Free Agent the New York Jets Might Pursue: Willie Colon

The main positions people talk about the Jets being active in pursuing free agents tend to be wide receiver, cornerback, and outside linebacker. There is, however, a hole at right tackle. Damien Woody has been released. Wayne Hunter is a free agent. Vladimir Ducasse lost a offseason's worth of OTA's to develop. The Jets might want to look at a replacement.

There is talk the Jets might resign Woody, who is coming off an Achilles injury. Is it possible they go with a guy who is coming off the same injury but younger and thus potentially able to bounce back stronger? That might be Pittsburgh's Willie Colon, who missed the 2010 season. Colon had developed into a top pass protector in the 2009 season. He allowed 6 sacks but only 4 hits and 5 pressures.

Colon will only be 28 this season as he returns from his injury. He has a 6'3" 315 pound frame. Some work with Bill Callahan could turn him into a really good run blocker. He is not terrible in that area either, far more advanced than D'Brickashaw Ferguson was Callahan came to town.

Colon might come more cheaply than he otherwise might coming off the injury. Might he be willing to take a one year deal to prove himself? Could the Jets give Vladimir Ducasse more time to develop and eventually have him take over at guard instead?

The Jets have shown interest in Pittsburgh linemen in recent years. They signed Alan Faneca three years ago. They tried to (and fortunately) failed to replace Brandon Moore with Chris Kemoeatu two years ago. If they want to find a tackle, Colon might be a good fit.