Jets general manager Joe Douglas is on the hunt for talent. Luckily for him, there is plenty still available for the taking.
It’s late in the offseason, but a handful of intriguing players remain available in free agency. Douglas has already made his mark scouring the waiver wire for talent and it would not be surprising to see him dip into free agency soon.
Let’s take a look at four free agents Douglas could potentially target.
CB Morris Claiborne
Fittingly, this list begins with Morris Claiborne. Re-signing Claiborne has been a hotly-debated topic throughout the offseason, but Mike Maccagnan always seemed reluctant to bring him back to the Big Apple.
Now that Douglas is calling the shots, the Claiborne back to New York movement has new life. Douglas’ first two acquisitions as GM were cornerbacks, so it’s clear he is not too thrilled with the current depth at the position.
Upgrading at cornerback prior to the beginning of the regular season is imperative for the Jets. Claiborne could be a player who comes in and helps stabilize a major position of need if Douglas is interested in signing him.
WR Michael Crabtree
To say Michael Crabtree’s tenure with the Baltimore Ravens was a disappointment would be an understatement. After a 2018 season that saw him struggle with drops and a lack of production, the Ravens released him only one year into a three-year, $21 million contract.
Crabtree was simply not a fit in John Harbaugh’s revamped run-heavy offense. However, despite last season’s struggles, Crabtree still has some good football left in him. The Jets already have three solid receivers in Robby Anderson, Quincy Enunwa and Jamison Crowder, but adding a fourth option wouldn’t be a bad idea. It never hurts to have an assortment of weapons on offense and Sam Darnold can use all of the help he can get.
A potential Crabtree signing would likely mirror Terrelle Pryor’s contract from a year ago — a one-year, prove-it deal. If Douglas wants to bring a solid possession receiver with a track record for getting the job done in the red zone, Crabtree is the guy he should target.
DE Nick Perry
In 2016, Nick Perry was on the rise as one of the game’s most promising pass rushers. The Packers recognized this and signed him to a five-year, $59 million contract extension. From there, everything went downhill.
Following an injury-riddled 2018 campaign in which he only recorded 1.5 sacks, Green Bay released Perry. His double-digit sack days are likely behind him at this point, but he could still bring something to the table as a situational pass rusher.
New York’s pass rush woes have been well-documented over the years, so it’s safe to assume Douglas knows he needs to do something to address the position. Bringing in Perry for a look during training camp wouldn’t hurt.
DE Derrick Morgan
Morgan is similar to Perry in the sense that his best days are likely behind him, but he can still make an impact in a limited role.
Morgan recorded only 0.5 sacks in 2018, a major drop off from his 7.5 sacks in 2017 and nine sacks in 2016. Those numbers could indicate that Morgan is on the decline, but he could still help the Jets. Morgan has played in multiple defensive fronts, which would put him in a position to succeed under defensive coordinator Gregg Williams.
Situational pass rushers are a must on any team. Morgan fits the bill as a player who can come to New York and serve as a key reserve and leader in the locker room.
