Jets must be aggressive in free agency
The New York Jets don’t have a choice. After taking Sam Darnold with the third-overall selection on last year’s draft — and trading up to do so — the Jets have to be aggressive in acquiring talent around him this offseason.
New York once again has a top-five pick after stumbling to a last-place finish in the AFC East. Certainly, general manager Mike Maccagnan will try to land an immediate impact player at that pot, but it’s free agency where the Jets can make the quickest gains. Considering Maccagnan is already embattled after years of losing, now is no time for the franchise to be passive and patient.
Looking at the pool of free agents, there are some obvious names that should be tied to Gang Green. Despite my report on FanSided that Le’Veon Bell prefers to play with the Miami Dolphins, Bell would be a fantastic fit in Gotham. Bell, who turns 27 years old in February, is only going to the Dolphins if they make the highest offer. Considering Miami is in a full-scale rebuild, there’s reason to believe it might not be willing to make a major financial commitment.
If that’s the case, the Jets should swoop in. Bell is the best receiving back in the game today, and he’s almost a guaranteed to rush for 1,200 yards and double-digit touchdowns if history is any indicator. Adding a talent such as the former Michigan State star would be a major help to Darnold, who is currently relying on men such as Robby Anderson and Isaiah Crowell to move the ball.
On the outside, New York doesn’t have the same level of options. Golden Tate is the best free-agent receiver going, and while he’s a quality player, he’s going to be overpaid because of the market compared to the demand. Tate is going to help someone, but this is where New York might be smart to pass, all while attempting to add talent elsewhere on the roster.
In addition to free agency and the draft, the Jets should be talking trade. What would it cost to land Antonio Brown from the Pittsburgh Steelers. Certainly the cost will be high, but what’s the price for a superstar talent in his prime? Brown is signed for another three years on a team-friendly deal, and adding both he and Bell would turn the offense from a pronounced weakness into an immediate strength.
New York doesn’t have to win the Super Bowl tomorrow, but it has to start making significant strides over the next few months.
