2011 NFL Free Agency: Why Signing Randy Moss Is Crucial to Jets' Success

With NFL Free Agency now in day three, the New York Jets continue to negotiate with the league's top free agents in an attempt to bolster their lineup for the 2011 season.

According to The Star Ledger, the Jets have shifted their attention to signing former Raiders CB Nnamdi Asomugha after they reached an agreement with WR Santonio Holmes. The move would give the Jets what most people would consider the best cornerback tandem in the league.

But the Jets may not be done shopping. According to multiple sources, Gang Green is also in pursuit of WR Randy Moss. Moss, 34, played for three teams last season in a controversial year, but his agent and friends around him have said that he is in the best shape of his life.

Although Asomugha and Revis on the same defensive unit would make the team nearly impossible to pass on, the Jets should really be going after Randy Moss. Despite signing Holmes to a five-year deal, ESPN reports that Brad Smith has received an offer from the Bears and Braylon Edwards tweeted yesterday that he "would love to be a Jet but the feeling doesn't seem to be mutual with the management".

Losing Edwards and Smith would leave the Jets with Holmes, Jerricho Cotchery and the inexperienced Patrick Turner. A shortage of receivers has been the Jets achille's heal in the past, and the team has only had success when they went with three receivers. Between 2007-2008, when the Jets leading receiver was Jerricho Cotchery and the second receiver was either Justin McCareins or Laveranues Coles, their combined record was 11-21. But when the Jets traded for Braylon Edwards and eventually signed Santonio Holmes, the team went a combined 20-12 and went to two straight AFC Championship games.

Randy Moss would be the acquisition that would take the Jets to the next level. At 6'4, 215, Moss would give the Jets the big target they have lacked in the past. Holmes (5'11) and Cotchery (6'0) may have quality hands, but Sanchez would be able to look for Moss on crucial third down passes and fades to back of the end zone.

Signing Moss would also open up the field for Dustin Keller, Holmes, and Cotchery. Last season, teams wouldn't have to double team Holmes and Edwards, but Randy Moss is a different animal. Moss has drawn double coverage from almost every team he has faced in his career, which in the past opened up the field for Patriots Wes Welker. If Holmes can reach 1,000 yards receiving in only 12 games last season, imagine what he can do in a full season with Randy Moss on the other side of the field.

The Patriots and Dolphins have both made splashes this off-season. The Dolphins trading for Reggie Bush has rejuvenated their Wildcat offense, and the Patriots trading for Albert Haynesworth bolsters their already talented defensive line. In order for the Jets to compete with these two teams, they must sign Randy Moss to put up points. Sticking with Santonio Holmes won't allow them to keep up with what may be a high scoring squad in Miami and New England, and their run game might not be as successful with such a weak receiving core.

This weekend is expected to be when the majority of signings occur, as teams are officially allowed to sign free agents to their roster. If the Jets can manage to sign both Moss and Asomugha, consider them an AFC contender. If not, they will have to compete with what they have and hope they can bring back Braylon Edwards and Antonio Cromartie.