5 superstar free agents the NY Jets could target in the 2022 offseason

The NY Jets have made it clear that they plan to build their roster through the draft under general manager Joe Douglas. It's a wise approach, but one that must be supplemented with other additions.

The Jets weren't big spenders in Douglas' first offseason with the team opting for low-profile, cheap additions — many of which did not work out. But they showed this past offseason that they aren't afraid to spend when the price is right.

The Jets were one of the top spenders in this year's free-agency period with their two biggest signings coming with Carl Lawson and Corey Davis. Unfortunately, for a variety of reasons, the Jets haven't gotten the impact they wanted out of their free-agent class in 2021.

As the Jets look to the future and continue to rebuild their roster, the draft will be their most important avenue when it comes to acquiring talent. But free agency shouldn't be overlooked.

While it's still far too early to accurately gauge which players will ultimately hit the open market and what their values might be, we can take an early look at some of the best players who could feasibly be free agents come March.

In this case, we're going to be taking a look at five of the premier players who might hit the open market this offseason. All five players would be very appealing targets for the Jets if they became available.

Let's take an early look at five superstar free agents the jets could target in the offseason.

5. NY Jets free-agent target: J.C. Jackson, CB

All of these entries, of course, come with the caveat of us not knowing whether these players will actually hit free agency or not. And that's definitely the case here with J.C. Jackson.

Jackson has long been one of the NFL's most underappreciated players, but he's finally gotten the chance to step out of Stephon Gilmore's shadow in 2021. And he hasn't disappointed.

The former undrafted free agent leads the NFL with 17 pass deflections, has a whopping seven interceptions in 13 games, and boasts a superb 77.6 Pro Football Focus grade. By all accounts, he's one of the best cornerbacks in the league.

Jackson already has 24 career interceptions in just 58 games including 16 over his last 29. He's a Marcus-Peters-level ballhawk and exactly what the Jets need in their secondary.

Unfortunately, it's hard to imagine the New England Patriots actually let him go. Jackson will be an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season, but as one of the most important players on the Patriots' roster, they would be foolish to let him test free agency.

Their cap situation might be a little tricky after their shopping spree this past offseason, but they should be able to get a deal done with their young star cornerback.

If not, however, expect the Jets and the rest of the NFL to come calling.

4. NY Jets free-agent target: Brandon Scherff, OG

The Jets have long been rumored as a potential landing spot for Brandon Scherff. Could this offseason finally be the year that Washington lets him go? It's certainly possible.

The Washington Football Team has now placed the franchise tag on Scherff in consecutive seasons making it almost impossible for them to do so again this offseason. At this point, it's either extension or bust for Washington and Scherff.

The four-time Pro Bowler has battled injuries again in 2021 missing a handful of games with a knee injury. But when he's been on the field, he's been as dominant as ever.

After a 2020 season that saw him ranked as the fourth-best guard in football by Pro Football Focus, he's proved that he hasn't lost a step in 2021 anchoring a very solid Washington offensive line.

There's a good chance Scherff actually hits the open market too. But how interested might the Jets be? Scherff will turn 30-years-old later this month and he has a pretty extensive injury history.

The Jets need guard help and pairing Scherff up with Mekhi Becton and Alijah Vera-Tucker would do wonders for their offensive line. But after Joe Douglas was hesitant to sign Corey Linsley last offseason, perhaps they stay away.

Still, there's no doubt that Scherff would be a massive addition to the Jets' offensive line.

3. NY Jets free-agent target: Carlton Davis, CB

J.C. Jackson isn't the only top-tier cornerback set to be a free agent at the end of the season. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will also have a decision to make on young star cornerback Carlton Davis.

Since entering the league as a second-round pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, Davis has helped anchor a talented Bucs secondary as one of the best young cornerbacks in football.

At just 24-years-old, Davis has the size, athleticism, and production you look for from a No. 1 cornerback. And given Tampa Bay's tricky cap situation, perhaps there's a chance he actually hits the open market.

The Buccaneers have a number of important players set to be free agents in the offseason including another player on our list. That said, it's hard to see them just letting Davis go for nothing.

The more likely outcome could see the Bucs place the franchise tag on Davis just like they did with Chris Godwin last offseason. That would be one way to keep their young star cornerback around.

The Jets seem to have struck gold with Bryce Hall, but they can certainly use another starting cornerback (preferably a No. 1) alongside their 2020 draft pick.

Carlton Davis could be that guy if he actually manages to test free agency.

2. NY Jets free-agent target: Marcus Williams, S

The Jets seem unlikely to re-sign their own standout safety with Marcus Maye expected to depart in the offseason. But that only leaves an even greater hole at the position than there already was.

One player who can help fill that void in a big way is New Orleans Saints star safety Marcus Williams. Already one of the best safeties in football, Williams is arguably having a career year in 2021 as he's currently ranked as PFF's fourth-best safety with an 82.4 overall grade.

Williams has been ranked in the top-7 of all safeties by PFF in four of his five NFL seasons and has never received a season grade below 71.0. He's been a consistent playmaker in New Orleans' secondary for the last half-decade.

Unfortunately, even though the Saints absolutely want to re-sign him, their cap situation might make that impossible. Williams is currently playing under the franchise tag in 2021, but he'll be looking for a new contract in the offseason.

And at 25-years-old, he presents the Jets with an opportunity to upgrade in a big way at the safety position. He's a younger, better, healthier version of Marcus Maye.

I would expect the Jets to be very interested in Williams if he hits free agency. And by all accounts, he probably will. This is probably the most realistic high-profile target on this list.

1. NY Jets free-agent target: Chris Godwin, WR

The Jets may have upgraded at the wide receiver position last offseason, but that doesn't mean they won't be looking to do so again this offseason. And maybe the top available target will be Buccaneers wideout Chris Godwin.

The Bucs opted to place the franchise tag on Godwin last offseason after the Pro Bowl wide receiver missed a few games with an injury. However, their decision to wait on a new deal probably benefited Godwin more than anyone.

Godwin has come out in 2021 and put together arguably the best season of his career. In 13 games, the former Penn State star has hauled in a career-high 92 catches for 1,054 yards and five touchdowns. With four games to play, he should smash his previous career-highs.

Godwin is well on his way to another Pro Bowl appearance and has established himself as one of the best wide receivers in football. And at just 25-years-old, expect him to get paid handsomely for it in the offseason.

The Bucs might be forced to make some difficult decisions in the offseason with Godwin, Carlton Davis, and a host of others set to be free agents. You'd figure they would do everything in their power to keep Godwin in Tampa Bay, but it's not a guarantee.

If Godwin somehow hits the open market, all 31 NFL teams might come calling, the Jets included. This Jets offense needs additional playmakers — and there are few better playmakers in the NFL than Chris Godwin.

He is, without a doubt, one of the top potential targets for Gang Green this offseason.