WR Deontay Burnett

Undrafted out of USC, rookie Deontary Burnett was Sam Darnold’s favorite target in college. We don’t know if the signing had anything to do with a long-term plan for Burnett. However, Burnett did lead the Tennessee Titans in receptions during the preseason. So, there must be some talent in Burnett for the Jets to consider utilizing, mainly because their wide receivers are among the least efficient in the league.

Burnett started his Jets career on the practice squad. After the release of veteran wide receiver Terrelle Pryor, New York promoted the former USC Trojan. Since then, Burnett hasn’t seen much action. He did have some success against the Chicago Bears during Week 8. Burnett caught four passes and tallied 61 receiving yards. Since then, he did nothing against the Dolphins and the Bills.

According to Spotrac, veteran wide receivers Jermaine Kearse. Quincy Enunwa, Andre Roberts, and Rishard Matthews are all scheduled to file for free agency. None of them have performed exceptionally. With $100 million in open cap space to spend during the offseason, the Jets could replace all of these veterans with new faces.

Maybe a guy like Burnett could be useful. If the Jets can find a way to utilize him on offense, they can bring him back for a low price because of his exclusive-rights free agent status.

Burnett has a chance to prove his value to the Jets at the position where they need the most help. I see no reason to keep playing veterans Jermaine Kearse and Rishard Matthews because of their ineffective play at the position.