Kam Curl contract gives Jets clear blueprint for free-agent safety market

The Los Angeles Rams are taking one of the top names off the free agent safety market, re-signing impending free agent safety Kam Curl to a three-year, $36 million deal, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

It's a bit of a bummer for the New York Jets, a team in desperate need of help on the backend of their defense. Curl was one of the best safeties available on the market.

Regardless, the Jets now know what it's going to take to sign a starting safety once free agency opens next week, and it's going to require shelling out a decent-sized contract to land a player who will positively impact their secondary.

Jets will have to pay up to land a starting safety based on Kam Curl's new contract

Despite Curl getting plucked off the market before his free agency could even begin, there's still plenty of high-profile names available for the Jets to target come Monday.

Kansas City Chiefs safety Bryan Cook, Indianapolis Colts' Nick Cross, Arizona Cardinals' Jalen Thompson, and Chicago Bears' Jaquan Brisker are a few that come to mind. All are expected to receive multi-year contracts.

Cook is the most established of the bunch, with two Super Bowl rings under his belt. Spotrac projects his deal to be the highest among free agent safeties, worth up to four years, $56.7 million.

Brisker may have the most upside, recording four forced fumbles, four interceptions, and 21 pass breakups over his four-year career. The 48th overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft stands to land a deal worth three years, $33.2 million per Spotrac.

Thompson has the most experience, with seven years served in the NFL. The Washington State product has nine interceptions over the course of his career, and Spotrac expects the veteran to command a two-year, $18.9 million contract.

Cross expects to be the cheapest of the aforementioned safeties. The 96th overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft could land a four-year, $24.2 million contract, per Spotrac, thanks to his young age (24).

Of course, the Jets could also dip their toe in the market of a veteran playmaker that could completely turn around their turnover problems. Kevin Byard, a three-time All-Pro, reeled in seven interceptions this past season for the Bears. At 32, his best days are behind him, but his nose for the football and leadership would make him an attractive option for the Jets.

One thing is for sure: the Jets have gone far too long patching their safety room together with short-term contracts. They need to find at least one proven starter in free agency who they know will be a positive contributor on defense.