Now that the 2020 NFL Draft is in the rearview mirror, it’s time for Jets general manager Joe Douglas to focus on filling out the rest of New York’s roster before training camp kicks off.
There are still plenty of quality free agents remaining on the market, which is good news for the Jets considering the holes they still need to fill. Douglas did a nice job addressing positions of need, but there is still work to be done.
So, who are some free agents out there that the Jets could go after? Let’s get into it.
Logan Ryan
The Jets drafted Bryce Hall in the fifth round and traded for Quincy Wilson, but there is still something to be said about the need for experienced and quality depth on New York’s cornerback depth chart.
Logan Ryan has already been linked to the Jets and a return to New Jersey for the veteran corner does not sound like a bad idea for either party. New York should not be content with its current crop at the position. It is a solid group, but the Jets need more if they want to contend in 2020. Ryan could be the one to take Gang Green’s cornerback play to the next level.
Jadeveon Clowney
It’s incredible that no team has wanted to take a chance on Jadeveon Clowney, but here we are. There are certainly reasons why the former No. 1 pick is still a free agent, but the Jets should consider overlooking those reasons considering their need for an edge rusher.
Drafting Jabari Zuniga in the third round was a solid pick, but he is still a boom or bust prospect that has to prove he can stay healthy and produce at the next level. Clowney has been relatively underwhelming throughout his career, but at least he has proved he can beat NFL offensive tackles on a consistent basis when he’s on his game.
Paul Richardson
The Jets stole Denzel Mims in the second round, but that was the only wide receiver Joe Douglas elected to takein the draft.
New York can’t afford to bank on the likes of Josh Doctson or Vyncint Smith magically turning into major contributors in 2020. There is also the need for insurance if Mims comes along slower than expected. Paul Richardson underwhelmed with the Redskins, but he has the experience and talent to come in and provide the Jets exactly what they need — quality depth for Sam Darnold to work with.
Markus Golden
Much like Clowney, Markus Golden has not been able to reach his potential throughout his NFL career due to an assortment of injuries. When he is healthy, though, Golden produces enough in the sack department to help any team in need of a pass rusher.
Golden is a risk worth taking on a short-term deal. If he stays healthy, the Jets will have themselves an outside linebacker adept at getting into opposing backfields. If not, they can part ways with him at the end of the season without any financial ramifications.
