5 NY Jets free agent targets that weren't franchise tagged

The NY Jets will likely look to make at least one or two splashes in free agency this offseason as they continue to rebuild their roster. Although with just six wins in their last two seasons, it's probably time for said rebuild to take that next step.

The Jets appear to be heading in the right direction with various moves intended to lay the foundation of the roster, but that needs to be proven with on-field results. Joe Douglas knows that another four-win season could leave him firmly on the hot seat — rightfully so.

A number of players the Jets may have been eyeing in free agency will no longer be available following Tuesday's franchise tag deadline. Players like Chris Godwin, Dalton Schultz, and Jessie Bates, among others, were tagged by their respective organizations.

There are still quite a few prominent names still out there, however. Let's take a look at five the Jets could target in free agency.

5. NY Jets target: J.C. Jackson, CB

Perhaps the top name on the entire free-agent market is slated to be J.C. Jackson. The former undrafted free agent has developed into one of the best ball hawks in the entire NFL, and he's expected to garner plenty of interest this offseason.

At just 26-years-old, Jackson has solidified his place as a true No. 1 cornerback with a ridiculous 22 interceptions over the last three years. He led the NFL with 23 pass deflections in 2021 en route to being named second-team All-Pro.

Jackson is an absolute stud, and he's going to get paid as such on the open market. There's no doubt that he would provide a major boost to the Jets' offense either.

That said, he's primarily a man-cover corner and wouldn't be an ideal fit for a Robert Saleh defense. That combined with his hefty price tag might sway the Jets to look elsewhere.