9 realistic free agents NY Jets could sign in 2024

4. The NY Jets could sign OG Kevin Zeitler

You likely aren't going to find a better offensive guard on the open market this offseason than Kevin Zeitler. The 12-year NFL veteran has appeared in 15+ games in every season since 2015 and is fresh off his first (shockingly) Pro Bowl nod at age 33.

Zeitler has shown no signs of slowing down, even in his advanced age. The Wisconsin product finished with an 82.3 Pro Football Focus pass-block grade this past season, which ranked second among all qualified guards.

Zeitler hasn't allowed more than two sacks in a season since 2019 and is widely considered to be one of the better guards in football. The fact that he turns 34 years old next month, however, could work against him in free agency.

The Jets might have to pay a premium to land a player like Zeitler, but it might just be worth it. This would likely mean the Jets would either release Laken Tomlinson or move Alijah Vera-Tucker to right tackle.

3. The NY Jets could sign WR Kendrick Bourne

Full disclosure: Kendrick Bourne has long been one of my favorite wide receivers in the NFL. The former 49ers wideout doesn't excel at one particular thing. Instead, he's essentially above average at everything.

Bourne is an excellent route-runner with reliable hands who also doubles as a fantastic run-blocker. He also ranked sixth among all qualified wide receivers in ESPN's YAC score in 2023.

Bourne is a perfect complementary piece in an NFL offense, and he would bring much-needed stability to a lackluster Jets wide receiver room. He is coming off a torn ACL that caused him to miss half of last year, but he had also appeared in 15+ games in each of the last five prior seasons.

Bourne's experience with Robert Saleh dating back to their 49ers days gives him a connection on the team. If the Patriots are unable to re-sign him, Bourne would be an ideal WR3 target for the Jets.