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New York Jets: 3 Free Agents to consider signing in 2018

By Stephen Smith

LANDOVER, MD - NOVEMBER 12: Quarterback Kirk Cousins #8 of the Washington Redskins looks on during the fourth quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at FedExField on November 12, 2017 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD - NOVEMBER 12: Quarterback Kirk Cousins #8 of the Washington Redskins looks on during the fourth quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at FedExField on November 12, 2017 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images) /
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FOXBORO, MA – OCTOBER 22: Julio Jones #11 of the Atlanta Falcons carries the ball as he is defended by Malcolm Butler #21 of the New England Patriots during the fourth quarter of a game at Gillette Stadium on October 22, 2017 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)
FOXBORO, MA – OCTOBER 22: Julio Jones #11 of the Atlanta Falcons carries the ball as he is defended by Malcolm Butler #21 of the New England Patriots during the fourth quarter of a game at Gillette Stadium on October 22, 2017 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images) /

1. Malcolm Butler, CB

In the pass happy world that is the NFL these days, teams with playoff aspirations need a shutdown cornerback. Morris Claiborne, Buster Skrine and Darryl Roberts have played adequately for Gang Green this season but none are considered to be at the level that Butler is presently at. The Jets need to be aggressive and sign Butler. He’ll be expensive but well worth it. You have to pay for top-notch talent and a Butler signing would take him away from the defending champion Patriots.

That’s a win-win right there. The West Alabama product has two interceptions and eight passes defensed so far this season and has added 35 tackles, including 32 of the solo variety. He is universally known as one of the best corners in the league so New York will have to open the coffers in order to bring him on board.

According to spotrac.com, Butler’s calculated market value is $14.1 million a year. Elite corners don’t come cheaply. Should the Jets dip their toes in the Butler pool this offseason? Absolutely. A four-year, $60 million contract offer should be enough to have the 27-year old Butler seriously consider driving down Interstate 95 to join Gang Green.

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There will be other suitors. The Jets must stay aggressive and not let Butler slip through their fingers. If need be, general manager Mike Maccagnan needs to increase the potential offer to four years, $64 million. He’ll be well worth it. Combine Butler with stellar safeties Jamal Adams and Marcus Maye and New York will have the makings of a secondary many teams in the NFL would be envious of.

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