Setting Odds the New York Jets Sign These 5 NFL Free Agents

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The New York Jets have a boatload of needs to address this offseason, but with limited cap space and a new front office regime that is determined to rebuild, a complete overhaul is unlikely. 

To return to the pre-2011 success with Rex Ryan, the team has to spend money on young guys who develop into stars and draft more competently than in prior years.

New York will mostly target low-cost, high-potential free agents this offseason to help reinvigorate the roster. 

Here are the odds of Gang Green signing each of these free agents who are perfect fits for the team. 

Delanie Walker

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Delanie Walker would be a cost-efficient, solid free-agent signing this offseason for New York. 

Walker has been overshadowed in San Francisco by Vernon Davis in recent seasons, but he is still capable of being a starting-level tight end in the NFL. 

While he sometimes struggles with drops, Walker is a tremendous blocker in both run and pass protection. 

The Central Missouri product had a solid game in the Super Bowl as well, as he recorded three catches for 48 yards. 

Walker would significantly lessen the gap left by the departure of Dustin Keller, and he and Jeff Cumberland would form a solid duo at the tight end position next season and beyond. 

 

Odds of Signing With the Jets: 25 percent

Matt Moore

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Mark Sanchez is a cancer on the field for the Jets. The team cannot afford to start him again next year. 

Unfortunately for New York, there are no quarterbacks in the 2013 draft class who can take the reigns in their rookie year, so the team will have to look into free agency for a stop-gap starting option. 

Moore would be a terrific option. The 28-year-old has decent skills on the field, and he takes good care of the ball.

Additionally, Moore has been a winner in the past. He boasts a 13-12 record in his career despite playing for average Dolphins and Panthers teams.

Moore would be an ideal option for New York in 2013, as he could help groom a young signal-caller underneath him, while also providing solid play.

 

Odds of Signing With New York: 33 percent 

Connor Barwin

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After a breakout year in 2011, Connor Barwin's play dropped significantly this past season. 

Barwin recorded just 3.5 sacks in 2012 after recording 11.5 the previous year. 

The 26-year-old's down season could turn out to be ideal for New York, though, as it will significantly lessen his asking price and make him affordable. 

New York needs to upgrade a pass rush that ranked 25th in the league with 30 sacks last season, and Barwin would be the perfect man to do so.

Gang Green would have plenty of competition in free agency for the Texans linebacker, though, as Barwin will be a highly sought-after player this offseason. 

 

Odds of Signing With New York: 15 percent

Chris Ivory

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Chris Ivory has all the tools to be a franchise running back; he just has to be given the carries. 

The 24-year-old has quietly been excellent over his three-year career, as he has averaged an outstanding 5.1 yards per carry. 

Ivory's violent rushing style is exactly what Rex Ryan loves, as he would add a level of toughness to New York's offense. 

Ivory will be affordable for New York due to his lack of sample size at the NFL level. If the Saints running back hits free agency, Gang Green should pounce immediately. 

 

Odds of Signing With New York: 20 percent

Manny Lawson

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Manny Lawson will be a cost-efficient, low-risk free-agent signing for New York. 

Lawson isn't a star, but he has been effective over his seven-year career. 

The 28-year-old could split time with second-year man Demario Davis in 2013 and help shore up a depleted linebacking corps.

Fortunately for the Jets, Lawson likely won't draw a lot of attention in the open market from other teams.

 

Odds of Signing With New York: 20 percent