Free agent contracts Jets need to consider ahead of training camp

The New York Jets’ 2023 campaign hasn’t gone as planned. New York was widely considered an AFC contender entering the season, but when Aaron Rodgers suffered a season-ending torn Achilles tendon in Week 1, the team’s playoff hopes were dashed.

The good news is that Rodgers is now healthy and the Jets have a realistic chance to bounce back. The Jets were able to address several issues, such as the offensive line and lack of depth at receiver, early in the offseason, which should help them make the most of Rodgers’ return.

With an improved offense and a defense that ranked third overall last season, New York should be back in the playoff race. Of course, there’s still time for New York to add a piece or two to its roster before training camp begins on July 18.

While the Jets only have $6.1 million in salary cap space, there are still some potential bargains on the open market. Below, you’ll find a look at three free agent deals New York should consider heading into training camp.

Adding Mike Williams and rookie Malachi Corley to a group that already included Garrett Wilson should give New York a quality receiving corps. However, there are reasons why adding another receiver would make sense.

Williams is coming off a torn ACL and has been sidelined with injuries the past two seasons. Corley, meanwhile, is a very role-specific prospect.

“Corley’s usage is extremely limited at this point,” wrote Derrik Klassen of Bleacher Report’s recruiting department. “He was really only used on screens, shallow crosses, flat routes and runarounds in college.”

The remaining free agent receiver pool isn’t particularly deep, but the Jets could potentially win big by taking a gamble on former Las Vegas Raiders Pro Bowler Hunter Renfrow. The 28-year-old struggled with injuries in 2022 and wasn’t used much last season. However, he was a 1,000-yard receiver in 2021 and has good route versatility.

Renfrow could be a solid option in the slot, replacing Corley and providing a reliable target on third down. Given his recent lack of production (he has just 25 receptions in 2023), Renfrow could also be open to signing a team-friendly contract.

Expected contract: one year, $1.2 million

The Jets have a reliable safety in Tony Adams, who allowed just a 69.5 passer rating in coverage last season. However, New York could afford to add depth, especially after safety Chuck Clark missed the entire 2023 season with a torn ACL.

Adding former Jets Pro Bowler Jamal Adams might seem like a logical move, as he could help fill the safety role. However, SNY’s Connor Hughes reported in March that New York had “zero” interest in bringing Adams back.

Quandre Diggs could be the perfect budget option for the Jets at this point in free agency. While Diggs has primarily played free safety over the past four years with the Seattle Seahawks, he has experience playing both a power safety and in the slot.

The three-time Pro Bowler took a step back in 2023, allowing a 103.9 passer rating in coverage. However, he remains a starting-caliber defensive back with intriguing positional versatility.

Diggs was released in a salary cap-saving trade this offseason and is no longer the same player at 31 that he was earlier in his career. However, that only increases New York’s chances of adding him as a salary cap-friendly depth player.

Expected contract: One year, $2 million

While New York’s defense was excellent in many areas last season, its run defense was pretty good. The Jets ranked 11th in yards allowed per carry, but 25th in rushing yards allowed.

The Jets could add another rotational piece to a defensive interior that features a star in Quinnen Williams and questionable depth behind him.

New York took a risk with Javon Kinlaw, a first-round pick of the San Francisco 49ers in 2020 who has struggled to become a consistent pro. Leki Fotu and Solomon Thomas are decent enough role players, but the Jets would be nice to add another player with a proven track record on defense.

Lawrence Guy, who most recently played for the rival New England Patriots, could be a nice addition to the Jets’ defensive line rotation. At 6’4″ and 315 pounds, he has the size to hold his own on the interior, but is versatile enough to play tight end in sub-packages if needed. He appeared in all 17 games for New England last year and recorded 38 tackles while being credited with zero missed tackles.

Guy has been credited with just 17 missed tackles over the past six seasons.

At 34 and coming off a contract that paid just $2.9 million per year, Guy will also have to adjust to New York’s salary cap constraints.

Expected contract: one year, $1.9 million

Salary cap and contract information via Spotrac. Advanced stats from Pro Football Reference.