The Jets are still looking at the trade market for the potential to add an elite pass rusher.
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Jets are still talking to the Seahawks about trading for defensive end Frank Clark. The Chiefs and Colts have also been in contact with Seattle.
While Clark is a talented pass rusher, the asking price from Seattle on him is quite high. The Seahawks would like to get a first-round pick in exchange for Clark. However, Clark is slated to play on the franchise tag this season — though he has yet to sign — so any team that trades for him would more than likely want to give him a long-term contract.
The Jets as they have the money to sign Clark to a long-term deal. But with them having the No. 3 overall pick in this year’s draft, they can just draft an edge rusher and save a ton of money.
Clark is coming off a career season with Seattle in which he recorded a career-high 13 sacks. He’s only 25, so he’s still in his prime and has shown no signs of slowing down.
The Jets could obviously use a player with Clark’s capabilities, but it’s hard to see them parting with their first and handing out a monstrous contract when they could just draft a pass-rusher. Clark is a special talent, but he just doesn’t make sense for New York at the end of the day.
Perhaps if Seattle’s asking price comes down, the Jets could pull something off in the coming days as the draft approaches.
