Bent, theJetsBlog.com Follow on Twitter
With the so-called "legal tampering window" now open, you can expect some of the biggest names to come off the market very quickly, as we've seen with Jets targets like Jack Conklin, Byron Jones, Amari Cooper and Graham Glasgow to name a few.
So, let's consider some of the major names left who the Jets could be in the running for:
CB Chris Harris
The Jets could also be in the mix for Harris at cornerback, although he'd most likely be employed as a slot corner. If they are unable to re-sign Brian Poole, the 30-year old could be an adequate replacement.
Harris earned $12 million on a one-year deal last year and you can expect both Poole and Harris to be seeking a similar amount during the offseason.
EDGE Jadeveon Clowney
The Jets also have a need for a disruptive pass rusher off the edge, and making a splash for Clowney would be one way of addressing this.
Clowney is another player who will command a deal in the $20 million per season range, but it will be worth it if he provides a large upgrade to the pass rush.
Clowney, who is 27, has never had a double-digit sack season and only had three sacks last season, so some will doubt his impact will warrant this kind of financial outlay. However, he has consistently generated pressure at a much higher rate than any of the edge rushers the Jets have had over the past few seasons, and is also solid against the run.
Conclusions
The Jets have plenty of money and plenty of needs, so the desire to upgrade their talent will be strong and they will be prepared to invest a lot of money in doing so. If they can land either of these players, it will provide them with an immediate upgrade and enable them to turn their attentions to other positions during the second wave of free agency and in the draft.