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Before free agency even officially began, the Jets had handed out $173 million worth of contracts on four new players, and that went with another $51.7 million in deals to bring back four of their own. They even tried to hand out another $100 million or so in contracts, before edge-rusher Anthony Barr changed his mind and center Matt Paradis signed somewhere else.
So the Jets have been busy, and there's no doubt that with the additions of running back Le'Veon Bell, linebacker C.J. Mosley and receiver Jamison Crowder, they are better than they were a few days ago.
But they're not done yet. They still have some cap room to spend and some holes to fill. Lucky for them, NFL free agency is still really only beginning and there are a bunch of good players left to sign:
Edge Rushers
This was a huge need heading into the offseason and they thought they had found their guy when Barr agreed to a deal with the Jets. But the next morning, he decided to take less money to return to the Minnesota Vikings and the Jets returned to their search. Of course, by then, most of the top pass rushers were off the board.
- Justin Houston: Cut by the Chiefs in a salary cap move, he's the best pass rusher on the market and will surely be paid like it. Jets offered $14 million per year to Barr, and it might take more for Houston.
- Ezekiel "Ziggy" Ansah: His price could drop due to his shoulder injury. The Bills and Saints have already set up visits with him.
- Shaquil Barrett: Tons of potential and only 26, he seemed on his way to big things until the Broncos drafted Bradley Chubb and pushed him aside.
- Alex Okafor: He's 28, but never quite lived up to his potential. Could be an inexpensive filler and a reserve once the Jets draft someone.
- Shane Ray: Once the perfect bookend to Von Miller in Denver, he's had two sacks in two seasons that have been ruined by wrist injuries. He'll likely only get a one-year, prove-it deal.
- Markus Golden: He hasn't been the same since a torn ACL in 2017, but he's another that could come on a short-term, cheap deal.
Receivers
Signing Crowder fills this need, especially since the Jets really seem to like Quincy Enunwa and Robby Anderson. They certainly could use a veteran to add to the group, and there are a couple really intriguing names out there, but they're not likely to overspend.
- Golden Tate: A very underrated receiver who is 30 and coming off a down year, but the previous four seasons he averaged 93 catches and 1,056 yards. He's mostly a slot receiver, like Crowder, but can play outside, too.
- Randall Cobb: Injuries have limited him in recent years, and he's almost a pure slot receiver which would be a problem. But if his market drops enough, he'd provide good depth.
Cornerbacks
The Jets did bring back Roberts and paid him $18 million (over three years) which indicates they view him as a starter. But with Buster Skrine gone to Chicago and Mo Claiborne not expected back, they still need a third corner.
- Ronald Darby: A 25-year-old with a high ceiling, but he's coming off a torn ACL. Likely will get more than a one-year, prove-it deal, and word is it could come from the Chiefs soon.
- Bryce Callahan: He's battled injuries throughout his career, including a broken foot last year, but he's still considered one of the best slot corners in the league.
- Darqueze Dennard: A former first-round pick, he's a terrific slot corner but wants to be paid like an outside corner. That probably puts him outside the Jets' price range.
- Brian Poole: He's only 26, started nine games last year and had three interceptions, but the Atlanta Falcons didn't give him a restricted free agent tender. They're hoping to bring him back at a lower rate. Meanwhile he's alredy visited the Jets and has drawn interest from the Cincinnati Bengals.
Centers
This was a terrible market from the beginning, which is why it's unfortunate the Jets couldn't land Paradis - far and away the best center on the market. What's left just isn't very appealing.
- Stefan Wisniewski: he was a long-time starter who was mostly a backup last year in Philadelphia. He can play center and guard and is only 29, so he could have a productive year or two left.
- John Sullivan: A solid, durable center who will turn 34 in August. He could be a one-year stop-gap, but the Jets would have to look to the draft for his replacement.
Kickers
They lost Pro Bowler Jason Myers, but they weren't going to come close to matching the four-year, $15.5 million contract he got from Seattle. They're convinced they can find a cheaper replacement. Somehow they always do.
- Stephen Gostkowski: Coming off a down year, he's probably headed back to New England. But if not, he's the best on a thin kicking market.
- Cody Parkey: He was damaged goods in Chicago after the playoff disaster, but he was 21-of-23 for Adam Gase's Dolphins two years ago.
- Matt Bryant: If he wasn't about to turn 44, he'd be ideal. Extremely reliable, and he has some experience with the Meadowlands winds -- albeit in a different stadium from when he was with the Giants in 2002-03.