Early Breakdown of Top Defensive Jets FA Targets

There are still plenty of dominoes to fall before we know exactly who will be in play during the free agency period, but it’s the offseason! We need something to talk about! So, let’s take an early look at some impending free agents that could potentially be targets for the prosperous Jets front office this March.

All ages listed are as of September 2018.

EDGE RUSHER

Edge is a pressing need for this team. The Jets lack a player who can create hell for quarterbacks by winning one-on-one matchups on the outside. Outside of quarterback, an elite edge rusher would change this team more than any other addition.

DeMarcus Lawrence, Cowboys, 26 - 15 sacks, 27 QB hits, 3 forced fumbles, 94.1 PFF (#4 edge)

Ezekiel “Ziggy” Ansah, Lions, 29 - 12 sacks, 17 QB hits, 80.1 PFF (#41 edge)

Alex Okafor, Saints, 27 - 5 sacks, 9 QB hits, 3 forced fumbles, 84.7 PFF (#23 edge)

Adrian Clayborn, Falcons, 30 - 10 sacks, 18 QB hits, 3 forced fumbles, 86.3 PFF (#17 edge)

CORNERBACK

If the Jets were playing a game today, they’d be starting Darryl Roberts and Juston Burris outside, with Buster Skrine in the slot IF he doesn’t become a cap casualty. Yeah, this is a position of need. One of many, but a pressing one that will sabotage the team’s chances of success if not addressed. It’s a pretty deep corner market, and all of these guys would be upgrades for the Jets.

Trumaine Johnson, Rams, 28 - 2 interceptions, 75.8 PFF (#67 CB)

Kyle Fuller, Bears, 26 - 3 interceptions, 84.3 PFF (#22 CB)

Nickell Robey-Coleman, Rams, 26 - 2 interceptions, 84.9 PFF (#20 CB)

Bashaud Breeland, Redskins, 26 - 1 interception, 79.0 PFF (#54 CB)

E.J. Gaines, Bills, 26 - 1 interception, 2 forced fumbles, 86.6 PFF (#12 CB)

Ross Cockrell, Giants, 27 - 3 interceptions, 81.6 PFF (#42 CB)

Malcolm Butler, Patriots, 28 - 2 interceptions, 2 forced fumbles, 81.0 PFF (#45 CB)

Rashaan Melvin, Colts, 28 - 3 interceptions (only 10 GP), 85.7 PFF (#18 CB)

How do you think Mike Maccagnan and the Jets should go about addressing the defense in free agency?