The first wave of free agency is over, but that does not mean there are not a handful of standout players still available on the open market.
Jets general manager Joe Douglas spent the first couple of weeks of free agency revamping the offensive line, addressing the cornerback position, adding a deep threat to replace Robby Anderson and taking care of a handful of in-house free agents. Even with all of the work Douglas put in throughout the opening days of free agency, New York’s roster still has numerous holes that need to be filled.
Who can come in and fill those holes? Let’s take a look at five remaining free agents the Jets should be interested in.
Jadeveon Clowney
This one is a no-brainer, as Clowney is not only arguably the best remaining free agent on the market, but easily the best remaining pass rusher.
Considering their need for an EDGE, Clowney should be at the top of the Jets’ free agent board right now. New York is rumored to be in the running for the former No. 1 overall pick’s services, so it’s safe to assume that he is at this point.
Clowney has battled injury and inconsistent play throughout his career, but he is worth taking a risk on. The Jets have rolled the dice on far less talented pass rushers in the past.
Markus Golden
Golden is not on the same level as Clowney but is a productive pass rusher nonetheless. He recorded 10 sacks last season and would come relatively cheap due to an injury history that has given some teams pause, making him an intriguing option for the Jets.
Golden fits perfectly as a 3-4 outside linebacker in defensive coordinator Gregg Williams’ scheme. If he can stay healthy, he is a good bet to eclipse double-digit sacks. If the Jets can’t land Clowney, don’t be surprised to see Joe Douglas begin pursuing Golden on a short-term prove-it contract.
Carlos Hyde
Hyde is an ideal fit to serve as Le’Veon Bell’s backup in 2020 as a solid early-down and goal line running back. He doesn’t bring much to the table as a receiver out of the backfield, but the Jets wouldn’t need him to serve in that capacity since that is one of Bell’s strengths.
Say what you want about Hyde not being the most dynamic rusher in the world, but he did not eclipse the 1,000-yard mark running behind a below-average offensive line in Houston last season on accident. The Jets don’t exactly boast an elite line, but imagine what Hyde could do in a complementary role running behind a revamped unit?
Paul Richardson
Richardson’s career to date has been somewhat of a disappointment. A second-round pick of the Seahawks’ in 2014, he has not eclipsed the 1,000-yard mark once in his career and has gone through multiple bouts with the injury bug.
The Colorado product is not at No. 1 or even a No. 2 receiver, but that is not what the Jets need him to be. With Jamison Crowder, Quincy Enunwa and Breshad Perriman, New York has a trio with some potential. Past that trio, there is not much else on the roster.
Considering he is a low-risk, high-reward kind of signing, why not take a shot on a player like Richardson to help strengthen Gang Green’s depth at the position?
Kelvin Beachum
Beachum seemed like a goner when the Jets signed George Fant, but it might be time for New York to consider bringing the veteran back into the mix.
With the Cardinals trading for wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins, they are now likely to take an offensive tackle with the seventh overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. The Giants also signed a handful of linebackers, making it a distinct possibility they take a tackle at No. 4. Unless he wants to trade up, that would leave Joe Douglas with no choice but to hope and pray one of the draft’s elite tackles falls to the Jets at No. 11.
If New York misses on a tackle in the first round, it is all but a lock to select one early on Day 2. Would the Jets really want to rely on another Day 2 pick to come in and start after the way 2019 third-round pick Chuma Edoga performed in his rookie season?
Bringing back Beachum on a one-year deal with little to no guaranteed money would be a smart move, as it provides New York with a security blanket at tackle if it strikes out in the first round. If Douglas gets his tackle at No. 11, Beachum can be let go in the summer with little financial repercussion.
