To say the Jets are thin at wide receiver would be an understatement.
Entering this week, New York’s depth at the position comprised of Vyncint Smith, Braxton Berrios, Josh Doctson and a handful of undrafted free agents — a relatively underwhelming group, to say the least. On Thursday, Doctson opted out of the 2020 season, compounding the issue further.
Fortunately for the Jets, there are still some decent free agent wide receivers available for the taking. There is not any star power left on the market, but a few wideouts who offer value. Unless general manager Joe Douglas wants to roll the dice on unproven players, that should be enough for him to strongly consider making a move.
If Douglas opts to add another wide receiver before Week 1, here are four potential targets that could address New York’s lack of depth.
Demaryius Thomas
Bringing back Demaryius Thomas might be the Jets’ best option at this point in the offseason.
Thomas knows Adam Gase’s offense like the back of his hand and is familiar with the dynamic of New York’s locker room. Not only is Thomas a big-bodied receiver that has a rapport with Sam Darnold, but he was also a captain at one point last season. That is a testament to what he can bring as a mentor to the younger players in the wide receiver room.
It’s tough to learn an entirely new offense in a month’s time. Thomas would not have to endure the ups and downs that come along with adapting to a new scheme this late in the offseason. Joe Douglas might want to add some fresh blood, but with all things considered, re-signing Thomas would be the logical move.
Paul Richardson
The Jets can’t afford to bank on the likes of Vyncint Smith and Braxton Berrios magically turning into major contributors in 2020. Smith showed potential in 2019 but still has to prove he can consistently make plays. Berrios, meanwhile, is more of a return specialist.
That’s where Paul Richardson enters the mix.
Richardson underwhelmed with Washington, 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. He would also be a decent insurance policy to have in case rookie Denzel Mims comes along slower than expected.
Chester Rodgers
Rogers burst onto the scene with 53 receptions for the Colts in 2018 but fell victim to injuries last season, catching only 16 passes for 179 yards and two touchdowns. As a result, he has lingered on the free agent market.
The 26-year-old has a potential ally at One Jets Drive in assistant general manager Rex Hogan. The two crossed paths in Indianapolis and considering the level Rogers produced at before his injury-riddled 2019 season, there could be some intrigue to bring him in as a depth piece.
Taylor Gabriel
Two years ago, Taylor Gabriel caught nearly 70 passes with the Bears. Now, he’s a free agent following a 2019 season in which he appeared in only nine games.
Gabriel stands at only 5-foot-7 but has top-end speed that allows him to evade defenders in the open field and to take the top off a defense when necessary. He might not be the burner he used to be when he broke into the league in 2014, but can still run by defensive backs with the best of them.
The Jets already have two vertical threats in Denzel Mims and Breshad Perriman, which could cause the Jets to look for a different kind of receiver. However, if they are interested in adding another speed demon, Gabriel should get a look.
