New York Jets: Early top 5 free agency targets for 2019
The New York Jets have their franchise quarterback in Sam Darnold — now it’s time to surround him with talent to take him to the next level.
In today’s NFL, free agency is just as important as the NFL Draft, and that’s due fewer draft picks being available overall. Therefore, the New York Jets are going to have to attack free agency with gusto and go after as many of the top talented pieces in 2019 free agency.
In recent years the Jets haven’t done well in either free agency or the draft. Last year some would say they hit a home run by landing Sam Darnold, but the rest of the draft is still up for debate.
When it comes to free agency, it hasn’t exactly been spectacular. The Jets will have to hit home runs in free agency this year, because the truth of the matter is, given the pass-happy nature or the NFL, it’s not about being able to consistently win, but, rather being able to win one Super Bowl and being viable contenders for most of the early part of the days of a young quarterback.
So, what the Jets need to do is hope they can build a team that can be viable contenders while Darnold is still cheap, and hope that they can remain viable playoff contenders over time.
They are expected to have a boatload of salary cap space, but it’s not about merely spending it, but spending wisely. Who should they target in 2019 NFL Free Agency, though? Let’s examine.
5. Randall Cobb, WR
The wide receiver class in 2019 isn’t particularly deep. So, the Jets will have to decide whether or not they want to try to hit later in the draft or sign the best available free agent at the position.
Randall Cobb is the best wide receiver that will be available in free agency in 2019. While he’s not put up eye-popping numbers in his career, he’s a steady performer and will be a reliable target. The Jets have had issues with drops this year, and Cobb has only 40 drops on 677 targets (via Pro Football Focus; subscription required) so far in his career. He’s even had a 1,000-yard season as the clear No. 2 target.
A receiver like Cobb would provide Darnold with the reliable security blanket he needs, and he will give the Jets a reliable target. So, he’s a must target in free agency.
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