New York Jets: Top 5 free agents to target in 2018

New York Jets: Top 5 targets for 2018 NFL free agency

PHILADELPHIA, PA - OCTOBER 23: Quarterback Kirk Cousins #8 of the Washington Redskins throws on the third down against the Philadelphia Eagles during the second half of the game at Lincoln Financial Field on October 23, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

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INDIANAPOLIS, IN – NOVEMBER 12: Le’Veon Bell #26 of the Pittsburgh Steelers runs with the bal against the Indianapolis Colts during the first quarter at Lucas Oil Stadium on November 12, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

3. Le’Veon Bell, RB

Bell is the best non-quarterback that could become available in free agency. The Steelers can franchise tag him again, but that might not be wise given the way it went down last time. The Steelers could also use a transition tag on Bell.

A transition tag is similar to tendering a restricted free agent under the right to first refusal. Under a transition tag, the original team has the right to match any offer within seven days of the offer, or lose the player for nothing. The transition tag is also cheaper than the franchise tag, because it’s the average of the top 10 salaries at his position (rather than the top five) or 120 percent of the previous year’s salary.

The Jets have an obvious need at running back given the age and inconsistency of Matt Forte and the relative inconsistency of Bilal Powell and Elijah McGuire as well. And there’s no reason to pass up on a back like Bell, if he hits the market. Bell would present a matchup problem for anyone, and he would give the Jets a weapon they currently don’t have.

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