The NY Jets have made some major additions this offseason, acquiring Aaron Rodgers, along with several weapons in Allen Lazard and Mecole Hardman, as well as some good 2023 NFL Draft picks. However, with sizable expectations for the 2023 season, there is still room to make some more additions.
Despite these moves, the Jets still have an incredible $18 million in salary cap space, with some potential cuts to give them even more room to move. While signing Quinnen Williams to a long-term extension should be an absolute priority, these are four names that they could target before training camp.
4. The NY Jets could target safety Adrian Amos
One of the Jets' weakest positions heading into the 2023 OTAs and training camp is no doubt safety, where the team is currently looking to start Jordan Whitehead and Chuck Clark. While they are solid names, the depth certainly leaves a little something to be desired.
Thankfully, there are some solid players remaining at the position on the free agent market, and arguably the best of all is former Aaron Rodgers teammate, Adrian Amos, who spent the last four years of his career in Green Bay.
Over his eight-year career, Amos has been a consistent force for the Bears and Packers, with 2022 being another great campaign. He appeared in 17 games, racking up 102 tackles, one fumble recovery, five passes defended, and one interception. While he wouldn't necessarily start for the Jets right now, he would be very valuable depth.
3. The NY Jets could target defensive end Frank Clark
In 2022, the Jets put plenty of pressure on opposing quarterbacks each and every week, but after a down year from Carl Lawson (who was recovering from an Achilles tear), the team could no doubt use another impact player on the edge.
Sure, they've added both Jermaine Johnson and Will McDonald in the first round of the past two drafts, but if they want an immediate impact in 2023, two-time Super Bowl champion Frank Clark could be a fantastic option.
In 2022, the 29-year-old added five sacks, upping his career total to 58.5, and while this is arguably the position the Jets need to address the least, it would still be a great move if they can come to terms on a cheap deal, as he would no doubt given them some solid production.
2. The NY Jets should target a reunion with Kwon Alexander
The Jets' 2022 defense saw many incredible performances, and while all the plaudits went to the likes of Sauce Gardner, D.J. Reed, Quinnen Williams, and C.J. Mosley, one of the most underrated performers all season was veteran linebacker Kwon Alexander.
Late in the 2022 offseason, Kwon Alexander signed a one-year, $1.12 million deal, and ended up contributing 69 tackles, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, and 0.5 sacks. While the numbers don't pop, he was the heart and soul of this defense alongside Mosley.
After an impressive season, it seems strange that the Jets haven't looked to bring him back yet, but with no proven names to play alongside Mosley and Quincy Williams, it would be the best move for New York to make on the defensive side of the ball.
1. The NY Jets need to target wide reciever DeAndre Hopkins
The Jets already have a fantastic wide receiver group, led by Garrett Wilson, Corey Davis, Mecole Hardman, and Allen Lazard, but if they truly want to surround Aaron Rodgers with more talent than he's ever had before, giving a big money deal to DeAndre Hopkins would do just that.
While he's made it clear that he wants to play with the likes of Lamar Jackson, Josh Allen, and Patrick Mahomes, Rodgers is still a star even at 39 years old. With all that cap space, the Jets can match contract offers with anyone, and that may make it just tempting enough for the former All-Pro.
Even dealing with injuries and suspensions in 2022, Hopkins still managed 64 catches for 717 yards and three touchdowns. Pairing him with Wilson would give the Jets arguably the best wide receiver duo in the NFL, meaning that even if they miss out on him, they need to make him the best offer they possibly can.