For years, the Jets have been plagued by lack of production out of their pass rushers. Whether it’s the outside linebackers or the interior defensive linemen, New York has simply not been able to get to opposing quarterbacks.
This is the offseason to change that. General manager Mike Maccagnan has the money available to go out and sign one or two of the many pass rushers available on the free-agent market. Drafting pass rushers has not worked out for the Jets in recent years, so a change in approach to addressing the need could do New York some good.
With that being said, here are four pass rushers the Jets should target in free agency.
DeMarcus Lawrence
With 25 sacks and 108 quarterback pressures over the past two seasons, Lawrence is by far the best option available on the free-agent market.
He has lived in opposing backfields in recent years thanks to his physicality at the line of scrimmage and motor that never burns out. Lawrence is not just a pass rush specialist, either. He is equally adept against the run.
There’s a chance the 26-year-old does not see free agency in March, as the Cowboys have the option to franchise tag him for the second consecutive offseason. If Lawrence does hit the open market, though, a bidding war for his services will ensue. It would behoove the Jets to be in the thick of the battle to acquire his services.
Dee Ford
Jamal Adams wants the Jets to pay Dee Ford whatever it takes to get him to the Big Apple. It’s hard to blame him for thinking that way after seeing Ford dominate off the edge in 2018 with the Kansas City Chiefs.
Lining up at both outside linebacker and defensive end, Ford recorded 13 sacks and teamed up with Justin Houston to form one of the most dynamic pass-rushing duos in the NFL. More importantly, Ford stayed healthy for the duration of the season. Injuries have hampered the Auburn product throughout his young career, but he managed to stay on the field last season.
Ford would be a perfect fit in New York, but there’s a major barrier preventing the Jets from landing him. The Chiefs want him back badly and will likely do whatever it takes to ensure Ford returns in 2019 and beyond. Unless the Jets want to break the bank for the 27-year-old, he’s likely not going anywhere this offseason.
Jadeveon Clowney
With defensive coordinator Gregg Williams’ attacking style of play, the thought of Clowney coming off the edge in New York’s 3-4 defense is a scary one.
Clowney has the raw skill set to dominate off the edge. His work ethic is a bit of a concern, but when he’s locked in, there’s arguably nobody better at beating opposing tackles with a variety of finesse and power moves. His nine sacks in 2018 speak to that.
The only problem is, the Texans are almost certainly going to hit Clowney with the franchise tag at some point. This would keep him off the open market while the two sides work on a contract extension. It would also put him out of the realm of possibility for the Jets.
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.
Frank Clark
Under the tutelage of Pete Carroll, Clark has quietly turned into a nice player out in Seattle. Now considered one of the best pass rushers in the league, he will get his due recognition on the free agent market.
Clark is hitting free agency at an ideal time. In 2018, he recorded a career-high 13 sacks and appeared in all 16 games for the Seahawks. He is peaking at the right time and his ability to play either inside or outside makes him an intriguing option for any team looking to add talent on its defensive line.
This makes Clark an ideal target for the Jets. If New York strikes out on top-tier targets such as Lawrence and Ford, adding Clark at defensive end and the aforementioned Za’Darius Smith at outside linebacker would be the perfect pairing.
Ezekiel Ansah
It’s hard to believe, but at 30 years old, Ansah is still relatively raw. However, his coachability and potential still keep him in the conversation as a free-agent target.
Ansah is likely on New York’s pass rusher big board, but it’s safe to assume he isn’t near the top of it. At 6-foot-5, 275 pounds, Ansah has size you cannot teach. He is also explosive off the ball and uses his length to create separation when going after opposing quarterbacks.
Ansah’s production levels have been inconsistent throughout his professional career, but it hasn’t been due to a lack of effort. With the right coaching and a little work with Gregg Williams, Ansah could potentially put it all together in New York.
