Jets urged to target former first-round WR to address biggest need

The New York Jets have been busy this offseason, making multiple additions to their defense. The offense hasn't seen as much action, outside of the signing of new guard Dylan Parham.

Head-scratchingly enough, they've yet to address the wide receiver position, despite the lack of depth they have behind Garrett Wilson and Adonai Mitchell.

John Metchie left in free agency for the Carolina Panthers, and 2025 fourth-round pick Arian Smith left a lot to be desired last season. Outside of special teamer Isaiah Williams, there isn't a whole lot of depth at wide receiver.

The Jets need to make multiple moves at the position. Drafting and signing multiple players should absolutely be on the table. But what can they do right now to improve their wide receiver room?

Jets given former Bills WR Brandin Cooks as ideal free agent target

Bleacher Report's Gary Davenport wants the Jets to target former New Orleans Saints first-round draft pick Brandin Cooks as a free target. Cooks most recently spent the back half of the 2025 season with the Buffalo Bills.

"Signing veteran wideout Brandin Cooks isn't going to make many headlines. But even if the Jets use the pick obtained in the Sauce Gardner trade to grab a wideout at No. 16 overall, their depth at the position is still all but non-existent."

Gary Davenport

The Jets have plenty of room to make a run at Cooks. Spotrac believes he could be had for a one-year $3 million contract.

In his age-32 season, Cooks hauled in 24 receptions for 279 yards. The numbers aren't eye-popping, but he would be a solid veteran presence in the Jets' relatively young wide receiver room.

It's important to note that in the hypothetical scenario, the Jets do make a run at the 2014 first-round pick, but he can't be the only addition. They would still need to trade for or sign another veteran and draft one with a premium pick in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft.

As ESPN's Rich Cimini noted, a Brian Thomas Jr. or Dontayvion Wicks would be a solid addition, along with one of the draft's best prospects in Jordan Tyson, Makai Lemon, Omar Cooper Jr., or Denzel Boston. Carnell Tate is expected to go in the top 10.

Darren Mougey may say publicly that the Jets are satisfied with their current wide receiver group, but anyone with a brain can figure out that there is a lot of work left to be done in New York.