7 best remaining NY Jets targets after Day 1 of free agency

The NY Jets sat on their hands for 95 percent of the first day of free agency, only to make a trio of signings before the clock struck midnight on Monday night.

The Jets agreed to deals with the likes of offensive guard John Simpson, defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw, and quarterback Tyrod Taylor, bolstering three different positions of need before the first day of free agency came to an end.

There is still work to be done, however, and with plenty of cap space remaining to make moves, the Jets should continue to be active as we enter the second day of the free-agency period.

But which free agents are still available for the Jets to sign? Let's take a look at some of the best remaining targets — specifically offensive linemen and wide receivers — the Jets could sign today.

7. The NY Jets could sign OT David Bakhtiari

It feels inevitable, doesn't it? The Green Bay Packers officially released longtime starting left tackle David Bakhtiari on Monday, putting an end to a stellar 11-year career with the organization.

Bakhtiari has struggled mightily to stay healthy in recent years, appearing in just one game in two of the last three seasons. He hasn't played more than 12 games in a season since 2019.

However, his close personal ties to Aaron Rodgers make this almost feel like a formality. Bakhtiari could make sense as a contingency plan at left tackle entering the draft, but it wouldn't be wise to rely on him as a full-time starter in 2024.

The Jets should remain active in the offensive line market after the Simpson signing. Bakhtiari feels like as safe a bet as any free agent to join the Jets this week.

6. The NY Jets could sign WR Josh Reynolds

The free-agent wide receiver market was quiet on day one, but that's expected to pick up as early as today. One of the more under-the-radar targets for the Jets could be Josh Reynolds.

A former fourth-round pick of the Los Angeles Rams, Reynolds carved out a nice role for himself in the Detroit Lions' offense over the last two seasons. He finished the 2023 season with 40 catches for 608 yards and a career-high five touchdowns.

Reynolds is a shifty, reliable WR3/WR4 who was a frequent target for Jared Goff on third and fourth down last season. He's a quality route-runner who lacks the elite physical traits to probably ever be anything more than a third option in an NFL.

Reynolds shouldn't necessarily be the Jets' top wide receiver option, but he could provide value as a supplementary addition. This would be a good value signing for Gang Green.

5. The NY Jets could sign WR Curtis Samuel

If the Jets are looking for a true slot receiver/gadget player, Curtis Samuel might be their best option. The former Ohio State star was the model of consistency over the last two seasons in Washington, amassing over 60 catches and over 600 yards in 2022 and 2023.

Samuel is at his best when utilized as a Swiss Army knife on offense. He thrives with the ball in his hands, whether as a ball carrier or a YAC receiver. That's been his primary calling card in the NFL.

The New York native was credited with only two drops on 91 targets in 2023 and was a highly efficient target, hauling in over 70 percent of passes thrown his way.

Samuel is a quality NFL slot receiver who would be an asset to any NFL offense. The Jets could use a player like him in their receiving corps.

4. The NY Jets could sign OT Tyron Smith

One of the most high-profile free agents on the open market, Tyron Smith could be a target for the Jets if his price tag isn't as high as some expect it to be.

The future first-ballot Hall of Famer has battled injury woes over the last few seasons, playing in just 30 of a possible 67 games over the last four seasons. He hasn't played more than 13 games since 2015 — nearly a decade ago.

Nonetheless, Smith remains one of the best left tackles in football when on the field. His 83.7 Pro Football Focus grade in 2023 ranked fourth among all qualified tackles, en route to another second-team All-Pro nod.

There are genuine injury concerns with Smith, but he offers a higher upside than David Bakhtiari and has been a little healthier. Unfortunately, he'll also be more expensive and his best friend isn't the Jets' quarterback.

3. The NY Jets could sign WR Calvin Ridley

It remains unlikely that the Jets will wind up with Calvin Ridley, but if his market doesn't develop the way some have expected, there's at least a chance Joe Douglas will explore this possibility.

Ridley is the best wide receiver available on the open market this offseason. The former Atlanta Falcons draft pick is coming off a productive 2023 season in which he finished with 76 catches for 1,016 yards and eight touchdowns.

Ridley isn't a true No. 1 wide receiver, but he wouldn't have to be on the Jets. While Ridley did struggle with drops from time to time in 2023, he also recorded four different 100-yard games. His explosiveness is undeniable.

This one really just comes down to the price tag. The Jets will be interested, but only if Ridley's market is weaker than expected.

2. The NY Jets could sign WR Tyler Boyd

If the Jets are looking for a floor-raiser in their wide receiver room, this is it. Tyler Boyd isn't going to make or break the Jets' offense in 2024, but he would significantly raise the floor of a unit that, outside of Garrett Wilson, was horrific last season.

Boyd is an ultra-reliable slot receiver who has some of the best and most consistent hands in the NFL. He's dropped just six passes combined over the last four seasons and has a career drop rate of just 4.1 percent — well below the league average.

The longtime Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver is coming off a down year in 2023, but he still finished with a very respectable 67 catches for 667 yards and two touchdowns.

Boyd isn't the high-end WR2 the Jets might be looking for, but in many ways, he's exactly what this offense needs. He's reliable, durable (he's played 15+ games in each of the last five seasons), and consistent. Boyd is a perfect target.

1. The NY Jets could sign OG Kevin Zeitler

There is only one high-end interior offensive lineman remaining on the free-agent market, and it's Kevin Zeitler. Every other top-level guard or center target was signed on the first day of free agency.

Zeitler has been the model of durability and consistency throughout his NFL career. The 12-year NFL veteran has started 15+ games in each of the last nine years and has quite literally never had a bad season.

He's finished with a Pro Football Focus grade north of 70.0 in 11 of his 12 NFL seasons and hasn't allowed more than two sacks in a campaign since 2019. Zeitler is everything the Jets need in an offensive lineman and more.

While he turned 34 years old a few days ago, Zeitler has shown no signs of slowing down. The Jets already signed one Ravens guard — why not sign the other one?