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New York Jets: 3 Offseason moves team must make in 2018

By Stephen Smith

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - DECEMBER 31: Kirk Cousins
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - DECEMBER 31: Kirk Cousins /
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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – DECEMBER 31: Kirk Cousins #8 of the Washington Redskins throws a pass during warmups for the NFL game against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium on December 31, 2017 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Ed Mulholland/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – DECEMBER 31: Kirk Cousins #8 of the Washington Redskins throws a pass during warmups for the NFL game against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium on December 31, 2017 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Ed Mulholland/Getty Images) /

The New York Jets need to make these three moves to become serious contenders for an AFC playoff spot.

The New York Jets appear to be on the right path now that their 2017 campaign is in the books. They have nearly $79 million in salary cap space (per spotrac.com) that they can use in free agency. Gang Green also owns the number six overall pick in this year’s NFL Draft and two second-round selections as well. This is a critical off-season for New York. The Jets have to be aggressive and make some moves that will establish themselves as legitimate playoff contenders in the AFC.

Let’s take a look at three moves that general manager Mike Maccagnan needs to make moving forward to bolster New York’s roster:

3. Sign free agent quarterback Kirk Cousins

The 29-year old signal-caller will have plenty of interest from around the NFL for his services in 2018. He’ll be expensive. Cousins played this past season for the Redskins on his $23.94 million tender. He was the first quarterback in league history to play for two consecutive seasons on a franchise tag. In order to sign him, a team will probably have to fork over about $28 million a year for three to four years. The Jets should be that team.

With all their salary cap room, Gang Green can afford to be aggressive. Cousins has recorded three 4,000-yard passing seasons in a row and has averaged 27 touchdown passes a season since he became the full-time starter in Washington. He is still in his prime years and is considered to be top 10 NFL quarterback.

Signing Cousins would solve New York’s never-ending search for a franchise quarterback. The Jets could then use their first round draft pick to select a dynamic player like Penn State’s Saquon Barkley if he is available. What an overall offensive upgrade that would be for a team that has to make their move this off-season. It’s time for New York to become a legitimate threat for the AFC East divisional crown again. Having Cousins in the fold would provide a huge step in that direction.

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