New York Jets: 3 Free agent wide receiver targets still available to sign

The New York Jets still lack the depth they need at wide receiver, but these three options could provide them the help they need.

The New York Jets still do not have a true No. 1 wide receiver entering 2019. Robby Anderson is lightning fast and a player on the rise but he’s a No. 2-3 on a very good team. Gang Green will head into the 2019 NFL season without a premier receiver, but that doesn’t mean they cannot add to their overall depth.

These three players (not ranked in order) are all seasoned league veterans who can provide leadership at a minimal expense. These performers are all past their prime but still have a little something left in the tank that can provide head coach Adam Gase with some quality depth for the long season ahead.

The asking price to sign them should be in the $2-$5 million per season range. Moreover, the contract should be for one year only and laden with incentives. Let’s take a look at this trio of wideouts that general manager Mike Maccagnan should consider signing.

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Pierre Garcon

Knee injuries have hampered the 11-year veteran the last two seasons but if he shows that he’s healthy, he can still be productive on a limited basis. The Carmel, NY native has recorded 628 receptions for 7,854 yards and 38 touchdowns during his career, including two 1,000-yard receiving campaigns. At age 32, Garcon still has good hands and he can make the tough catch in traffic on third down.

Michael Crabtree

The Texas Tech product is a year younger than Garcon (31) and has had five straight seasons of 600 receiving yards or more, including 1,003 with Oakland in 2016. Crabtree hauled in a pair of touchdown catches in Baltimore’s Wild Card playoff setback to the Los Angeles Chargers in January so he still has plenty left in the tank.

He played all 16 games for the Ravens last season so he proved he can remain healthy for a full season. Other teams will be interested in Crabtree so Maccagnan should not waste any time. He needs to sign him sooner rather than later.

Mike Wallace

This one could really pay off. The 33-year old was limited to a pair of contests with the Eagles in 2018 due to a broken fibula. Prior to that though, the University of Mississippi product finished with 748 yards on 52 catches and four touchdowns with the Ravens in 2017. Wallace had an even better season the year before when he compiled 1,017 yards receiving on 72 receptions and four touchdowns with Baltimore.

Although he’s lost some speed, Wallace is still a viable burner and the Jets can use all the speed they can get. If proven healthy, Wallace might be the wisest choice of all because he can team with Anderson to give quarterback Sam Darnold a pair of potent deep threats on the outside.