9 realistic free agents NY Jets could sign in 2024

The NY Jets are looking to set themselves up in a position where they can legitimately compete for a Super Bowl in 2024. Aaron Rodgers' impending return will help their chances, but there is still work that needs to be done.

Rodgers' absence last season highlighted a number of flaws with the Jets' current roster. The offensive line was an injury-riddled mess, and the less said about the team's wide receiver room, the better.

The Jets will have an opportunity to address their biggest needs this offseason, and their first chance to do so will be in free agency. While the Jets won't be the biggest spenders in free agency, they do have enough financial flexibility to make a few moves.

But we're not here to focus on the unlikely, high-profile targets. Instead, here's a look at nine realistic free agents the Jets could sign this offseason.

9. The NY Jets could sign OT Donovan Smith

The Jets will be in the market for offensive line help, and there's a real chance they'll be looking for two new offensive tackles. One player who could catch their eye is Donovan Smith.

The two-time Super Bowl champion and nine-year NFL veteran is set to be a free agent after serving as the Kansas City Chiefs' starting left tackle this past season. Smith has over 130 career starts under his belt and has played for some very impressive teams.

That said, Smith has frequently been among the league leaders in penalties and has received Pro Football Focus grades below 60.0 in each of the last two seasons. He's been a below-average starter at best.

Smith grew up on Long Island as a Jets fan and has been open about his desire to play for the Jets at some point. He's a capable veteran option, but the Jets should probably aim higher in their search for a new left tackle.

8. The NY Jets could sign S Darnell Savage

Let's get the Packers connections out of the way. The Jets could be looking for safety help this offseason, with the likes of Jordan Whitehead, Chuck Clark, and Ashtyn Davis all set to hit free agency.

One buy-low option they could consider is Darnell Savage. A former first-round pick, Savage has spent the first five seasons of his career in Green Bay, crossing paths with Aaron Rodgers in the process.

Savage is coming off what might be his best season with the Packers. The Maryland product was written off by many as a bust following an abysmal 2022 season, but he rebounded nicely in 2023.

At just 26-years-old, the arrow is firmly pointing up for Savage's career, and if the Jets are looking to add an external option for cheap, he makes a ton of sense.

7. The NY Jets could sign RB A.J. Dillon

Another Packers free agent who fills a need for the Jets is A.J. Dillon. Breece Hall is one of the best running backs in the NFL, but the Jets will likely be in search of a competent RB2 to serve as his backup next season.

Dillon is exactly the type of player the Jets should be targeting. At 6-foot, 247 pounds, Dillon is a powerful, bruising running back who thrives in shirt-yardage situations.

Dillon isn't going to be breaking many runs for 10+ yards, but what he will do is grind out the tough yards and execute in goal-to-go situations. For as good as Hall may be, that's never going to be his strength.

The Jets struggled to run the ball in short-yardage situations last season, largely because they didn't have anyone on the roster who could fill that role. Dillon can do exactly that, and it likely won't break the bank to sign him.

6. The NY Jets could sign OT Jermaine Eluemunor

Jermaine Eluemunor has quietly become a rock-solid starting tackle for the Las Vegas Raiders over the last two seasons. The former Baltimore Ravens fifth-round pick was primarily a backup for the first five seasons of his NFL career before getting an opportunity to start with the Raiders.

In two seasons in Las Vegas, Eluemunor has posted PFF grades of 75.3 and 68.5, splitting time between left tackle, right tackle, and right guard. Right tackle, however, has become his primary position.

Eluemunor turned 29 years old in December and, despite his above-average player over the last two seasons, likely won't receive a hefty contract in free agency. He should still be one of the better options on the open market.

The Jets don't need to pay top dollar for an injury-riddled former All-Pro like Tyron Smith or even David Bakhtiari. Eluemunor provides stability, versatility, and reliability — three things the Jets' offensive line desperately needs.

5. The NY Jets could sign DT Javon Kinlaw

Defensive tackle is one of the more underrated needs for the Jets this offseason, with both Quinton Jefferson and Solomon Thomas set to hit free agency. Even if one or both are brought back, the Jets might still be in the defensive tackle market.

That's why it wouldn't be surprising to see Robert Saleh reunite with a former top draft pick in Javon Kinlaw. The 14th overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, Kinlaw was brought in to replace DeForest Buckner, although he never quite reached those lofty expectations.

Part of that was a result of injuries, as Kinlaw appeared in just 10 games between 2021 and 2022. The 26-year-old is coming off his most productive and effective NFL season, however, as he appeared in all 17 games and posted a career-high 3.5 sacks.

Saleh was a huge advocate of Kinlaw during his time in San Francisco. Perhaps Kinlaw can follow in the footsteps of Thomas as another former top 49ers draft pick who revitalized his career with Saleh and the Jets.

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.

2. The NY Jets could sign OG Robert Hunt

Robert Hunt has quietly developed into one of the most underrated offensive linemen in the NFL over the last few seasons. The former second-round pick has started 55 games for the Miami Dolphins over the last four years, primarily spending time at right guard after a shaky rookie season at right tackle.

Hunt finished the 2023 season with a PFF grade of 76.4, which ranked sixth among all qualified offensive guards. He's been ranked inside the top-12 guards in football by PFF in each of the last two seasons.

At just 27 years old, Hunt is expected to be one of the most coveted offensive linemen on the market this offseason. He not only fills an immediate need for the Jets, but he would also double as a hopeful long-term solution.

Hunt would likely slot in at right guard, forcing the Jets to either move Alijah Vera-Tucker to right tackle or back to left guard in the event Laken Tomlinson is released. He should be a top target for the Jets in free agency.

1. The NY Jets could sign QB Ryan Tannehill

The Jets have already made it abundantly clear that they plan to sign a veteran backup quarterback this offseason. Woody Johnson has alluded to it, and Joe Douglas essentially confirmed it in his end-of-the-season press conference.

While many have connected the Jets to Jacoby Brissett, their most likely target might be Ryan Tannehill. The longtime Tennessee Titans starter was benched this past season and is likely bound for a backup in 2023.

He has numerous ties to the Jets' coaching staff, with Todd Downing, Keith Carter, and Tony Dews all crossing paths with Tannehill in Tennessee. Downing, in particular, has maintained a close relationship with the former Pro Bowler.

The Jets are almost certainly going to add an experienced backup QB this offseason. Tannehill figures to be near the top of their list of targets.