5 under-the-radar fits for the NY Jets in 2022 free agency

2. NY Jets target: Maxx Williams, TE, Arizona Cardinals

The tight-end market has predictably dried up after pipedream options like Mike Gesicki, David Njoku, and Dalton Schultz were taken off the market with franchise tags.

The Jets will undoubtedly draft a tight end this April, but the team could use a bridge veteran type who fits what they lack on offense at the position. The Jets need a blocking tight end with the physical prowess that Maxx Williams possesses.

Still only 27-years-old, Williams is coming off a torn ACL he suffered in Week 5 of last season. But before his season-ending injury, Williams, a career role player, was having his best year in the league.

The numbers weren't gaudy by any stretch, but Williams had 16 receptions, 193 yards, and a touchdown through four games before getting injured during Week 5.

Williams has been one of the best blocking tight ends in football since he entered the NFL as a second-round pick in 2015. Since 2017, Pro Football Focus has graded Williams as the third-highest graded blocker at tight end with an 82.3 grade.

Because Williams has had durability issues throughout his career and has never been a high-volume pass-catcher who can stretch the field, his market value might not be as strong for those reasons.

But for the Jets, it's the perfect opportunity to add a player who is an excellent fit in the locker room and on the field. Not only would the Jets be adding a sure-handed and formidable player in their pass game, but they'd be adding an absolute beast in their rushing attack.

My guess is that Maxx Williams could command a three-year deal in the $15-18 million range because of the limited number of options at tight end in free agency.

Because of his unique skillset, Williams is a dying breed in many respects. The type of in-line and on-the-move mauler at the position that strengthens a team's ground attack.

It's been a while since the Jets have had a player like Williams, and I think they need to target him in free agency. Taking calculated risks can sometimes be your best strategy because others are more likely not to take the same chances because they are in a different position than you are.

The Jets need to use their status to their advantage.