ESPN: Here are the moves the New York Jets should consider when free agency opens at 4 p.m. ET Thursday:
Priority No. 1: Acquire a starting-caliber quarterback. It's a big ask, but the Jets have no choice because Bryce Petty and Christian Hackenberg -- the only quarterbacks under contract -- aren't ready for the opening-day gig. From all indications, they will target former Buccaneers starter-turned-backup Mike Glennon, a classic pocket passer who displayed some upside in 18 starts in 2013 and 2014. He won't be the franchise savior, but he could be a bridge quarterback with the potential to develop into something more. Tyrod Taylor would be the best choice, if he shakes free from the Bills, but he could exceed the Jets' budget.
Priority No. 2: Find the next Darrelle Revis. The real Revis -- a diminished version of his former self -- will be released on Thursday, leaving the Jets in crisis at cornerback. They need two starters to improve a pass defense that surrendered 30 touchdowns against only eight interceptions. They could make a play for the Texans' A.J. Bouye, the former no-name who will be a very rich man in a few days. Jets general manager Mike Maccagnan was a member of the Houston scouting department when Bouye was signed as an undrafted free agent. The Patriots' Logan Ryan is a cheaper, fallback option, but he'll still cost at least $9 million per year. They also need help at safety. The Cards' Tony Jefferson, who played under coach Todd Bowles in Arizona, is on the Jets' radar. Another former Bowles player from Arizona, inside linebacker Kevin Minter, is a possibility. His arrival would mean the end for David Harris.
Priority No. 3: They need a left tackle to protect the blind side of whoever is at quarterback. The Jets are showing interest in Ben Ijalana (their own free agent) and Russell Okung, whose option wasn't exercised by the Broncos. No one on the current roster can play left tackle, so this is a must-get in free agency, especially since the draft class is weak at the position. The plan is to find a hold-the-fort player in free agency, then try to find a sleeper in the draft. It also wouldn't be a surprise if they sign a center to replace Nick Mangold. Trouble is there are no attractive options in free agency, so they might have to settle for in-house candidate Wesley Johnson.
Priority No. 1: Acquire a starting-caliber quarterback. It's a big ask, but the Jets have no choice because Bryce Petty and Christian Hackenberg -- the only quarterbacks under contract -- aren't ready for the opening-day gig. From all indications, they will target former Buccaneers starter-turned-backup Mike Glennon, a classic pocket passer who displayed some upside in 18 starts in 2013 and 2014. He won't be the franchise savior, but he could be a bridge quarterback with the potential to develop into something more. Tyrod Taylor would be the best choice, if he shakes free from the Bills, but he could exceed the Jets' budget.
Priority No. 2: Find the next Darrelle Revis. The real Revis -- a diminished version of his former self -- will be released on Thursday, leaving the Jets in crisis at cornerback. They need two starters to improve a pass defense that surrendered 30 touchdowns against only eight interceptions. They could make a play for the Texans' A.J. Bouye, the former no-name who will be a very rich man in a few days. Jets general manager Mike Maccagnan was a member of the Houston scouting department when Bouye was signed as an undrafted free agent. The Patriots' Logan Ryan is a cheaper, fallback option, but he'll still cost at least $9 million per year. They also need help at safety. The Cards' Tony Jefferson, who played under coach Todd Bowles in Arizona, is on the Jets' radar. Another former Bowles player from Arizona, inside linebacker Kevin Minter, is a possibility. His arrival would mean the end for David Harris.
Priority No. 3: They need a left tackle to protect the blind side of whoever is at quarterback. The Jets are showing interest in Ben Ijalana (their own free agent) and Russell Okung, whose option wasn't exercised by the Broncos. No one on the current roster can play left tackle, so this is a must-get in free agency, especially since the draft class is weak at the position. The plan is to find a hold-the-fort player in free agency, then try to find a sleeper in the draft. It also wouldn't be a surprise if they sign a center to replace Nick Mangold. Trouble is there are no attractive options in free agency, so they might have to settle for in-house candidate Wesley Johnson.
