Free Agency: Jets Interested in Jacoby Ford, Sidney Rice

UPDATE

#Jets are still looking to add a WR, and source says they are interested in Sidney Rice. #Saints are too, & #Seahawks would welcome a return

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 17, 2014

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport is now reporting that the Jets have shown interest in Seattle Seahawks free agent receiver Sidney Rice. Seattle released Rice on February 28th after missing eight games this season.

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John Idzik and the New York Jets' top priority entering this offseason was to upgrade at the wide receiver position. New York made it's first splash of the offseason last week when they came to terms on a 5-year contract with arguably the best free agent wideout on the market, Eric Decker, but the Jets aren't finished.

After Brandon LaFell signed with the New England Patriots and James Jones has been widely speculated to wind up with the suddenly receiver-needy Carolina Panthers, the Jets have expanded their search to other free agents.

Jets have shown interest in free agent WR Jacoby Ford, according to a source. Ford played for Jets WR coach Sanjay Lal in Oakland. #nyj

— Brian Costello (@BrianCoz) March 17, 2014

Jacoby Ford, 27, is one of your prototypical Clemson speedster receivers, which makes him an intriguing target, however he's dealt with injuries throughout his young career and has yet to put up anything close to a respectable season for an NFL receiver.

After playing all 16 games his rookie season, Ford has played just 22 games (7.3 games per year average) in his three seasons since, including missing the entire 2012 campaign with a foot injury.

While the Jets need to add another receiver via free agency this offseason, there are other options out there such as Lance Moore, Miles Austin, Sidney Rice, Mario Manningham, Danario Alexander and yes, James Jones—who hasn't signed anywhere yet—all of which may be better options than Ford at this point.