Why Myles Jack makes all the sense in the world for the NY Jets

The NY Jets have an opportunity to upgrade their linebacker corps in a big way this offseason following the unexpected release of Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Myles Jack.

Jack is coming off another highly-productive year in Jacksonville, but with the Jaguars handing Foyesade Oluokun a ridiculously large contract in free agency, they felt it was necessary to move on from their former second-round pick.

Jacksonville's loss could be the Jets' gain, however.

For a whole host of reasons, Jack makes all the sense in the world as a target for Joe Douglas and company. His prior history with members of the organization, his age, his talent, and, of course, his on-field production all should make him a top target.

The NY Jets should make a serious run at Myles Jack in free agency

Jack starred at UCLA as a genuine two-way player and one of the most fun players in college football. Notably, his linebackers coach at the time was current Jets defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich.

Upon joining the Jaguars, Ulbrich passed Jack off to an up-and-coming defensive assistant who was currently serving as the team's linebackers coach. That assistant was current Jets head coach Robert Saleh.

Saleh coached Jack as a rookie and played a role in the former UCLA star developing into one of the most athletically gifted and productive linebackers from football.

Jack's play has been a bit inconsistent in recent years. He's had standout seasons like 2017, 2018, and 2020 where he was genuinely one of the better linebackers in football. He's also had some down years like 2019 and 2021 where his coverage and run-defense were inconsistent at best.

Still, his skill set is tailor-made for the Jets' defense. And why wouldn't it be? Both Saleh and Ulbrich have coached him at various points in his career and he fits the mold of exactly what they look for in their linebackers.

He's young and athletic with sideline-to-sideline speed that gives him a high ceiling both in coverage and run defense. Jack would be a perfect complement to C.J. Mosley and Quincy Williams in the Jets' linebacker room.

On top of that, his own cousin, La'Mical Perine, plays for the Jets. There might not be a better landing spot for Jack than New York. He'd go to a system that's already familiar to him with the opportunity to play alongside his cousin and under his former coaches.

This would be a win-win signing.

It's hard to believe the Jets expected Jack to be available as his release came as a major surprise, even following the Oluokun signing. These are the opportunities you jump at, however.

The Jets have the opportunity to make a mutually beneficial offer to a player who would provide a major boost to their defense. A Myles Jack signing makes all the sense in the world.