5 high-profile free agents the NY Jets could realistically sign

2. The NY Jets could sign Kevin Zeitler

This year's guard class in free agency is stacked with young offensive linemen in search of a second contract. Players like Robert Hunt, Kevin Dotson, and even the aforementioned Mike Onwenu come to mind.

But there's at least one high-profile veteran guard set to hit the open market. Kevin Zeitler is fresh off his first career Pro Bowl nod in 2023, and he might be looking for a new home this offseason.

Zeitler has been the model of consistency and durability over his 12 years in the NFL. He's appeared in 15+ games in every season since 2015 and has finished with a Pro Football Focus grade below 71.0 just once in his entire career (2020 with the New York Giants).

Zeitler remains one of the most underappreciated and consistent offensive linemen in the NFL. He'll turn 34 years old in a few days, but he should still be a top target for the Jets this offseason.

1. The NY Jets could sign Calvin Ridley

If the Jets are going to make a big swing at wide receiver this offseason, the most realistic and likely addition is Calvin Ridley. His price tag won't be as high as someone like Mike Evans, and he could still serve as a sizable upgrade.

Ridley returned from a year-long suspension in 2023 and finished with 76 catches for 1,016 yards and eight touchdowns in his lone season with the Jacksonville Jaguars. The 29-year-old has now recorded 1,000-yard campaigns in each of his last two full seasons.

Ridley isn't a true No. 1 wide receiver, but the Jets already have one of those in Garrett Wilson. He is, however, an outstanding WR2 in any offense, and he would give the Jets an added downfield element to an offense desperately lacking in firepower.

The Jets were interested in a Calvin Ridley trade a few years ago. It's fair to suggest they'll be equally as interested now that he's set to hit the open market.