be a huge shock if it is a move that they have at least thought about making. The New York Jets just used their third round pick on Jachai Polite from Florida. While he has tremendous upside, he is unproven and should not hinder them from swinging a deal for Clowney should he become available.

It feels like Clowney has been around for a while, yet he is still just 26 years old. Clowney just like Peterson would make a tremendous fit in the Jets defense. He is capable of playing outside linebacker in a 3-4 scheme or defensive end in a 4-3. He has a knack for being a disruptor in the opposing backfield. A threat off the edge is something the Jets desperately need. While Jordan Jenkins has been a solid contributor, he is not what you would consider a nightmare for an offense. Clowney however, is someone that will give a QB nightmares.

The Texans are also up against the clock with Clowney’s contract. He is currently playing on a franchise tag and the odds of a team giving any player a second tag are slim since the price would skyrocket the second time. The situation could cause Houston to panic and start looking for trade partners. A young and dynamic edge rusher should definitely be on the Jets wishlist especially when they don’t have elite corner play on the outside.

1. CB Jalen Ramsey

Ramsey presents a case very similar to another star who recently called New York City home.   That star would be none other than Odell Beckham, Jr. Beckham is an absolute star and considered as top 5 at his position in the league. Beckham was also very outspoken and drew the ire of many fans and front office executives. Despite the headache that he may have caused, a lot fans still never believed that a trade would actually take place. Odell is now a member of the Cleveland Browns.

Ramsey could suffer a similar fate to Beckham, Jr. Ramsey is 24 years old and in year 4 of his rookie deal. He has taken the league by storm at the cornerback position. His downfall to some is that he isn’t scared to let you know that he’s a star. Ramsey is known to be a big talker and is so big a trash talker, he did an interview essentially calling out every single QB in the NFL. A lot got a kick out of it and a lot hated it. The rumor has it that Tom Coughlin is one of those many that did not like it. This is huge because Coughlin is apart of the Jaguars front office.

While the talent of Ramsey is great, it may not matter to Coughlin how great of a player he is. A headache is not something that anyone wants. If he reaches his breaking point with the corner, the Jets should be the first team in the league to call. Ramsey is a trade not only for the now, but also for the long term future. At just 24, he is not even in the prime of his career. That is a nightmare for opposing offenses to consider. The New York Jets should do almost whatever it takes to bring him to MetLife.