It’s been a while since the Jets had themselves a dominant pass rusher.
Ever since John Abraham departed in 2006, New York has lacked an elite edge rusher that can consistently get to opposing quarterbacks. Fortunately for general manager Joe Douglas, this year’s free-agent class is loaded with top-tier pass rushers. At the same time, there are some edges who should not receive a serious look from the Jets in free agency.
Who are those players? Let’s take a look.
Everson Griffen
Yes, Griffen earned a Pro Bowl selection last season and was extremely productive throughout Minnesota’s run to the postseason. That doesn’t make him an ideal free agent target for the Jets, though.
If New York was established as a contender, you could argue that Griffen is exactly what the Jets need — a veteran pass rusher who is still producing at a relatively high clip. New York is not there right now. It needs to get younger and handing out a big-time contract to a 32-year-old doesn’t exactly do the trick.
The Jets can’t afford to gamble on how much an aging player like Griffen has left in the tank. He’ll earn himself a nice payday this offseason, but it shouldn’t be with the Jets.
Robert Quinn
Quinn experienced somewhat of a career renaissance with the Cowboys last season, but he is no longer the elite pass rusher that dominated opposing offensive linemen with the Los Angeles Rams.
Quinn has never come close to replicating his dominant 2013 season. That’s not to say he can’t be a productive pass rusher in the present, but there is no sense in banking on him to return to elite status — especially now that he is over 30.
Similar to Griffen, the Jets can’t afford to roll the dice on an aging pass rusher and have the move backfire. Quinn shouldn’t be a serious target for Douglas.
Nigel Bradham
Douglas’ familiarity with Bradham could lead to the Jets going after him in free agency, but buyer beware here.
Bradham is a solid contributor and it looks like he still has some good football left in him. However, he is not exactly adept at getting to opposing quarterbacks.
Bradham is best used in run support and dropping into coverage as a 3-4 outside linebacker, not as a traditional EDGE. That should give the Jets reason to stay away.
Barkevious Mingo
A former first-round pick who has not lived up to the hype throughout his career, the Jets should not bank on Mingo finding his form in the Big Apple.
In seven seasons, Mingo has registered only 10 sacks. He did not record a single sack last season and only had one in 2018. That lack of production makes Mingo a player the Jets should steer clear of at all costs.
