New York Jets: 3 Underrated targets in 2018 NFL Free Agency
2. Jerick McKinnon, RB
It’s no secret that the Georgia Southern product would like to be a featured running back. That is going to be awfully hard to do with Latavius Murray and Dalvin Cook in the Minnesota backfield this coming season. McKinnon is looking for a change of scenery and the Jets would certainly provide that for him. He’d immediately become their number one running back.
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The 5-9, 205-pounder set career-highs in rushing yards (570), receptions (51), receiving yards (421) and touchdowns (5) in 2017, despite the split backfield. While he is not known as a between the tackles halfback, McKinnon is still effective in that regard and he is one of the better receiving backs in the league. He has outstanding speed and elusiveness when he breaks containment. McKinnon is just 25 years old so the Jets would be getting him in his prime.
According to Spotrac, McKinnon’s Calculated Market Value is $4 million per year. That’s very reasonable considering his age and upside. The Jets would be in the running for his services by dangling a three-year, $12-13 million contract offer to him.
A backfield of McKinnon, Bilal Powell and Elijah McGuire would serve Gang Green well as long as they commit to improving their offensive line via free agency and/or the draft. The Jets need to take advantage of McKinnon’s desire to be a featured back and bring him on board before another squad scoops him up.