9 potential cap casualties the NY Jets could target in 2023 free agency

4. NY Jets target: Adam Thielen, WR, Minnesota Vikings

This year's crop of free-agent wide receivers is relatively thin, but one veteran who could spice up the market is longtime Minnesota Vikings wideout Adam Thielen.

The Vikings could save over $13 million in cap space by designating Thielen as a post-June 1st cut, and given that they're currently $24 million over the salary cap, they might have to.

At 32 years old, Thielen isn't the player he used to be. The two-time Pro Bowler has finished with under 800 yards in three of the last four seasons and has run into some injury troubles.

Still, Thielen remains a rock-solid WR2 and has been a red-zone machine, scoring 30 touchdowns over the last three years. He would be an excellent veteran addition to a young Jets wide receiver corps.

3. NY Jets target: Shaq Mason, OG, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Jets just spent big money on former Pro Bowl guard Laken Tomlinson last offseason, so they might be hesitant to spend on another free-agent guard this offseason. But if they're willing to do so, Shaq Mason is someone to keep an eye on.

Mason played more snaps than any offensive guard in the NFL last season, allowing just one sack and being tagged with two penalties. The longtime Patriots guard is the model of consistency and reliability and would be an excellent pickup for the Jets, if he's released.

The Bucs need to create cap space, and releasing Mason would save over $5 million. This makes sense for the Jets if they want to keep Alijah Vera-Tucker at offensive tackle.

If not, signing Mason really doesn't add up since they're locked into Tomlinson's contract. But if the Jets are comfortable with Vera-Tucker at right tackle, Mason would be an instant upgrade at right guard.