Free agency is just about done, and while the New York Jets were unable to land any of the very top players on the market, they still make some solid signings to improve their roster.
However, there are still some decent free agents remaining, and the Jets have a couple of areas that could use some patching.
Does that mean New York may still make another significant signing before the NFL Draft next month?
It remains to be seen, but there are certainly some players still out there who can help the Jets.
Here are three free agents New York should consider signing.
Ezekiel Elliott, RB
The Jets have their featured running back in Breece Hall. We already know this. However, the depth behind him is questionable at best.
Does New York really trust Israel Abanikanda as its No. 2 halfback? It seems doubtful, considering that the 2023 fifth-round pick rushed for just 70 yards this past season.
How about taking a shot on Ezekiel Elliott?
Of course, Elliott is hardly the same elite rusher from his early Dallas Cowboys days, but he could represent a nice change-of-pace back and a decent goal line option for the Jets.
Elliott is just two years removed from punching in 12 rushing touchdowns in his final season with the Cowboys, and while he certainly wasn’t very efficient with the New England Patriots this past year, he at least showed he can still have a role in the right situation.
New York may very well address its lacking backfield depth in the NFL Draft rather than signing a free agent, but if it does decide to go the latter route, Elliott is one of the best options remaining.
Bud Dupree, EDGE
The Jets lost top sack-getter Bryce Huff to the Philadelphia Eagles and have yet to do anything to replace him.
Not many people are talking about this, but the loss of Huff is a pretty big deal, as he represented the only Gang Green player to log double-digit sacks in 2023.
Bud Dupree isn’t exactly Huff, but he did register 6.5 sacks for the Atlanta Falcons this past season, and between 2019 and 2020, he racked up 19.5 sacks while with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Yes, 2020 was a while ago, but Dupree is only 31 years old, so it’s not like he’s ancient. He also wouldn’t cost very much, and he would certainly help a Jets pass rush that is now in need of a boost.
Jadeveon Clowney, EDGE
That brings us to the most critical player on this list: Jadeveon Clowney.
Clowney has already met with the Jets, so we know there is mutual interest. He rattled off 9.5 sacks with the Baltimore Ravens last season, and while he has never posted 10 sacks in his career, he has recorded nine sacks four times.
The former No. 1 overall pick is a bit of a wild card.
Two years ago, Clowney tallied just two sacks in 12 games with the Cleveland Browns, and in 2021, he registered nine sacks with them. Then if you go back to 2020, he didn’t log a single sack in eight contests with the Tennessee Titans.
But when Clowney hits his high end, there is no doubt he is impactful, and if the Clowney can finish with around 10 sacks again, it would effectively replace the production the Jets are losing in Huff.
Clowney would likely accept a one-year deal, and with New York resembling a legitimate playoff contender, it would not be surprising if he chooses to join Gang Green.
If the Jets are able to land Clowney, it would put a bow on what one could consider an overall impressive free agency period for New York in which it was able to repair some problem areas.
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