The New York Jets will enter the 2021 offseason with more question marks and possible directions to go than any other franchise in the NFL.
After a 2-14 2020 season, the Jets fired head coach Adam Gase — who couldn’t even tank right — and “earned” the no. 2 overall pick in the upcoming NFL Draft.
So far, New York has addressed one major question since their season ended, tapping former San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh to fill the team’s head coaching vacancy. The hire was widely celebrated, as the fiery Saleh had become one of the game's more highly-regarded and popular assistants — and happens to represent the only minority to fill a head coaching vacancy this cycle.
Of course, had the team continued their futility and not won two games down the stretch, they would have one fewer question mark, as general manager Joe Douglas would have looked to trade quarterback Sam Darnold and selected Clemson QB Trevor Lawrence with the no. 1 pick.
Alas. Now, the Jets will likely (and smartly) give the 23-year-old one more season to show improvement, ideally with a better coach, a healthier receiving corps, and — if all goes well this off-season — improved surrounding talent. As long as Darnold has one year left on a rookie deal, they might as well run it back. Saleh has praised Darnold's talent since being hired.
Of course, the giant caveat is if disgruntled Houston Texans star Deshaun Watson demands a trade to the Jets — a distinct possibility — in which case Douglas should empty the organization’s cabinet of assets for the 26-year-old franchise QB. In general, the quarterback carousel will be uniquely crowded this spring, though only Watson makes sense for the Jets to shed assets for.
Beyond that, the Jets will hit free agency with nearly as much cap space (roughly $70 million) and future draft capital as any organization in the league.
There are solid pieces around the roster, though it’s clearly a long way from contention. Consequently, don’t rule out Douglas trading down in the draft to fill more holes.
Also of note: owner Woody Johnson is returning to his position at the helm after spending the past three years as a United States ambassador to the U.K. (his brother, Christopher, has been serving as CEO).
Having said all of that, here are three potential free agent targets for the Jets:
1) WR Allen Robinson
Disclaimer: If the Jets opt to take Heisman Trophy winner De’Vonta Smith or LSU’s JaMarr Chase with the no. 2 pick, the following two signings make eminently less sense. But, if the Jets either a) trade down or b) take Oregon tackle Penei Sewell to add more protection for Darnold (Douglas is a former lineman), both of the following receivers are worth breaking the bank for.
When fully healthy, the Jets’ receiving corps is not as bad as people think. Jamison Crowder averaged 58.3 yards per game last season and developed some chemistry with Darnold, while Breshad Perriman and 2020 second-round pick Denzel Mims are solid players who were limited by injuries and general offensive incompetence under Gase.
Still, if Darnold and the Jets' offense is going to go up a level, they will need to add a no. 1-caliber play-maker on the outside at some point. Robinson, 27, is simply one of the best and most underrated pass-catchers in the business.
Despite Chicago’s issues under center, Robinson has put up 1,250 and 1,147 yards, respectively, with 13 total TDs in the past two seasons. In 2020, he surpassed 100 catches for the first time in his career. He consistently makes tough catches in traffic and drops fewer than three passes a season, on average.
Robinson, 27, also has a relationship with Saleh, who coached linebackers in Jacksonville from 2014-16 when Robinson caught passes there (again, from sub-standard QBs).
The Bears are roughly $10.5 million over the cap but may need to devote resources to re-signing Mitchell Trubisky. Robinson reportedly doesn’t want to play under the franchise tag, per ESPN, but the Bears could use it as leverage should they choose to bring back their only above-average wideout.
Robinson will likely demand a deal in the ballpark of four-years, $20 million adjusted average per year (APY).
2) WR Chris Godwin
If we’re going to mention Robinson, we have to include Godwin. Somehow, he’s only 24, and already one of the best players on a Super Bowl-caliber offense in Tampa Bay.
Godwin finished the 2019 season with a 90.7 PFF grade, one of the best marks in the league. In 2020, despite a few injuries, the Bucs (mostly Tom Brady, obviously) finished with a 131.9 passer rating on plays targeting Godwin, per Pro Football Focus.
Godwin has a few drops earlier in the postseason, but that was out of character. He responded with perhaps his best performance of the season in the NFC Championship Game, accruing 110 yards and a TD on five catches.
Godwin is big, fast, and versatile. He interchangeably lines up in the slot and on the outside, and is a Pro Bowl talent when going over the middle or taking it deep.
The Bucs will likely want to hold onto Godwin, and they could franchise tag him. On the other hand, they have a slew of big-name players hitting the free-agent market.
If the Jets (or another team) swoops in with an overpay ($23-$25 million APY), they could snag one of the game’s best receivers for his prime seasons.
Another reason for the Jets to pursue Godwin and/or Robinson? To keep him away from two potential AFC East suitors, the Miami Dolphins and New England Patriots, who are both in the market for a WR1.
3) DE Shaquil Barrett
Speaking of Bucs stars the Jets could snag, edge rusher Shaquil Barrett has made himself some money on the team’s current Super Bowl run.
Shaq Barrett have yourself a DAY 😤 @ShaquilBarrett @Buccaneers
📺 #TBvsGB on FOX pic.twitter.com/Mqv0urBiUn
— The Checkdown (@thecheckdown) January 24, 2021
He’s been one of the most effective pass rushers in football for the past few years, though he hadn’t always received a full-time role before his 19.5-sack 2019 season. Based on his play in recent weeks, the 28-year old might be making the leap into one of the game’s best in his seventh season.
After putting up eight sacks during the regular season, Barrett got to Aaron Rodgers three times in the conference championship game.
Barrett can obviously hound quarterbacks, but he’s a solid run stopper as well. Plus, he has plenty of experience at outside linebacker, which requires him to drop back in coverage. Saleh usually deploys a 4-3 scheme, in which Barrett could wreak havoc on the edge or as the LEO (the weakside edge).
The Jets have needed a game-changing edge rusher for what feels like forever, and the 28-year old could be a viable target.
His franchise tag is worth $15.8 million, meaning he will likely command upwards of $17 million APY or so in free agency.
That's a lot, but the Jets have the cap space.
Follow Us
Subscribe