Free-Agent Contracts Jets Must Consider Before Training Camp

The New York Jets' 2023 campaign didn't go as most expected. New York was widely viewed as an AFC contender entering the season, but when Aaron Rodgers suffered a season-ending Achilles tear in Week 1, the team's playoff hopes were lost.

The good news is that Rodgers is now healthy, and the Jets have a realistic shot at rebounding. The Jets managed to address several areas of need—like the offensive line and a lack of receiver depth—early in the offseason, which should help make the most of Rodgers' return.

With an improved offense and a defense that ranked third overall last season, New York should be back in the postseason mix. Of course, there's still time for New York to add another piece or two to the roster before training camp gets underway on July 18.

While the Jets have just $6.1 million in cap space, some potential bargains remain on the open market. Below, you'll find a look at three free-agent contracts New York should consider before training camp.

WR Hunter Renfrow

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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - DECEMBER 31: Hunter Renfrow #13 of the Las Vegas Raiders before the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 31, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

Adding Mike Williams and rookie Malachi Corley to a group that already featured Garrett Wilson should give New York a quality receiving corps. However, there are reasons why adding another pass-catcher would make sense.

Williams is coming off a torn ACL and missed time with injuries in each of the past two seasons. Corley, meanwhile, is a very role-specific prospect.

"Corley's usage is extremely limited at this stage," Derrik Klassen of the Bleacher Report Scouting Department wrote. "He was only really used on screens, shallow crossers, flat routes and end-arounds in college."

The remaining free-agent receiver pool isn't particularly deep, but the Jets could potentially win big by taking a flier on former Las Vegas Raiders Pro Bowler Hunter Renfrow. The 28-year-old battled injuries in 2022 and wasn't heavily utilized last season. However, he was a 1,000-yard receiver in 2021 and possesses a fair amount of route versatility.

Renfrow could be a strong option in the slot who could spell Corley and provide a dependable third-down target. Given his recent lack of production—he had only 25 catches in 2023—Renfrow could also be open to signing a team-friendly contract.

Projected Contract: One Year, $1.2 Million

S Quandre Diggs

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SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - SEPTEMBER 10: Quandre Diggs #6 of the Seattle Seahawks takes the field against the Los Angeles Rams at Lumen Field on September 10, 2023 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)

The Jets have one dependable safety in Tony Adams, who allowed an opposing passer rating of only 69.5 in coverage last season. However, New York could afford to add some depth, especially after strong safety Chuck Clark missed all of 2023 with a torn ACL.

Adding former Jets Pro Bowler Jamal Adams might seem like a logical move, since he could help fill the box-safety role. However, Connor Hughes of SNY reported in March that New York had "zero" interest in bringing back Adams.

Quandre Diggs could be the perfect budget alternative for the Jets at this point in free agency. While Diggs primarily played free safety over the past four-plus years with the Seattle Seahawks, he has experience at strong safety and in the slot.

The three-time Pro Bowler took a step back in 2023, allowing an opposing passer rating of 103.9 in coverage. However, he's still a starting-caliber defensive back with an intriguing amount of positional versatility.

Diggs was released in a cap-saving move this offseason and isn't the same player at 31 that he was earlier in his career. However, that only increases New York's chances of adding him as a cap-friendly depth piece.

Projected Contract: One Year, $2 Million

DT Lawrence Guy

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PITTSBURGH, PA - DECEMBER 07: Lawrence Guy Sr. #93 of the New England Patriots looks on from the field during an NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium on December 7, 2023 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images)

While New York's defense was great in a lot of areas last season, its run defense was merely good. The Jets ranked a respectable 11th in yards per carry allowed but 25th in rushing yards allowed.

The Jets could stand to add another rotational piece to a defensive interior that has one star in Quinnen Williams and some questionable depth behind him.

New York took a chance on 2020 San Francisco 49ers first-round pick Javon Kinlaw, who has struggled to become a consistent pro. Leki Fotu and Solomon Thomas are decent enough role players, but it would behoove the Jets to add another proven run-stuffer to the mix.

Lawrence Guy, who most recently played for the rival New England Patriots, could be a fine addition to the Jets' defensive-line rotation. At 6'4" and 315 pounds, he has the size to hold ground on the interior but is versatile enough to play end in subpackages if needed. He appeared in all 17 games for New England last year and recorded 38 tackles while being credited with zero missed tackles.

Guy was credited with only 17 missed tackles over the past six seasons.

At 34 years old and coming off a contract that paid just $2.9 million annually, Guy should also fit with New York's cap constraints.

Projected Contract: One Year, $1.9 Million

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Cap and contract information via Spotrac. Advanced statistics from Pro Football Reference.