9 dream targets for the NY Jets in 2024 free agency

If only NY Jets fans had a say in what we do in free agency. The Jets are coming off yet another letdown of a season, and for what feels like the 13th consecutive offseason, this is the most important March in recent memory.

The Jets have pressing needs on the offensive line, as well as at wide receiver, and they need to make big splashes to compete in an only improving AFC. The following nine players would be major coups for the Jets this offseason.

Here's a look at nine dream targets for the Jets in free agency this year.

1. Calvin Ridley, WR

• Contract Projection: 3 years, $60 million ($45 million guaranteed)

The Jets get their 1B opposite of Garrett Wilson. Calvin Ridley is coming off a bumpy 1,000-yard, eight-touchdown season in his lone year in Jacksonville.

With Mike Evans, Tee Higgins, and Michael Pittman Jr. off the market, Ridley could be due for a hefty payday from a wide receiver-needy team like the Jets.

The 29-year-old will have plenty of suitors in the coming week, and it will be up to Joe Douglas and the Jets to do everything they can to secure his services.

There is an argument to be made that the Jets don’t need to spend top dollar at receiver, but in an AFC that is only getting better on offense, it would be wise to spend big here.

2. Andre James, C

• Contract Projection: 4 years, $36 million ($24 million guaranteed)

Joe Tippman slides from center to right guard in this scenario, with Alijah Vera-Tucker making a permanent home at right tackle. Andre James has been the only consistent part of the Raiders offensive line over the past three seasons, allowing pressure on less than 2% of passing plays.

James has missed just three games over the past three seasons as a starter for Las Vegas, and the Jets are in desperate need of continuity on the offensive line. James is the way to go for the Jets at center, rounding out the offensive line with a tackle at pick 10 in the NFL Draft.

3. Robert Hunt, OG

• Contract Projection: 4 years, $56 million ($34 million guaranteed)

Hunt is the best available interior guard on the market after the Rams locked up Kevin Dotson to a three year deal late last week.

Hunt was a massive part of Miami's offensive success last season, and helped pave the way for Raheem Mostert and Devon Achane to each have incredibly effiecient seasons. Hunt also has been a very stable presence in his four years in Miami, playing 61 of a possible 67 regular season contests.

4. QB Sam Howell (trade)

• Trade Projection: 2025 fourth-round pick ($1.075 million cap hit in 2024)

The Jets can kill two birds with one stone by trading for 23-year-old Sam Howell this offseason. With Howell, you are getting a project, but the talent is there, and it was on display last season.

He was thrown into an abysmal situation in Washington, with a historically bad O-Line to protect him, and a lack of a run game led to a high-volume passing offense for the first-year starter.

Howell through 10 games last season was among the league leaders in passing yards, with 17 passing touchdowns and nine interceptions. He can be a very capable backup with protection and capable weapons.

The Jets won’t have to cough up much here, and Howell comes in at an extremely low cap number for the next two seasons.

5. Kevin Zeitler, OG

• Contract Projection: 1 year, $7 million

If there’s one team that has paid the price for not having depth in the trenches, it’s been our Jets. Kevin Zeitler is heading into his age 34 season, but he proved in Baltimore last season that he is more than capable of providing a decent level of play at the right guard position.

Zeitler allowed 19 pressures on 574 pass-blocking snaps, giving him an allowed pressure rate of 3.3%. According to Pro Football Focus, Zeitler ranked eighth-best among 78 qualified guards in 2023.

The well-traveled veteran remains one of the best offensive guards in the NFL, and he could slot in as an immediate upgrade on the Jets' offensive line. Zeitler has shown no signs of slowing down, even at his advanced age.

6. Geno Stone, S

• Contract Projection: 3 years, $24 million ($16 million guaranteed)

The Ravens can’t pay them all. The former seventh-round pick had his breakout come just in time for his first payday. The soon-to-be-25-year-old was second only to DaRon Bland with seven interceptions this past season.

Stone would replace Jordan Whitehead in the starting lineup and would fit perfectly in Robert Saleh's scheme. The Iowa product operates at his best when he’s at the top of coverage, and the Jets can give him those opportunities.

The Jets could be in the market for safety help this offseason, with Whitehead, Ashtyn Davis, and Chuck Clark all set to hit free agency. Stone is one of the best options available in free agency.

7. Greg Zuerlein, K, NY Jets

• Contract Projection: 2 years, $7 million (re-signed)

No reason for the Jets not to bring back Greg Zuerlein. After a forgettable 2022, Zuerlien was excellent in 2023, hitting 35-of-38 field-goal attempts. This is a no-brainer for the Jets front office. Take any stability you can get at this position.

8. Thomas Morstead, P, NY Jets

• Contract Projection: 1 year, $1.5 million (re-signed)

The same thing goes for Thomas Morstead. He was arguably the league's best punter, and unfortunately, that was on display plenty in the 2023 season.

Morstead is a great presence in the locker room and the best punter this team has had in a while. Keep him in Florham Park at an insignificant number.

9. Josh Uche, DE

• Contract Projection: 1 year, $7 million

I wouldn’t exactly call this a pressing need for the Jets, but for a team that loves to rotate their pass rushers, Josh Uche would be yet another on a scary edge group for the Jets.

With the expected loss of Bryce Huff, it’s important the Jets make sure they remember what made them so efficient in getting to the quarterback last year: fresh bodies.