New York Jets: 2018 NFL Free Agency preview, predictions

Possible Targets – Quarterbacks

The Kirk Cousins sweepstakes begins, but if the Jets don’t land him, they will have to hedge their bets with veterans and a draft pick (not necessarily in the first round). If they don’t land Cousins, they should target Josh McCown and Teddy Bridgewater as their guys for 2018. Bridgewater is coming off that horrific injury, but they can hedge their bets with McCown as the backup and a draft pick.

Offensive Line

The Jets offensive line was terrible in 2017, especially on the interior. So they should target two key interior offensive linemen. Ravens center Ryan Jensen and Panthers guard Andrew Norwell will hit the market, and they should be the top priorities for the Jets, even over Kirk Cousins. They would immediately improve the interior, where the Jets need the most help.

Next: NFL Mock Draft: Unexpected first-round picks pre-FA

Cornerback

For the Jets, there should only be one name on their target list in free agency, Malcolm Butler. According to Mark Chichester of Pro Football Focus, he’s been one of the best cornerbacks in the league since becoming a starter in 2015. Over the last three seasons, he’s had 29 pass break ups and six interceptions. Based on Pro Football Focus’s rating system, that gives him a 15.4% playmaker index. That’s the fourth-highest in the league since he became a starter. The Jets need a man-to-man cover corner, and Butler is that guy.