NY Jets: 3 free agency moves the team should still make

The first wave of free agency is mostly done, with most of the top players signing deals. Who’s still available for the NY Jets to consider?

The 2020 NFL free agency has been nothing short of exciting. Stars around the league have been on the move since Tuesday, and some are still choosing what team they’d like to play for in 2020.

Normally, the NY Jets would be among the teams handing out massive deals to star players in hopes of putting an elite product out on the field.

However, this offseason, new general manager Joe Douglas has taken a much different path.

Gang Green missed out on the stars of free agency, not signing players like Jack Conklin, Graham Glasgow, Byron Jones, and James Bradberry. Instead, they’ve been bringing in under-the-radar talents for much cheaper.

Players such as Connor McGovern and Greg Van Roten may not pop out of the screen, but they are certainly upgrades to the roster.

At first glance, the Jets’ free-agency haul may seem underwhelming. Many reported that the Jets would heavily target stars including Conklin and Glasgow, however, Joe Douglas was unwilling to overpay.

He set his value of a player and stood on that value no matter what.

This is a complete 180 from what fans are used to. Former general manager Mike Maccagnan handed out big contracts every offseason, including Trumaine Johnson, Le’Veon Bell, and C.J. Mosley.

Want your voice heard? Join the The Jet Press team!

Write for us!

Some may be disappointed in the Jets not reeling in any stars, however, the change of pace has been refreshing.

With that being said, free agency is far from over. Several big names are still available. Who should the Jets target? Here are three players Joe Douglas should be inquiring about.

Next: Bring back Robby Anderson

1. Robby Anderson, WR

To the surprise of many, Robby Anderson has yet to sign a deal with a team. He was regarded as one of the best receivers in a thin market and was expected to gain a ton of interest from teams. However, he remains unemployed nearly one week into free agency.

Could Anderson just be moving patiently through his process? Of course. However, most top receivers agree to a deal by this point in free agency. Anderson’s market may not be panning out as he had hoped it would.

Some reported he would command a contract in the $13-$15 million per year range. However, others reported that his market could be lower than expected and in the $9-$12 million range. This late into free agency, his market may be the latter.

Jets fans have been watching Anderson since he was picked up as an undrafted free agent in 2016. We all know what he’s capable of.

He’s an elite deep threat that can fly down the field. He also has a good connection with Sam Darnold, which is more important than anything when developing a quarterback.

The Jets have reportedly remained interested in retaining Anderson, and they absolutely should be. He’s the best receiver available, a familiar face for Darnold, and a premier deep threat who can open up the passing game.

Assuming he’s not getting the massive deal some thought he would, Douglas should bring Anderson back to New York.

Next: A premier edge rusher

2. Jadeveon Clowney, EDGE

The Jets haven’t had an elite edge rusher since John Abraham, who left the Jets in 2005. For those keeping score, that’s 15 years ago. It’s time for the Jets to find an edge rusher.

Jadeveon Clowney is another name who is surprisingly still available nearly a week into free agency. He was expecting a deal that would reach $21 million per season but reportedly has not received a deal of such nature.

Clowney’s going to be paid. It may not be a massive multi-year deal worth $21 million per season., but he’ll certainly make his fair share of money wherever he signs. The Jets have interest in Clowney, but not at his hefty price tag.

The market for Clowney hasn’t panned out nearly as expected. An edge rusher of his caliber would have a deal in place at this point. It’s safe to say nobody has offered him the massive deal he desires.

With that being said, Clowney may want to take a short-term “prove it” deal to show he’s worth the massive contract he says he is. If that’s the case, the Jets should be all over him.

They’re not in a place to offer him a deal that puts Clowney amongst players like Khalil Mack and Aaron Donald. However, a one/two-year incentive-based deal could be a smart move to make for the Jets.

Next: A veteran corner

3. Prince Amukamara, CB

The Jets have been quiet when it comes to cornerbacks in free agency. They weren’t willing to pay Byron Jones and James Bradberry the money that they were given. At this point, they’ve only re-signed Brian Poole and Arthur Maulet.

More from The Jet Press

• NY Jets: Jonnu Smith would be a smart free-agent target
• NY Jets: 3 non-quarterback trade targets on offense
• NY Jets expected to be ‘much more aggressive’ in free agency this year
• NY Jets: Patriots will not use the franchise tag on Joe Thuney
• NY Jets officially place the franchise tag on safety Marcus Maye

Cornerback is a big position of need for Gregg Williams’ defense. Backups played at an acceptable level last season, however, they shouldn’t be penciled in as long-term starters.

The Jets need a veteran corner to help out the younger players in the secondary room, and Prince Amukamara is the perfect fit.

Amukamara is entering his 10th season in the league and has started 99 games in nine seasons. In those games, he’s broken up 78 passes and intercepted 10.

In 2019, he graded in at 68.2, according to Pro Football Focus. He’s earned coverage grades of above 70 in each of his past three seasons.

Amukamara won’t be receiving a huge contract in free agency. He’s the perfect answer for the Jets, who desperately need to strengthen their cornerback group.

Joe Douglas should be on the phone with Amukamara’s agent in the coming days to fortify Gang Green’s secondary.