The Jets are in a very sticky situation going into the draft and need all the help they can get at a very discounted price. GM John Idzik may have to search for some high ceiling free agency leftovers that he could use to fill some of these holes and help the team get back on track. The type of player you should look for is a player who really has motivation to prove themselves to be NFL starters, because to some of them, the success of the NY Jets in 2013 may just be their last shot. Here are my favorite remaining free agents that fit that category:
December 18, 2011; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders tight end Kevin Boss (87) runs with the ball after making a catch against the Detroit Lions in the third quarter at O.co Coliseum. The Lions defeated the Raiders 28-27. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
Kevin Boss, TE – A tight end that had success in NY with the Giants and in Oakland. Last season he injured his head and was out for the season. His career stats are comparable to Dustin Keller, who the Jets just lost. Maybe after the injury last season. the team could pick up Boss at a discount. If he keeps healthy, it may even benefit the team more (because of cap) than keeping Keller would have. Signing Boss will immediately take the tight end position out of the many the Jets must think about for an early round draft pick
Dec. 30, 2012; Orchard Park, NY, USA; New York Jets wide receiver Braylon Edwards (17) runs the ball after a catch during the first half against the Buffalo Bills at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Bills beat the Jets 28 to 9. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports
Braylon Edwards, WR – He’s had some of his best years with The Jets. He was dropped from Seattle and hasn’t had much success since he was on the team, but some players just do better in certain systems. If The Jets do get stuck with another season with Sanchez starting (which seems likely), familiar receivers he’s had success with may help push him in the right direction. Plus, after the last few disappointing seasons he’s had, The Jets could get him at a quarter of the price.
Aug 23, 2012; Nashville, TN, USA; Tennessee Titans running back Javon Ringer (21) runs with the ball against Arizona Cardinals linebacker Paris Lenon (51) during the first half at LP Field. Mandatory credit: Don McPeak-USA TODAY Sports
Javon Ringer, RB – This was a star and standout college player at Michigan State. He was drafted by the Titans the year following Chris Johnson’s breakout season and never really got his chance to prove himself. He’s made public statements showing his disappointment in the Titans for signing former Big Ten rival and Jets running back, Shonn Greene without really giving him a true shot at a bigger role. A team like the Jets can maybe have a Cedric Benson type situation if they brought a fired up, ready to prove himself type player like Ringer into their RB stable to complement the shifty Mike Goodson