Sheldon Rankins, Connor McGovern, Jets Free Agents' Projected Contracts
With NFL free agency just around the corner, the New York Jets are in a position in which they need to clear cap space. According to Over The Cap, they're $264,487 over the salary cap, which isn't a bad spot to be in, though.
The Jets should be able to clear some space easily. Then, they can turn their focus to signing players, potentially even some who were on their team last season and are now set to hit the free-agent market.
Who should they bring back? Who should they let go? It will be interesting to see their decisions and where the players who don't return could end up heading for 2023.
Here's a look at the projected contracts that several New York players set to hit free agency could receive this offseason.
Sheldon Rankins, DT
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Sheldon Rankins has been a key cog in the center of the Jets' defensive line the past two seasons. He's played 31 games over that span, recording 75 tackles and six sacks. Now, the 28-year-old is hitting the free-agent market.
There are likely still plenty of productive years ahead for Rankins. He's been consistent throughout his seven-year NFL career, and he doesn't appear likely to slow down anytime in the near future.
It would make sense for the Jets to try to bring Rankins back. Quinnen Williams is under contract for the 2023 season, but New York needs another interior defensive lineman to start alongside him.
Rankins is a solid player, so he should get a fairly sizable contract, albeit likely not a long one. And if the Jets aren't able to pay him, then another team likely will.
Projected contract: Two years for $16 million
Connor McGovern, C
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Last season, Connor McGovern started all 17 games for the Jets at center. He's been a reliable leader in the center of the offensive line throughout his three-year tenure in New York, starting 48 games over that span.
Because of that consistency, the 29-year-old could be one of the best interior offensive linemen on the free-agent market, should the Jets not bring him back. But it wouldn't be surprising if New York gets him to return for 2023.
In order for that to happen, though, the Jets will have to clear some significant cap space. McGovern has proven he's worthy of a pay increase, and there will likely be other teams trying to outbid New York, especially if it can't create much cap room.
Expect McGovern to get paid well for the next couple of seasons. It just isn't clear where he'll be headed next in his career.
Projected contract: Two years for $28 million
Quincy Williams, LB
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Quincy Williams wasn't much of a contributor during his first two years in the NFL with the Jacksonville Jaguars from 2019-20. That changed after he joined the Jets, as the 26-year-old linebacker has impressed over the past two seasons in New York.
Not only has Williams played in 31 games from 2021-22, but he's recorded 110 and 106 tackles in each of the past two seasons, respectively. He also had a career-high three sacks in 15 contests last year.
With the way Williams has emerged as a strong defender, he's set to earn a raise in free agency this offseason. The Jets would be wise to try to bring him back, if they're able to.
If not, then Williams will likely be targeted by plenty of teams. Eventually, he should land a multi-year contract rewarding him for his recent success.
Projected contract: Three years for $20 million
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