NFL Free Agency 2011: 20 Free Agents the New York Jets Must Target and Avoid
We’re back this week with 10 more free agents Rex Ryan, Mike Tannenbaum and the Jets organization need to have on their watch list. If they can make a couple of these unrestricted and restricted free agents members of Gang Green, they will put themselves in much better position to get back to the AFC Championship Game and ultimately make a Super Bowl appearance.
Just as important, we're going to take a look at 10 free agents the Jets need to avoid. Some of these players have been overachieving or just do not fit in with the Jets' overall team scheme. Some of these players could be tempting to sign, but Tannenbaum and Ryan need to avoid them at all costs.
There are plenty of free agents who can help and hurt the Jets, and we’ll most likely get to all of them within the next month, but these are 10 more free agents the Jets must target and 10 free agents the Jets must avoid.
Avoid No. 10: Ray Edwards, DE
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It is going to be tempting for many teams to sign Ray Edwards, who is a productive defensive end entering the prime of his career. He is tendered at the moment but will refuse to play for the amount he is expected to be paid.
Expect him to test the open market and get a nice chunk of change for himself. Still, it should not be the Jets who offer him the contract.
Edwards would be better suited to stay in the 4-3 defense than have to convert to a 3-4 defensive end. The Jets need to find a proven veteran to help anchor the D-line with two top-tier rookies entering the frame in Muhammad Wilkerson and Kenrick Ellis. Edwards, despite being talented, is not the man that fits the bill for the Jets.
Target No. 10: Jamal Williams, NT
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Although the Jets drafted Kenrick Ellis to be the starting nose tackle and anchor of the defensive line, we all know how quickly a nose tackle can go down after two seasons with Kris Jenkins. A dominant nose tackle can greatly improve this defense and take the team to the next level.
The Jets could create a destructive duo at the nose tackle position if they can convince Jamal Williams, a proven veteran at the position, to sign for a cheaper rate with an opportunity to win the Super Bowl.
New York would be able to keep both Williams and Ellis fresh throughout the season. More importantly, Ellis would not feel overwhelmed with the weight of the world on his shoulders. Together, they will anchor the defense, and Jamal can teach Ellis how to become a top-tier nose tackle.
Avoid No. 9: Robaire Smith, DE
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The Jets could give veteran Robaire Smith a long look, as he has performed well in recent years. Still, he is coming off a bruised spine injury and could very well flame out quickly in the gritty New York defense.
Anytime a team can land a fine 3-4 defensive end, it has to give him a look. Even though Robaire would land a reserve role with the Jets, I would still have to think more than twice about his ability to hold up for the season. There are other veterans on the open market without the injury concerns and who have had better careers.
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Target No. 9: Quintin Mikell, S
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The Jets are in need of a safety to pair with Jim Leonhard, and Mikell had a very productive season last year in Philadelphia.
Quintin is a quality safety in coverage, but he will assist the Jets even more in run support. This is one of the better tackling safeties in the league, which would give New York two of the better all-around safeties in the game.
After last season, he won’t come as cheap as he could have been previously, but this is the type of all-around veteran who can complete the secondary.
Avoid No. 8: T.J. Houshmandzadeh, WR
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Houshmandzadeh could be a tempting option, as he is a proven veteran with possession skills. At one point, he was one of the better receivers in the league, but at this point, he is just terrible. He does not offer the Jets anything but another ego in the locker room.
New York already has a better possession receiver in Jerricho Cotchery and needs to leave it at that. Houshmandzadeh will only do more harm than good despite the number of outspoken, high-profile superstars in the locker room. He would not be good for Mark Sanchez’ progression into the upper echelon of quarterbacks.
Target No. 8: Santana Moss, WR
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Moss back with Gang Green? Stranger things have certainly happened.
The Jets are in need of quality veteran wide receivers right now with their top two options, Braylon Edwards and Santonio Holmes, free agents. Although we all expect Edwards and Holmes to be back in New York, you can never guarantee it with the amount of money that could be thrown around this offseason.
