NY Jets predicted to sign star CB Carlton Davis in free agency

The NY Jets could welcome Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Carlton Davis with open arms this offseason, filling a major position of need before the draft.

The Jets already have young corners in Bryce Hall, Brandin Echols, and Michael Carter, but there's no harm in adding another doe-eyed promising talent into the mix.

Davis is set to hit free agency in 2022 and could command a salary comparable to that of Marlon Humphrey or Marshon Lattimore. Per Spotrac, Davis' market value stands at a five-year deal worth roughly $98 million — definitely not on the cheap side, but Davis just might pay off for the Jets.

PFF's Arjun Menon revealed his landing spots for the top-50 free agents in the league and had Carlton Davis going to New York this free agency.

"He has finished 28th, 46th and 31st in PFF grade over the last three seasons and would be a welcome addition to Robert Saleh’s defense, which desperately needs cornerbacks. Saleh plays mostly Cover 3 or 4, and Davis has graded better in zone coverage despite his reputation as a physical outside corner."

- Arjun Menon

NY Jets nab Bucs star corner Carlton Davis in 2022 free agency

There's some speculation that the Bucs will place a franchise tag on Davis, but if he becomes available this offseason, New York should be ready to give the star cornerback a call.

Davis is coming off his fourth season in Tampa in which he played just 10 games due to injury, but his reliable production is still there. He recorded 39 total tackles, 11 passes defended, and one interception and could immediately serve as a game-changing corner in the Jets' backfield.

Though his contract is estimated to be on par with some of the top corners in the league, PFF predicts a more modest one-year deal worth $17 million.

Davis doesn't necessarily need to be included in the Jets' long-term plans and would figure as a starting-caliber corner to boost New York's pass defense this upcoming season.

Signing Davis would allow the Jets to use their draft capital on other position groups as they continue their rebuilding efforts in 2022. He's young, in his prime, and ultimately a great value option for a cornerback-needy team like the Jets.