NY Jets are one of the highest-spending teams in free agency

The NY Jets went into the offseason boasting the second-most cap space in the NFL sitting at just over $70 million before the free-agency frenzy kicked off.

Many expected them to be among the top spenders in the league given their financial flexibility and numerous roster holes. And through the first week of free agency, they haven’t disappointed.

Contrary to what many seem to believe, the Jets have been one of the NFL’s biggest spenders in free agency having dished out over $125 million to new free agents this offseason.

Only three teams have spent more — the New England Patriots, San Francisco 49ers, and Jacksonville Jaguars.

The NY Jets have been spending this free-agency period

The Jaguars were the only team to enter the offseason with more cap space than the Jets. And given their many roster holes, it isn’t surprising to see them spend as much as they did.

As for the Patriots and 49ers, they’re shopping sprees have been brought on more out of necessity. The Jets have the luxury of having an exuberant amount of draft capital, but neither of those teams can say the same.

While the majority of the Jets’ money has gone to two individuals, Carl Lawson and Corey Davis, it’s not like they’ve only added a couple of players. In fact, only six teams have signed more free agents than the Jets have.

Lawson’s $45 million and Davis’ $37.5 million over three years certainly make up a good chunk of the Jets’ spending, however.

They’ve spent a lot, and the plan was to spend even more.

The Jets were one of the finalists for standout guard Joe Thuney before the Kansas City Chiefs swooped in and handed him $16 million per season to play for arguably the best team in football.

They also reportedly had a serious offer on the table for cornerback William Jackson III, but the Washington Football Team was able to land him.

Still, with four sizable free-agent offers made, the Jets have landed two of their guys. A 50 percent hit rate on high-end free agents is a higher rate than most if not all teams out there.

So yes, the Jets are spending money. More than almost every team in the NFL. And in their high-profile battles, they’ve come out on top half the time — more often than most teams.

General manager Joe Douglas may have taken things slowly last offseason, but he hasn’t employed the same strategy this time around.

The roster still has plenty of weaknesses — as was always going to be the case with a 2-14 team. But the Jets are doing their part to add players in free agency.

Only time will tell if it’s enough to turn things around.