9 remaining free agents with NY Jets connections

NY Jets general manager Joe Douglas has a lengthy history of making late-offseason additions to the roster. While the bulk of the work is done between March and April, Douglas has been known to scour the free-agent market in the days leading up to the start of the preseason.

From failed signings like Ryan Kalil to successful ones like Kwon Alexander, the Jets have made quite a few summer signings during Douglas' tenure with the team. Perhaps that might be the case again this year.

It always helps to have a sense of familiarity in the NFL. After all, connections reign supreme in this league. The following nine players on this list aren't just free agents, but each of them also has some connection to the Jets' current coaching staff.

Let's take a look at nine remaining free agents with Jets connections that could be targets for the team this summer.

9. Ben Jones, C

The Jets were rumored to be interested in Pro Bowl center Ben Jones much earlier in the offseason. Before the team re-signed Connor McGovern and added Joe Tippmann in the draft, Jones felt like an obvious target for the Jets.

Fast forward three months, and Jones is still a free agent as we approach the start of training camp. The 34-year-old has ties to the Jets through offensive line coach Keith Carter, whom he spent five years with in Tennessee.

Jones is arguably the most high-profile offensive lineman remaining on the market, and assuming he plans to play in 2023, he's likely just waiting for the right opportunity.

The Jets probably aren't the best landing spot, given the presence of both McGovern and Tippmann, but there was a report the team was still interested in Jones following the draft. Never say never.