NY Jets: 4 free agents the team could sign before Week 1
By Justin Fried
1. NY Jets target: Benardrick McKinney, LB
This one is perhaps the most likely on the list as the Jets have reportedly shown considerable interest in Benardrick McKinney since he was released by the Miami Dolphins a few days ago.
McKinney is a former Pro Bowl linebacker who spent six years with the Houston Texans and played some good football. His best year undoubtedly came in 2018 when he was named to his first and so far only Pro Bowl after posting a PFF grade of 80.9 that ranked ninth at his position.
He would never reach those same heights again and a shoulder injury cut his 2020 season short after just four games. However, at just 28-years-old, he still has something left in the tank.
It came as a sizable surprise when the Dolphins, who traded for him in the offseason, released him on Tuesday. But McKinney isn't expected to be a free agent for long.
The Jets could still use more linebacker help, even after adding Quincy Williams. Their current crop of healthy linebackers features C.J. Mosley, two third-year players (Williams and Blake Cashman), and two rookie starters (Jamien Sherwood and Hamsah Nasirildeen).
They could use another experienced veteran in the room, particularly one who has experience playing the MIKE linebacker position.
Would the Jets be interested in adding a veteran given their ongoing youth movement? If reports are to be believed, it seems as though they are.
This move makes sense and, given the team's reported interest, might have a decent chance of actually getting done.