Forget Kirk; Jets made solid FA transactions

The Jets might not have landed the ultimate prize in free agency, but Gang Green should be commended for making smart, quick decisions during a fastflowing few weeks that helped improve their roster.

Free agency isn’t a time for miracles, so whining about some of the Jets’ remaining holes (like edge pass rusher) shows a clear lack of understanding of this process.

The final free-agency grade for Gang Green: A-minus.

Kirk Cousins, of course, would have resulted in a solid A. Alas, the veteran QB chose Minnesota.

Mike Maccagnan and Todd Bowles made important upgrades at cornerback, linebacker, center, running back and perhaps wide receiver. They’ll officially upgrade at quarterback in the draft, but they made sure not to take a step backward by securing a solid bridge signal caller (or two).

Free agency wasn’t perfect even without the Cousins drama. The Jets targeted three players they believed would address deficient areas before losing out on each of them, according to sources.

First, Gang Green wanted running back Jerick McKinnon, who ultimately got a King’s ransom from the 49ers ($12 million in 2018, to be exact). The Jets figured that they were well positioned to get McKinnon, who would have been a versatile weapon for new offensive coordinator Jeremy Bates, before Kyle Shanahan made it known to his people that he absolutely needed this player. So, he got him.

The Jets were close to a complete backfield makeover. McKinnon paired with Isaiah Crowell would have been a solid 1-2 punch for run game coordinator Rick Dennison. As it stands, Crowell’s addition is a clear upgrade from Matt Forte.

Then there’s Thomas Rawls, who might just be a sneaky great signing. Granted, there’s a chance that the former Seahawks running back could be cut before the regular season, but it was a low-risk, highreward move to get a player who I think can be a factor if healthy.

The 5-9, 215-pound Rawls has pedestrian vision, but he hits the hole hard. Rawls played behind a suspect Seattle offensive line the last couple seasons too, so I’m curious to see how he does with the Jets.

Gang Green also went after Titans defensive lineman DaQuan Jones to fill the 5-technique void left by Muhammad Wilkerson’s departure. Tennessee ultimately resigned him. The Jets wanted to take a flier on edge pass rusher Barkevious Mingo, but the Seahawks nabbed him.

Missing out on McKinnon, Jones and Mingo is noteworthy, but hardly crippling. (But, man, getting McKinnon could have been great).

The Jets, who began free agency with a league-high $90 million in salary cap space, broke the bank at the one position (other than quarterback, of course) they desperately needed: Cornerback.

Trumaine Johnson happened to be the right guy at the right time. Was Gang Green’s deal that included $34 million fully guaranteed a bit steep for a player that has never made the Pro Bowl? Probably. But Johnson is a quality player, who is a clear upgrade.

Linebacker Avery Williamson is a clear upgrade over Demario Davis, who played his derriere off last season. Davis, who’s three years older than Williamson, was actually decent in coverage too (as opposed to his struggles in that area as a younger player), but let’s not turn this guy into Mike Singletary. Bottom line: Gang Green got younger and better at the position. Adding Kevin Pierre-Louis was another nice addition to help in coverage.

The Jets wisely didn’t break the bank for center Weston Richburg, who would have been a quality addition if money weren’t a factor. Consider: The Jets will pay Spencer Long $6.5 million in cash this season. San Francisco ponied up 60 percent more ($16.5 million).

Wide receiver Terrelle Pryor’s one-year deal (with $2 million in guarantees) was another move with little risk. Maybe he returns to 2016 form (1,007 yards, 5 TDs). Maybe he doesn’t.

The Jets lost tight end Austin Seferian-Jenkins. They lost kicker Chandler Catanzaro too. They’ll live. Truth be told: Losing special teams staple Julian Stanford probably stung more.

Losing the Cousins sweepstakes dominated the headlines, but the truth is that the Jets acquitted themselves quite well in free agency with quality pieces to fit their puzzle.