The NFL free agency period will begin on March 11.
With the start of the new league year being less than three months away, it is time to look ahead to what the Jets may do in free agency.
Gang Green is projected to have around $100 million of cap space to spend beginning in March. They also have a ton of draft capital, especially after dealing Sauce Gardner and Quinnen Williams at the November trade deadline.
With one of the youngest rosters in the league, Jets coach Aaron Glenn and GM Darren Mougey will use free agency to upgrade many key positions. Here are four players the Jets could look to target in free agency.
COMMANDERS QB MARCUS MARIOTA
The Justin Fields experiment hasn’t worked after signing him to a two-year, $40 million contract last March, and the Jets will be in the market for a new quarterback in the spring. Should they decide to draft a quarterback, the Jets will need a bridge QB to hold the offense down until the rookie is ready to start.
Mariota could be a good fit for the Jets while they are waiting for their rookie to develop. Mariota has started seven games in place of the injured Jayden Daniels for the Commanders this season and has thrown for 1,389 yards, nine touchdowns and seven interceptions.
Even at 32, Mariota is an athletic quarterback who delivers passes inside and outside the pocket. He continues to throw well on the move and can also escape defenders with his legs.
Mariota’s skill set makes him an excellent fit for the Jets offense, which favors athletic quarterbacks who can move inside and outside the pocket. Assuming he doesn’t re-sign with the Commanders, Mariota should be at the top of the Jets wish list in terms of bridge quarterbacks.
COLTS WR ALEC PIERCE
The Jets could use another receiver to join with Garrett Wilson and Adonai Mitchell, and Pierce would be an exciting fit for their offense. At 6-3, 211 pounds, Pierce is one of the best downfield threats in the league.
Pierce is averaging over 20 yards per catch this season, and his blazing speed creates underneath lanes for his teammates to take advantage of. Too often, Wilson commands so much attention because he is the one receiver on the Jets offense who can make defenses pay with his route running and fluid movements after he catches the ball.
The Jets could address their receiving need in the draft. But if they want to look for a more polished player, Pierce is a player they could target.
JAGUARS LB DEVIN LLOYD
With Quincy Williams unlikely to be retained following this season, the Jets have a significant need at linebacker. Jamien Sherwood has struggled with tackling and stopping the run.
Lloyd is a 6-3, 235-pound player who is always around the football. He has five interceptions, which is excellent for any defensive player, but insane for a linebacker.
Lloyd is also a high-motor linebacker who is a great run defender. He also excels in zone coverage situations, which could help the Jets defense register more turnovers, an area that’s been a problem all year.
It is rare for ball-hawking linebackers to hit the free agent market. Lloyd would instantly improve the Jets run and pass defense while giving them a possible identity.
LIONS DT D.J. READER
The Jets were hesitant to sign older players during the last free agency cycle. But Reader is a player Glenn worked with in Detroit and would help contain the run.
Reader has been one of the primary reasons the Lions continue to have one of the best rush defenses in the league. With Jowon Briggs and Harrison Phillips, Reader would be great in rotational situations, which would keep him fresh for later in games and during the season.
Even at 31, Reader can be a valuable piece on the Jets defensive line.