Should the Jets miss out on keeping both free agent wide receivers, and they don’t go after Randy Moss or Terrell Owens, Santana is the next best option. He is a gritty veteran who is not afraid to go over the middle. He has worked and produced with worse quarterbacks than Mark Sanchez, who in his third year should be much improved.
The Jets can offer Moss an opportunity to win a Super Bowl, and Moss can help get them there.
Avoid No. 7: Donte' Stallworth, WR
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New York is in need of a deep threat, but Donte Stallworth will not offer the Jets much, if anything, in 2011. He was never a quality receiver to begin with, as he does not have reliable hands, separation skills or route running. He is merely a straight-line runner.
Now on the downturn of his career, his body is beginning to break down on him. He is not a dependable option by any means and would not help Sanchez or the Jets offense progress.
Target No. 7: Sidney Rice, WR
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Two years ago, playing with the best quarterback of his life, Rice exploded to become one of the best wide receivers in the league. Finally equipped with a quarterback who could get him the ball, Sidney’s potentially elite talents were on full display.
Rice has the ability to get down the field quickly and jump out of the stadium. He has solid hands, separation skills and footwork.
Should he decide that he wants to leave Minnesota instead of going through a potential rebuilding phase, the Jets would be a prime destination for the emerging top-tier receiver. The Jets need somebody who can stretch the field and become a major red-zone target. He has injury concerns, but he is the type of receiver the Jets desire.
Should Braylon Edwards receive more money elsewhere, Sidney Rice needs to be the next target to fill that deep threat role.
Avoid No. 6: Jason Babin, DE
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Jason Babin has been disappointing throughout his career. Now, following a breakout season in Tennessee, he is going to command a nice paycheck. One team will give it to him, but it should not be the Jets.
Not only is he better suited for the 4-3 defense, but I also would not trust him at all to produce again after receiving his contract. We often see players perform out of this world in a contract season, as evidenced by his 13 sacks last year compared to just 4.5 sacks the previous two years.
Gang Green needs to let another team waste its money on this one-year wonder. I wouldn’t even trust him to convert back to linebacker in a 3-4 defense, despite the intrigue.
Target No. 6: Mike Vrabel, OLB
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In a similar situation to LaDainian Tomlinson last year, Rex Ryan could grab the aging Mike Vrabel to prove something to the rest of the NFL again.
The Jets desperately need an outside linebacker, and there may not be a more proven winner on the open market than Mike. He is coming off an arrest and most likely won’t draw much interest, which means the Jets will get a man on a mission to prove everyone wrong and an experienced veteran leader in the locker room as they seek a Super Bowl Championship.
Vrabel has seen just about everything there is to see in the NFL, but more importantly he has competed against the elite teams of the AFC. He is worth taking a chance on at this point.
Avoid No. 5: Carlos Rogers, CB
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Although the Jets need a No. 2 cornerback aside Darrelle Revis, Carlos Rogers is not that man. He is going to be 30 years old at the start of the season and has not once met his potential. He has underwhelmed and disappointed throughout his career despite being a first-round selection.
Even last year, alongside DeAngelo Hall, Rogers did not offer much assistance with just two interceptions and 54 tackles.
A change of scenery could do it, but I wouldn’t bank on it unless the Jets could get him at a serious discount rate, which is highly doubtful, as this is the first time he is hitting the open market.
Target No. 5: Jared Gaither, OT
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Gaither is going to be a hot commodity this offseason if he ends up an unrestricted free agent. He could develop into one of the top offensive tackles in the game as he enters the prime of his life.
The Jets are in need of an upgrade on the offensive line and pride themselves on winning the battle in the trenches.
If the Jets feel they have the funds to make a run at Gaither, I wouldn’t put it past them landing the top tackle. New York provides him with an opportunity to win a championship and defeat the Baltimore Ravens in the process.
Avoid No. 4: Mike Sims-Walker, WR
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Mike Sims-Walker wants to be a No. 1 wide receiver in this league.
We all don’t get what we want—even though Sims-Walker might just get that opportunity.
