3 former Broncos free agents who could follow GM Darren Mougey to NY Jets

Not only have the NY Jets finally brought an end to their coaching search by convincing franchise great Aaron Glenn to put his green and white back on, but they have hired their next GM by poaching former Denver Broncos assistant general manager Darren Mougey.

Mougey, who has yet to turn 40 years old, has risen through the ranks very quickly. However, the former John Elway disciple has only known the Broncos in his professional career. When his first free agency blitz comes knocking, Mougey might try to poach a few of his old Broncos players.

These three players all have ties to Mougey from their time in Denver and are set to hit the free-agent market. If Mougey values what they bring to the table, they could be suiting up in green and white before long.

NY Jets free agent targets who could reunite with Darren Mougey

1. TE Nick Vannett

With Tyler Conklin hitting free agency and Jeremy Ruckert performing so poorly that it seems unlikely a new regime will be invested in getting him turned around, the Jets may need to end up using one of the top draft picks on a tight end and finding a replacement for the TE2 role in free agency.

Vannett, who will turn 32 next season, caught three touchdowns with the Tennessee Titans this season. Vannett was another ex-Buckeye more renowned for his blocking ability, and adding him could help the Jets get a major upgrade in the area

2. LB Cody Barton

If the Jets move on from C.J. Mosley, it seems like the next logical course of action is to replace him with Jamien Sherwood. However, if Sherwood's next contract exceeds the price Mougey feels comfortable with, they could replace him with a key member of Vance Joseph's defensive turnaround.

Barton, who bounced around as a starter with Seattle and Washington in the last two seasons prior to joining Denver, is a reliable tackling machine who has held his own in coverage. Barton could be worth a multi-year contract after playing such a big role in Denver's turnaround.

3. DT D.J. Jones

Jones may be one of the most natural free agent fits for this Jets team. Not only does he have familiarity with Mougey and fills a positional need, but his style of play could make him a perfect interior run-stuffing tackle that helps Glenn's defensive scheme truly take flight.

Jones would be an instant starter next to Quinnen Williams, giving the Jets a reliable No. 2 defensive tackle if top draft pick Mason Graham doesn't make it to No. 7 overall. Jones has been underrated for most of his career, but Glenn's defense could give him the platform he has needed.

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