5 Super Bowl players the NY Jets could target in free agency

NFL free agency is officially right around the corner, and the NY Jets were one of the many teams keeping a close eye on the Super Bowl to evaluate a host of potential targets this offseason.

The Jets are expected to make some notable changes to their roster in the coming months, and while the team likely won't be among the biggest spends in free agency, they will make their fair share of moves.

Some of their most intriguing targets happened to play in the Super Bowl on Sunday. From potential new starters to key backups or rotational players, here's a look at five Super Bowl players the Jets could target in free agency.

5. The NY Jets could target DT Javon Kinlaw

Robert Saleh was still the San Francisco 49ers' defensive coordinator when his team selected Javon Kinlaw in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft. Kinlaw was viewed as a direct replacement for DeForest Buckner, who was traded to the Indianapolis Colts a month earlier.

Unfortunately, Kinlaw has fallen well short of those lofty expectations to this point. The former South Carolina standout has managed just five sacks through four NFL seasons, although his career has largely been derailed by injuries.

A torn ACL limited him to just four games in 2021, and a nagging knee injury kept him sidelined for the majority of the 2022 season. It wasn't until 2023 that he finally returned healthy to play all 17 games.

Kinlaw fits the athletic profile that Saleh looks for in his defensive tackles, and with Quinton Jefferson and Solomon Thomas set to hit free agency, perhaps the Jets could consider reuniting Kinlaw with his former coach as he looks to salvage his once-promising career.

4. The NY Jets could target QB Sam Darnold

The Jets will be in the market for a capable backup quarterback this offseason, and what a story it would be if the team called on the services of an old friend to fill that role.

Sam Darnold has settled into a nice role as a capable NFL backup QB, serving as the San Francisco 49ers' QB2 behind Brock Purdy in 2023. He performed admirably in his lone start this past season, finishing 16-of-26 for 189 yards and a touchdown in a close 21-20 loss to the Los Angeles Rams.

Darnold has plenty of starting experience and has proven to be a reliable backup QB at this stage. He may be a step below the likes of Jacoby Brissett and Gardner Minshew, but Darnold would undoubtedly be an upgrade over what the Jets had in 2023.

Of course, there is still history between Darnold and this current Jets regime. Would he be willing to return to the same organization that traded him just a few years earlier? He might be open to it for the right price.

3. The NY Jets could target S Tashaun Gipson

Safety is one of the more underrated needs for the Jets this offseason, especially with Jordan Whitehead, Chuck Clark, and Ashtyn Davis all set to hit free agency. There's a decent chance the Jets have a new starting safety alongside Tony Adams in 2024.

Perhaps that player could be veteran Tashaun Gipson. Gipson has started 33 of a possible 34 games for the 49ers over the last two seasons and has over 170 games of NFL experience under his belt.

The 12-year veteran may turn 34 years old in August, but he's still playing at a pretty high level. Gipson's 86.0 Pro Football Focus run defense grade in 2023 ranked sixth among 92 qualified safeties.

Among safeties with at least 900 defensive snaps played, only Kevin Byard missed fewer tackles than Gipson. That alone makes him a sizable upgrade over Whitehead, who led all safeties in missed tackles. If the Jets can't/don't want to bring back Clark, Gipson would be a suitable alternative.

2. The NY Jets could target DT Derrick Nnadi

The Jets have only one defensive tackle currently under contract entering the 2024 season, and that's Quinnen Williams. With Quinton Jefferson and Solomon Thomas both set to test free agency, the Jets might need to move some pieces around on their defensive line.

Although it may go against Robert Saleh's preferred archetype, it would be wise for the Jets to prioritize adding at least one big-bodied run defender this offseason. Derrick Nnadi could be that player.

At 6-foot-1, 317 pounds, Nnadi is a classic one-technique defensive tackle who could bolster a Jets' run defense that was inconsistent at times in 2023.

Nnadi, himself, has been inconsistent over the last few years with the Chiefs, but the former Florida State standout has been durable (has played 98 of a possible 99 career games) and fills a need for the Jets.

1. The NY Jets could target OT Donovan Smith

Long Island native Donovan Smith has already indicated that he would love to play for the team he grew up rooting for, and there's a chance the Jets can make it happen this offseason.

Smith has started 136 career games at left tackle over the last nine seasons, earning a pair of Super Bowl rings in the process. He won Super Bowl LV as a member of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and notched his second Lombardi Trophy victory last night with the Chiefs.

Smith has struggled with penalties over the years and is likely little more than a low-end starter at best at this stage. Still, his experience and personal connection to the Jets make him an intriguing target.

The Jets could consider bringing him in on a team-friendly deal to compete for a starting job. Perhaps his former fandom will convince him to take a hometown discount.