The Jets will enter free agency with the second most available cap space in the NFL.
Unfortunately for New York, the already thin class will most likely be significantly downgraded by the use of the franchise tag. A lot of players likely to be tagged are impact pass rushers and tier one players. New York may have to settle for second options in this case.
Teams can start placing the tag on players on Tuesday, so let’s take a look at five Jets targets that could be tagged before free agency starts.
DE DeMarcus Lawrence, Dallas Cowboys
DeMarcus Lawrence is one of, if not the, most feared pass rushers in the NFL.
Lawrence was tagged by Dallas last season and has expressed that he wants to work out a long-term deal this offseason. Lawrence has 25 sacks over the past two seasons. He will be 27 in April and the two-time Pro Bowler is unlikely to reach the open market, otherwise Gang Green would have a blank check ready for him.
EDGE Jadeveon Clowney, Houston Texans
Jadeveon Clowney is considered among the most likely free agents to be franchise tagged.
Clowney is expected to pursue a long-term deal with the Texans. He has 29 sacks over the course of his career and has become one of the most feared edge rushers in the NFL, helping J.J. Watt wreak havoc on opposing defenses. It is very likely that he is tagged, but in the off chance he is not, he won’t be without a home for too long.
EDGE Dee Ford, Kansas City Chiefs
The verdict is still out on Dee Ford and whether the Chiefs are going to place the franchise tag on him or not. Ford has said publicly that he has no qualms playing on the tag.
Jamal Adams has already publicly stated that he would like to play with Ford, but New York may not get a chance to make an offer.
Ford recorded 10 sacks in 2016 before a back injury landed him on injured reserve in 2017. He returned with a 13-sack season in 2018.
DE Frank Clark, Seattle Seahawks
Frank Clark is another player very likely to be tagged.
Clark seems to have little issue with playing on the franchise tag in 2019. The feeling appears mutual, as the Seahawks have no plans to let the 25-year-old walk.
In three seasons with the Seahawks, Clark already has 35 career sacks. He has come into his own as one of the better defensive ends in the NFL and Seattle has no reason not to tag him when neither side wants to rush into a long-term deal.
DT Grady Jarrett, Atlanta Falcons
Grady Jarrett is easily the top interior run-stuffer that could hit the open market.
Jarrett seems to be a 50-50 case regarding the tag. He is partly responsible for being one of the forces on Atlanta’s front-seven that was nine minutes away from winning a Super Bowl.
It’s unknown at the moment whether the Falcons will allow a DT to walk for the second offseason in a row. If Jarrett hits the open market, he’s a perfect replacement for Steve McLendon and would certainly be a lending hand to Leonard Williams.
