NFL free agency mayhem is underway, and the Jets could make some massive moves! New York Jets general manager Joe Douglas needs some help, and he's got the money to continue re-building the Jets offense. The New York Jets have $48.8 million in cap space to work with, the fourth-most in the league. The Jets have many needs in free agency, but their lack of explosive playmakers and weak offensive line stands out to me most. The Jets ranked 25th in passes over 25 yards and 18th in runs over 20 yards. While their offense lacked explosiveness, the Jets could sign a few players this week could help them tremendously.
James Daniels: RG (Current Team—Chicago Bears)
James Daniels is one of the top right guards in the league. We all know that the Jets' offensive line has struggled mightily, both in creating running room and protecting the quarterback. Zach Wilson was sacked 44 times last season, the third most - right behind Ryan Tannehill and Joe Burrow. James Daniels is only 24 years old, and last season he was graded at an overall 71.0 by PFF, the ninth-best grade for the position. Moreover, James Daniels thrives in a zone running scheme that the Jets aim to do. However, Daniels' strengths don't end there. He's also an excellent pass protector, as he only allowed three sacks last season. The Jets can afford to break the bank on James Daniels, and they should because Zach Wilson's success hinges nearly entirely on the offensive line's ability to give him time.
Tyler Conklin: TE (Current Team—Minnesota Vikings)
The next need for the Jets is a reliable, experienced, short-yardage tight end. So many possessions ended early last season because the Jets lacked a player who could consistently make a play on third and short and keep the chains moving. The two top options in my eyes are Tyler Conklin and O.J. Howard. I see Howard as a second option to Conklin, though, due to his recent lack of involvement on his team. Conklin got the chance to be the primary tight end in Minnesota as Kyle Rudolph ended his ten-year tenure in Minnesota after the 2020 season. Conklin thrived in 2021, hauling in 61 receptions for 593 yards and a handful of touchdowns. Conklin is not only experienced (27 years old), but he's durable. In his whole career, he's only ever missed one game. Having a target who's involved in the offense week in and week out is incredibly important for developing a young quarterback like Zach Wilson. Moreover, Conklin only dropped two of his 87 targets last year, and he proved to be one of the most reliable third-down options in the NFL. If the Jets can't get Conklin, they should make a push for OJ. Howard is simply due to Howard's physical ability, but Conklin and the Jets seem like a match made in heaven.
Will Fuller: WR (Current Team—Miami Dolphins)
Nobody does it better than Will Fuller when it comes to explosive plays. Fuller has been a staple of internet highlight compilations since he first entered the league in 2016. Fuller has averaged 14.7 yards per reception throughout his career, and he's had at least one 50 yard catch in every season besides 2021 (injured for most of the year). However, Fuller has struggled mightily with injuries. He's never played an entire season, and last year he only managed to play in two games. However, despite the injury concerns, I think Gang Green would be wise to sign Fuller to a one-year contract. Odds are he won't play the whole season, but at his projected free agent price ($3 million per year), there isn't a cheaper fix to the Jets' lack of speed. Will Fuller will help whatever team signs him. He may be limited in his availability, but a deep threat like Fuller completely changes the game when he's on the field. While Will Fuller won't solve all the Jets' receiving problems, he'll undoubtedly add depth and a skill set that's hard to find.
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