Three Free Agents the Jets Need to Pursue Next

Robby Anderson, Wide Receiver

The Jets have been patient about bringing back Anderson. Despite the free-agent class of receivers being lacking any kind of depth, they feel confident that his market is steadily collapsing. It’s looking more and more likely that they’ll aggressively go after him and settle the situation with a new deal (either a short or a long one).

For New York, it’s critical to re-sign Anderson. He had a down year in 2019 but remain Sam Darnold‘s top target. Even with a talented draft class at wide receiver and Jamison Crowder coming off a strong year, there’s nothing on the market that can replace him at this point. If the Jets weren’t going after Robby Anderson, they would’ve probably been among the candidates for Emmanuel Sanders.

Anderson stayed healthy in 2019 – something he wasn’t able to do during the 2018 campaign. He recorded 779 yards in receptions and averaged more than 14 yards per catch for the fourth year in a row. However, he’s never managed to post 1,000-plus yards in a single season.

It’s a real possibility that a new deal covers one or two years. However, with free agency progressing, that new deal is getting nearer.

Jadeveon Clowney, Defensive End

The other position of need for the team in the pass-rush. The fact that Clowney’s still out there is a miracle – and a huge chance for the Jets.

Clowney posted 3.0 sacks throughout 2019 with Seattle and was a big part of that defensive line being at least a fraction solid. The former South Carolina defensive lineman started just 11 games, his fewest since 2015.

During his last three years in Houston, Clowney made the Pro Bowl three times and posted over 9 sacks twice while being almost fully healthy. He’s probably in line for similar feats should he stay on the field in 2020.

The Jets finished with just 35 sacks during the regular season, ranking them at 23rd place in the NFL. A full season of 2019 first-rounder Quinnen Williams with Clowney, Steve McLendon and Henry Anderson would be a scary thought. In addition, Clowney in the Jets’ front seven means a transition to a 4-3 defense, which will also benefit Williams.

Everson Griffen, Defensive End

The market is now mostly occupied by corners, interior pass-rushers and inside offensive linemen. Therefore, should the Jets fail with the Clowney negotiations, they might go after another pass-rusher.

Everson Griffen is among the best options available. The former Vikings end was selected to the 2020 Pro Bowl and recorded 8 sacks, which is among his best career marks and second-best on the 2019 Vikings after Danielle Hunter‘s 14.5.

With whopping $46 million in salary-cap space, the Jets will likely prioritize a high-profile name like Clowney over either Griffen or players such as Derek Wolfe and Ndamukong Suh. His production is critical, plus everything so far this offseason has been building up to at least one star addition. Clowney and Anderson are affordable big pieces to end the signing period.

However, if other teams steal the Jets’ primary targets, Griffen is a decent bet to near Clowney’s production. Since turning 30, he’s posted 13.5 sacks over two seasons. That more than Wolfe in the past three years combined.

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