NFL free agency is right around the corner, and with the New York Jets in striking distance of being a contender in 2023, this will be a pivotal next few weeks for Gang Green.
When the New York Jets hit their bye in Week 10, the Robert Saleh-led squad was 6-3 and were one of the big surprises halfway through the 2022 NFL season. Then their season absolutely fell apart in an eight-week stretch where the team only posted one victory.
Related: Bold predictions for 2023 NFL free agency – Destinations for more than 50 players
It was a stunning finish to a season that had so much promise. Nevertheless, despite the franchise’s desperate need for a quarterback upgrade, many around the league believe the New York Jets can easily be a playoff team in 2023. Assuming they make several impact moves in NFL free agency.
Obviously, the QB spot will be a primary focus for the team and they have already been linked to a trade for Green Bay Packers legend Aaron Rodgers, and have spoken with free agent Derek Carr. Since the organization has a strong chance and desire to land either star signal-caller, let’s take a look at some other players the team could target on the open market.
Robert Quinn
While the New York Jets defense was the strength of their team last season, that doesn’t mean the unit doesn’t have some weaknesses that could be improved upon. Quinnen Williams had a breakout season in 2022 as he racked up 12 sacks in his fourth season. However, after Williams, the team only had solid secondary options when it comes to putting fear in the hearts of QBs.
If the team has Super Bowl aspirations after acquiring Rodgers or Carr, they need to get even more pressure on the QB in 2023. Twelve-year veteran Robert Quinn could be a worthwhile option to target at a reasonable rate. While he won’t come cheap — after posting 10 or more sacks four times during his career including 18.5 in 2021 — he is the type of proven rush threat they could use next season.
Mike McGlinchey
While he won’t get the same credit as the likes of Brock Purdy and Christian McCaffrey for the San Francisco 49ers’ outstanding offensive play during their 10-game win streak, tackle Mike McGlinchey was as important as any player on the unit in 2022.
His breakout season came just in time after four inconsistent years in San Francisco, so a case could be made that he may not be the player he was last year or as rough as he was in his first few seasons. But for a team badly in need of a high-level NFL tackle, McGlinchey should be on the New York Jets’ radar.
Odell Beckham Jr.
While there has been speculation that Odell Beckham Jr. could return to the Giants in 2023, after the team cut long-time friend Sterling Shephard last month, that seems less likely. However, a return to New York with the Jets would make sense. He is the game-changer talent they are in search of on offense, and a combination of the three-time Pro Bowler and 2022 AFC rookie of the year Garrett Wilson would be a pair of great weapons for their next QB.
Jimmie Ward
Safety Jimmie Ward is another talented player from the NFC West champion 49ers that will be up for grabs in free agency. While the New York Jets secondary has a pair of talented corners, safeties Jordan Whitehead and Lamarcus Joyner were the weakness of the back end of the defense last season. Ward is a versatile and proven player and would be an upgrade while also being available for an affordable rate.
Taylor Lewan
After nine seasons and three Pro Bowls, Taylor Lewan was one of the first major cap casualties for the Tennessee Titans this off-season. Part of the reason was his availability over the last three seasons after missing 26 games in that time. While there would be a risk in a signing, if the New York Jets want to roll the financial dice on a tackle with major credentials, Lewan is a strong option in NFL free agency.
Kareem Hunt
The Jets have high expectations for Breece Hall in season two despite his rookie campaign getting cut short early. That is why veteran free agent back Kareem Hunt would be a terrific and affordable player to pair up with the young stud in 2023.
While he may have peaked with his rookie Pro Bowl season in 2017, he is still only 27 years old and has a chip on his shoulder after feeling the Cleveland Browns did him dirty last season. A motivated and talented player with a reasonable price tag is what the New York Jets should be looking for in March.
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