2022 Jets Free Agent Targets: Offense

Tight End

It will be important for the Jets to surround Zach Wilson with the best talent they possibly can. As a young player having a strong supporting cast is crucial in order for Wilson to succeed. It remains to be seen how young players like Chris Herndon will perform for the Jets this season.

As of now, the position will likely have to be addressed. One would have to assume young star players like Mark Andrews and Mike Gesicki will get extended by their respective teams.

Dallas Goedert is a great player. Douglas was a part of the Eagles front office when they drafted Goedert. Robert Tonyan is coming off a very impressive season. David Njoku is a talented player who could still be even better. Hayden Hurst has proven some good things as a pass-catcher. O.J. Howard has the tools to be a force.

Offensive Line

Similar to what was stated above, surrounding Wilson with all the best players possible will be integral. Currently, the left side of the Jets offensive line looks to be set for the long haul with back-to-back first-round selections, Mekhi Becton and Alijah Vera-Tucker. Hopefully, Connor McGovern and George Fant both have a successful 2021.

Adding one known player to this group for Wilson could be instrumental. These offensive linemen could all be extended by their current teams. However, one or two of these players could get to the market as a result of the limited cap space of their current team.

Ryan Ramczyk is arguably the best right tackle in the NFL. The Saints do not have a lot of salary cap space so he could be available. Taylor Moton was given the franchise tag for this season. If no long-term agreement comes about, that could lead to this being his final season with the Panthers. Wyatt Teller was one of the better right guards in football last year. All three of these players are currently set to be free agents in 2022.

2022 Jets Free Agent Targets: Defense

Edge

Signing Carl Lawson this offseason was huge for the Jets. Going forward, it will be important for the Jets to pair Lawson up with another dominant edge. In the scheme new head coach Robert Saleh and defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich will be implementing, winning with the front four is vital.

Emmanuel Ogbah has had an underrated career. Ogbah would help the defensive line greatly with his pass-rush ability. Kemoko Turay is a fascinating player to keep an eye on. Turay has all the traits to be great. At times, he has shown he can dominate. Derek Barnett was drafted in the first round by the Eagles when Douglas was there. Barnett has talent and it will be interesting to see if he can play his best this year. These three are all in contract years and all could be Jets free agent targets.

Linebacker

The Sam linebacker position for the Jets could be a need. C.J. Mosley will play the Mike linebacker. Rookie Jamien Sherwood should start at the Will position. A long-term option at the third linebacker position is unknown.

One player set to be a free agent after this season is Leighton Vander Esch. Vander Esch played great football his rookie season. He showed how talented he is. Ever since he has unfortunately battled injuries. If he stays healthy this season he should bounce back. Vander Esch would help possibly complete the linebacker unit.

Cornerback

The Jets" biggest position of concern is cornerback. It would be great if one of the young cornerbacks the team currently has could prove something. However, it is an impact position that is a major question mark at this moment.

Four very good cornerbacks are currently set to be free agents in 2022. All four also play for teams who could not have cap space to keep them. Darious Williams is coming off a great season. If he plays at a similar level this season, he would be a top option. Marshon Lattimore is a very talented cornerback who has had some special moments and is still fairly young. J.C. Jackson finished second in interceptions in 2020, with nine. Carlton Davis is a young player who played great football last year. Any of these four would be great signings.

Slot Cornerback

The Jets currently have youth in the slot. Michael Carter II and Javelin Guidry are two players who could break out and contribute but it still has not yet been proven.

One underrated slot cornerback worth following this season is Taron Johnson. Johnson played great football down the stretch last year. He was toward the top of the league at the slot cornerback position. If he continues playing at the same level, he will be a top free agent at an important position.

Thanks for reading my article on some potential 2022 Jets free agent targets. For more NFL content follow @OTH_Football.

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