He is not a very good wide receiver, as he does not excel in any one area. Yes, he is a good receiver, but he going to try to command No. 1 wide receiver money, which the Jets should not for one second think about. We are talking about a No. 2 wide receiver here who will not strike fear into any defensive back in this league.
There are far better options at wide receiver for the Jets.
Target No. 4: Deuce Lutui, OG
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The Jets are looking to beef up their offensive line to protect Mark Sanchez and create bigger running lanes for Shonn Greene and the rushing attack.
Lutui would be an expensive option, as he is a restricted free agent, but he is one of the game’s better run-blocking offensive guards. He has the desired nasty mean streak and mauling nature every team wants in the trenches to control the pace of the game.
If the Jets want to secure their rushing attack badly enough, they might just be able to pry Deuce away from Arizona.
Avoid No. 3: Keith Bulluck, OLB
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The Jets need an outside linebacker—badly. Still, as we saw in New York last year with Big Blue, Keith Bulluck just does not have what it takes anymore to compete at a high level.
Bulluck still wants to start in this league, as any true proven veteran would. He was once one of the elite defenders in the entire league, but he is now a shell of his former self. He will not offer the Jets much on the playing field, although he would be an excellent leader in the locker room and on the sidelines.
Gang Green needs an outside linebacker who can rush the passer, and Bulluck just does not have the ability to do so anymore.
Target No. 3: Dawan Landry, S
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Dawan Landry is not expected to re-sign with the Baltimore Ravens and would definitely enjoy heading to New York to play under Rex Ryan once again.
The atmosphere in New York is similar to that in Baltimore, and the Jets are in need of a safety upgrade.
He would certainly enjoy heading to a squad with familiar faces in Bart Scott and Jim Leonhard on the starting defense. He has solid instincts, experience and playmaking abilities.
Landry is one of the better safeties expected to hit the open market and would help make this a more complete secondary.
Avoid No. 2: Gerard Warren, DE
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Gerard Warren was a fine rotational player for the New England Patriots last year. For that alone—coming from New England, that is—he is an interesting target for the Jets.
Still, I would not target Warren despite his ability to play defensive end in the 3-4 defense. I do not trust him to continue producing at a stellar rate.
It’s always nice to steal a player away from a division rival, especially if that division rival is the New England Patriots, but the Jets do not need to take Warren away from Bill Belichick—he’ll break down this year.
Target No. 2: Thomas Davis, OLB
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New York desperately needs an outside linebacker, and Thomas Davis may be the very best one on the open market.
Davis suffered an ACL injury last year but is expected to be fine to start the season. Although many expect him to return to Carolina, he is still expected to test the market. If the Jets offer him a fair contract and a chance to win a Super Bowl, one would have to believe that he would leave Carolina.
He is one of the quicker outside linebackers in the game, as he once played safety. In Rex Ryan’s 3-4 defense, he could be unleashed on opposing quarterbacks off the edge. His ability to play in coverage would be extremely important in a division with Tom Brady and Bill Belichick, who love to utilize their plethora of tight ends.
Avoid No. 1: C.C. Brown, DB
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Plain and simple, C.C. Brown is one of the worst defensive backs in the league. Every stop he has been, the secondary has been far worse than it was before and after. He is a cheap option, so he consistently lands jobs, and due to injuries he usually starts.
He is not good in coverage or run support and won't be much of a leader for this team. If the Jets want to make a run at the Super Bowl, they must stay as far away from C.C. Brown as possible.
Target No. 1: Cullen Jenkins, DE
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Jenkins feels his days are numbered in Green Bay despite helping the team power through the postseason to become Super Bowl champions.
The Jets are in major need of a veteran defensive end to bolster the defensive line. Jenkins is a proven 3-4 defensive end and will bring that desired winning mentality and swagger to the Jets organization.
After drafting defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson and nose tackle Kenrick Ellis, the Jets can create a dominant 3-4 defensive line if they can bring back Shaun Ellis and sign Jenkins.
It will be difficult for the Jets to find a better fit for their defense. They may have to offer up a bit more money to acquire his services, but he would be an extremely worthy addition to the franchise.
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