New York Jets: 3 Wide receivers to avoid in 2018 NFL Free Agency
2018 NFL free agency begins soon and the New York Jets will have plenty of money to spend. Here are three wide receivers they should avoid signing, though.
The NFL offseason is going to get a lot more exciting in a few weeks when free agency kicks off on March 14. The New York Jets should be aggressive buyers with just over $77 million in salary cap space (per OverTheCap.com). They have a plethora of needs on both the offensive and defensive side of the ball. One area that could certainly use upgrading is the wide receiver position.
There are a couple of ways to go here — Gang Green can bolster their roster via the draft or through the free agent process. New York needs a dynamic, game-breaking wide receiver, especially with all the legal issues surrounding Robby Anderson.
The Jets have to be smart in how they spend their free agent dollars. Hopefully they’ll be able to ink Kirk Cousins to a long-term pact as their franchise quarterback, but that will be very expensive. Upgrades along the offensive line and secondary are also necessary.
With that being said, here are three players that general manager Mike Maccagnan should avoid signing once the free agent bonanza commences. These are all solid performers, but not the right fit for Gang Green at this time.
3. Marqise Lee
The four-year NFL veteran is a reliable possession receiver but the Jets already have one in their stable in Jermaine Kearse. Lee’s numbers were down across the board for the upstart Jaguars in 2017. That included receptions (56), receiving yards (702), average yards per catch (12.5) and even rushing yards (17). All were down from the previous season. He tallied three touchdowns, the same as in 2016. Lee also led the league in dropped passes (8).
The USC product will probably command a fairly hefty contract on the open market while Kearse is locked in for the upcoming campaign at just $5 million a year. That’s excellent value for the Jets. Not only that but Kearse is coming off a better year than Lee with 65 catches for 810 yards and five touchdowns. It was the best season of his six-year career.
There is no doubt that Lee can help a club in the NFL. He should be sought after by a number of teams. He’s talented but he’s not a game-breaker. The Jets would be wise to consider a free agent like Sammy Watkins instead. That’s a player that can take a slant or sluggo route to the house at any time. Wouldn’t he look good in green and white?