5 potential cap casualties the NY Jets could sign in free agency

The NY Jets have had a shaky recent history when it comes to free agency. For every D.J. Reed, there's been an Allen Lazard or a Laken Tomlinson. For every Tyler Conklin, there's been a C.J. Uzomah.

That's not an uncommon trend for NFL free agency, which is often seen as a crapshoot for most teams. There's a reason you rarely see young, star players hit the open market. Each of these players is available for a reason.

This year's free-agent pool is loaded with talented players, and there are expected to be a number of new additions to the pool in the coming weeks. Cap casualties will happen, and as the old proverb goes, one team's trash is another team's treasure.

Let's take a look at five potential cap casualties the Jets should be keeping a close eye on as we approach the start of free agency.

5. The NY Jets could target Kevin Byard

Jets general manager Joe Douglas hasn't invested significant assets into the safety position during his time with the organization. Perhaps that could be set to change this offseason.

With Jordan Whitehead, Chuck Clark, and Ashtyn Davis all set to hit free agency, the Jets might need to reshape their safety room a little. One player they should have their eye on is Kevin Byard.

The former All-Pro safety was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles this past fall, and while he took a step back in 2023, he's still an above-average starter at this stage of his career. The Eagles need to free up cap space, however, and they could save over $13 million by releasing him this spring.

Byard would immediately be the best safety on the Jets' roster, and he probably won't cost as much as many would think. He turns 31 in August and is coming off a down year. The Jets might be able to sign him for a reasonable price if he's released.

4. The NY Jets could target David Andrews

It's no secret the Jets will be exploring every avenue to improve their offensive line this offseason. Finding quality offensive linemen in free agency is often a difficult task, but look no further than their division rivals for a potential target.

Longtime New England Patriots center David Andrews is seen as a potential cap casualty this offseason as he enters the final year of his contract. Andrews is still playing at a pretty high level, but the Patriots would save $6.5 million if he was released.

The two-time Super Bowl champion has finished ranked in the top 14 among qualified centers in Pro Football Focus grade every year since 2017, and he was penalized just once this past season.

Andrews has remained durable, starting 117 games over the last eight years in New England. The Jets could shift Joe Tippmann to guard if Andrews was signed, allowing the team to either move Alijah Vera-Tucker to right tackle or cut ties with Laken Tomlinson.

3. The NY Jets could target Tyler Lockett

The Jets have been connected to seemingly every potentially available wide receiver this offseason. From Davante Adams to Mike Evans to Calvin Ridley, the Jets are expected to explore every wide receiver option.

One name that hasn't been discussed much, however, is Tyler Lockett. The longtime Seattle Seahawks wide receiver is coming off another productive season in 2023, but he's someone who could be a cap casualty this offseason.

The Seahawks could save over $7 million by releasing Lockett, or a whopping $17 million if they designate him as a post-June 1st cut. The addition of Jaxon Smith-Njigba in last year's draft could make him expendable.

Lockett has recorded over 1,000 yards in four of the last five seasons and would be an excellent WR2 opposite Garrett Wilson. His situation is worth monitoring.

2. The NY Jets could target Mike Williams

Another wide receiver the Jets should be keeping a close eye on is Mike Williams. The Los Angeles Chargers star has battled injuries throughout his career, but when healthy, he's been one of the better receivers in football.

Williams played just three games in 2023 before suffering a torn ACL that cut his season short. He previously missed time in 2022 due to a back injury. Injuries are a genuine concern with Williams, but if the Jets are willing to take a chance on his health, he'd be the perfect complement to Garrett Wilson.

Williams is a prototypical X receiver. He's a physical, big-bodied receiver who would give the Jets everything they wanted Allen Lazard to be and more.

The Chargers will be desperate for cap space this offseason, and seeing as they can save a whopping $20 million by releasing Williams, this seems like a lock to happen. He should hit the open market.

1. The NY Jets could target David Bakhtiari

If the Jets are going to target any cap casualty this offseason, the safe bet is to assume it's David Bakhtiari. This isn't to say the Jets should rely on Bakhtiari to be their Week 1 starting left tackle, but his close personal relationship with Aaron Rodgers makes this feel inevitable.

Bakhtiari has battled major injury concerns over the last few seasons, appearing in just one game in both 2021 and 2023 as a result of multiple knee injuries. At 32-years-old, he's not getting any younger either.

Still, Bakhtiari has long been one of the league's best left tackles, and his ties to Rodgers make him an obvious fit. If the Jets were to sign Bakhtiari, it would be wise to have an excellent insurance policy behind him, possibly in the form of an early-round draft pick.

Much like with Mike Williams, Bakhtiari is essentially a lock to be released this offseason, as the Green Bay Packers would save over $20 million in the process. Expect the Jets to be all over him once that happens.