The 2019 free agent class is shaping up to be a loaded one across the board. At linebacker, things are no different.
Following a handful of cuts and a curious decision by one team not to franchise tag a star player, there are a good amount of intriguing linebackers now on the open market.
This is good news for the Jets, as New York is in need of some help coming off the edge. If the price is right, an upgrade in the middle of the defense wouldn’t be too bad of an idea, either.
With that being said, here are five linebackers the Jets should consider signing in free agency.
Justin Houston
New York’s pursuit of any free agent linebacker should begin with Houston. He is exactly what the Jets need at outside linebacker and would be the perfect fit in Gregg Williams’ attacking 3-4 defensive scheme.
After franchise tagging Dee Ford, the Kansas City Chiefs elected to part ways with Houston in order to free up additional salary cap space. The 30-year-old edge rusher has missed a handful of games in recent years and his production has started to tail off a bit, but he is still a dominant force that can give opposing offensive linemen nightmares coming off the edge.
Houston would be New York’s best pass rusher since John Abraham donned the Green and White. The Jets have been searching for a solution to their pass rush woes for years. Now, a player who can solve them is available for the taking.
C.J. Mosley
Darron Lee took a step in the right direction in 2018, but he is still inconsistent. If the Jets want to upgrade in the middle alongside Avery Williamson, they should give Mosley a long look.
Only 26, the Alabama product has already made four pro bowls and is a four-time second-team All-Pro selection. He has a track record of success (597 tackles in five seasons) and his best days are ahead of him as he enters his prime.
It’s unlikely New York moves on from Lee just yet, but Mosley being available might alter Mike Maccagnan’s thought process. He is nearing elite status and it’s rare that a linebacker of his caliber his free agency at the beginning of his prime in today’s NFL.
Za’Darius Smith
Smith picked the right time to burst onto the scene, as he is now in a position to cash in on the free agent market following a breakout 2018 season.
With 8.5 sacks, 17 quarterback hits and 33 pressures, Smith displayed his explosiveness a year ago. At 6-foot-4, the Kentucky product uses his length to his advantage and gives opposing offensive tackles nightmares.
Smith has the skill set and work ethic to make him an ideal target for the Jets. Should the Ravens let him walk, Maccagnan should be one of the first general managers to get in touch with Smith’s agent.
Preston Smith
A former second-round pick out of Mississippi State, Smith has established himself as one of the better pass rushers in the league with the Washington Redskins. In four seasons, he has had 24.5 sacks and has faired equally well stopping the run and rushing the passer.
Smith is also durable. He has not missed a game in his NFL career and given New York’s propensity for catching the injury bug, this should come as a valuable trait.
If things don’t work out with Houston, the Jets should zone in on bringing Smith to the Big Apple. It could also be argued that should be New York’s No. 1 option at the position given his youth and upside. Either way, Smith is a solid player and would be a nice addition for Gang Green.
Jamie Collins
After being released on Wednesday, Collins joins the list of outside linebackers the Jets should be interested in.
Much like Houston, Collins was let go by the Cleveland Browns for financial reasons. He was also brought in by the organization’s old regime, so it’s not much of a surprise that Jim Dorsey decided to part ways with the 29-year-old.
Collins’ production has dropped off over the past two seasons, but he can still get the job done as a situational pass rusher. He is also familiar with playing in the AFC East, as he dominated the Jets with the New England Patriots for three and a half years before being shipped off to Cleveland. Collins should not be at the top of New York’s free agency wish list, but his familiarity with defensive coordinator Gregg Williams could work in his favor here.
