New York Jets: Dak Prescott franchise tag could be good news for Gang Green

The New York Jets could be looking to cash in this offseason and the Dallas Cowboys decision to franchise tag Dak Prescott could be good news for Gang Green.

The New York Jets are preparing to enter an offseason in which they will overhaul a good portion of their roster. And with possibly upwards to $80 million in cap space expected following cuts, they should be very active in free agency.

Priority number one will be to remodel their offensive line after an abysmal 2019 season. Players like Brandon Scherff and Joe Thuney — among others — should be high on the Jets’ wish list.

However, don’t be surprised to see the team get a little flashy with their signings as well.

The Jets will be looking to upgrade at both wide receiver and cornerback this offseason and while the 2020 NFL Draft will provide some opportunities, so too can the open market.

And if the Jets are looking to add a cornerback or receiver in free agency, they should be keeping a close eye on the Dallas Cowboys current situation.

Earlier on Sunday, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that the Cowboys are expected to place the franchise tag on quarterback Dak Prescott if the two sides cannot work out a long-term extension.

If that’s the case, Dallas will have some very difficult decisions to make.

With big money already tied up in players like DeMarcus Lawrence, Zack Martin, Tyron Smith, and Ezekiel Elliott, the Cowboys will find themselves in quite the cap bind if Prescott is given the franchise designation.

And the Jets could be the ones to capitalize.

Dallas’ top two pending free agents are cornerback Byron Jones and wide receiver Amari Cooper and it’s highly unlikely the Cowboys will be able to bring back either if Prescott is signed. That’s great news for the Jets who could see both as top targets this offseason.

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Jones was a Pro Bowler in 2018 and despite his low interception totals, the 27-year-old remains one of the better cornerbacks in the NFL. His 76.1 Pro Football Focus grade in 2019 was a step down from 2018, but still better than any outside corner on the Jets roster by a wide margin.

With Blessuan Austin hopefully holding down one of the two outside cornerback roles next season, Jones would be a perfect complement to pair alongside the young defensive back.

Meanwhile, Cooper revitalized his career in Dallas putting together two consecutive 1,000-yard seasons after falling out of favor in Oakland.

The former Alabama standout is fresh off arguably the best season of his career in which he totaled 1,189 yards and eight touchdowns on 79 receptions. Cooper has made the Pro Bowl in four of his five NFL seasons and would be an ideal No. 1 wideout for the Jets.

With Robby Anderson expected to depart via free agency, landing a talented wide receiver in the offseason is a must for Gang Green and there may be no better option available than Cooper.

The Cowboys still have some time to decide on Prescott’s future, but the Jets would be wise to keep a close eye on Dallas’ decision.

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It might just land them a premier free agent come March.

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