Free Agent the New York Jets Might Pursue: Antwan Barnes

Antwan Barnes is a 26 year old pass rushing specialist who spent 2010 in San Diego. The guys at Pro Football Focus came up with this idea so here is the rationale:

The Jets don’t have an endless supply of cash to throw around, and while Manny Lawson makes some sense, I’m going to direct your attention elsewhere: Antwan Barnes. Barnes saw limited snaps with the Ravens under Rex Ryan in ’08, but he was a real force last season as a pass rush specialist in San Diego. Ryan is the right man to make the most of someone with specialized skills like Barnes and he would immediately give the Jets a guaranteed pass rush presence.

Barnes had 4.5 sacks, 5 hits, and 18 pressures in just 157 rushes last year. He is not very versatile. At 251 pounds, he is a bit small to be a three down player. This could help make him cheaper. My first preference is to see the Jets grab some bargain pass rushers. I would love to see the Jets sign Barnes and Matthias Kiwanuka. Improving the pass rush makes cornerback play less critical since corners do not have to cover as long when the quarterback is pressured, and allows the team to blitz less and help more in coverage. That could help the Jets save money for the two big guns at wide receiver and not have to pay big for Antonio Cromartie.