Positions that need to be addressed when free agency begins next week
NEW YORK — The time for speculation is almost over.
On Monday at noon the NFL’S legal tampering period will be the unofficial start of free agency. That is when teams can enter contract negotiations with unrestricted free agents. Contracts can be agreed to during this period, but they can’t be signed before the beginning of the new league year on Wednesday at 4 p.m.
The Jets are expected to be active in free agency after finishing 7-10 for the second consecutive year last season following Aaron Rodgers’ Achilles tear four plays into the season opener. This led to owner Woody Johnson telling reporters last month at the NFL Honors award show in Las Vegas, “We have to do a lot better than seven wins.”
Entering free agency, the team has $27.5 million of salary cap space. They could free up more money by trading Zach Wilson and restructuring a few contracts.
Before the legal tampering period begins, here are the positions the Jets should address this offseason:
Offensive line: In 2023, the Jets used 14 different offensive line combinations in 17 games, which led the league. The prior season, 11 different players started at least one game.
With Rodgers, 40, returning from a torn Achilles, the Jets offensive line is even more of a glaring weakness. They will need at least three new starters on the line and extra insurance if and when injuries occur.
Who the Jets decide to target in free agency could depend on where Alijah Vera-tucker plays next season. He has been a Swiss Army knife for the Jets since he was drafted in the first round in 2021. Vera-tucker has played every offensive line position other than center.
If Vera-tucker remains at guard, then the Jets will be in the market for two tackles and a guard. But if they move the 24-year-old to right tackle, the Jets would need a left tackle and two guards.
Dolphins guard Robert Hunt, and Patriots guard Mike Onwenu could be two potential targets. Hunt was one of the better guards in the NFL last season. In 11 games, he allowed just one sack and committed two penalties on a Dolphins offense that led the league in yards per game (401.3).
Backup QB: The Jets dropped the ball at backup quarterback last season. Instead of securing a better contingency plan in case Rodgers was injured, the Jets decided Wilson would be the backup quarterback, which was a complete disaster.
Now that the Jets are planning for life after Wilson, it is time for them to find a more adequate backup. Ryan Tannehill (Titans), Jacoby Brissett (Commanders), and Gardner Minshew (Colts) are likely at the top of the Jets’ backup quarterback wish list. Tyrod Taylor (Giants) or Jimmy Garoppolo (Raiders), assuming he gets released, could also be potential options.
Wide receiver: Almost a year ago, the Jets signed Allen Lazard to a four-year, $44 million contract, hoping he could be a strong second option to Garrett Wilson. But New York still needs another receiver following Lazard’s disappointing 23-catch, 311-yard season in 2023.
A player who makes sense is Cardinals wideout Marquise Brown. He would provide a speed threat for Rodgers and the offense. Having a weapon like Brown, would take pressure off Wilson and running back Breece Hall, who defenses will likely key on.
With Solomon Thomas, Al Woods and Quinton Jefferson all free agents, defensive tackle has become a priority for the Jets.
They could wait until the draft to address this need. But if the Jets go the free agent route, Browns defensive tackle Maurice Hurst Jr. could be a solid veteran option.