NFL Free Agency: 5 Safeties the Jets Could Sign Before the Draft

One of the biggest needs the New York Jets had walking into this offseason was the safety position. Despite having locked down coverage from their two outside coverage from cornerbacks Darrelle Revis and Antonio Cromartie, opposing teams were able to pass on the Jets by attacking both the middle of the field where the safeties were asked to make plays.

The shortcomings of Jim Leonhard, Brodney Pool and especially Eric Smith resulted in the Jets focusing their offseason on bringing in big-hitting safety Laron Landry on a one-year contract. But with Landry's struggles in pass coverage, the Jets are far from done in addressing their problem in the midfield, one safety away from having the hole filled. 

After failing to bring in Reggie Nelson at free safety as he opted to return to Cincinnati on a four-year deal, the Jets are in no man's land with where they can go at the position. As the main free agents are signing with new teams, options for a free safety on the Jets is dwindling before the draft.

But not all hope is lost. Here are five options the Jets can sign before the draft to play at free safety for the team in 2012.

James Sanders

James Sanders is an interesting option that the Jets could look into for this upcoming season, mainly because of his ability to play both safety roles. 

Sanders competed with Thomas Decoud, who re-signed with the Falcons earlier this offseason, for the starting free safety spot until he was moved to strong safety following an injury to William Moore. While Sanders was inconsistent in coverage and missed tackles throughout the year, he is an option for the Jets to look at, especially in a rotational role with Eric Smith who is a better tackler. 

With Landry's recent injuries that have weighed him down, Sanders' ability to also play within the box as a strong safety makes him an option. A player that can play both roles effectively is always nice for a team. 

Abram Elam

Abe Elam is a familiar name to Jet fans, having started his career with the team and being part of the trade that brought Mark Sanchez to New York on draft day in 2009. Since his time with the Jets, Elam spent two seasons with the Browns as a free safety and spent last season with the Cowboys as a strong safety.

Like Sanders in the previous slide, it's always nice to have a player on your team that can play multiple positions in the case of injury or ineffectiveness. Jet fans who remember Elam from his previous stint with the team can also take into account that he has improved in both coverage and hitting, having a fairly good season with the Cowboys this past year.

In a rotational role with Eric Smith, this cold be a wise signing for the team.

Matt Giordano

Matt Giordano is a player that is coming off a very successful season as a coverage safety. According to Pro Football Focus, Giordano allowed the lowest catch rate for safeties at 40.0 percent at the season's end, while also tallying five interceptions to lead the team.

Giordano would provide the Jets with a player that can do well as a center-fielder, roaming the field in coverage. He is far from perfect, both a liability in the running game and only truly productive for a single season. He's a journey man player who has played for four different teams over the past seven seasons. But at this point, he is an option for the team to look at.  

Reggie Smith

While Reggie Smith was relegated to a backup role for the majority of 2011 as the 49ers made a surprising run for a Super Bowl, many around the league believe he could be a decent starter at safety for a number of teams. The Jets, a team with such a large need, have nothing to lose by going after him. 

After playing only four seasons for the Niners, Smith, whom has only started seven games and had an interception for San Francisco this past season, but was otherwise pretty quiet. Stuck behind Dashon Goldson, who the 49ers franchised-tagged before he hit the open market, the opportunities just weren't there. But the potential was, as Smith was earning first team reps in training camp this past year before injuring his knee.

Smith is a player the Jets could afford to make a move on. He will be better than Eric Smith in coverage, that is a guarantee.  

O.J. Atogwe

When the Jets signed former Redskin Laron Landry to join the team this past week, the simple solution to the other open safety slot seemed to be O.J. Atogwe, Landry's teammate from this past season. 

Atogwe was efficient with the Redskins this past season, although not anywhere close to the form he was in during his six years with the St Louis Rams. Atogwe had three interceptions for the Skins in 2011 and was released this offseason after the Redskins were penalized over $36 million for their sneaky cap avoiding free agent plans during 2010. 

Atogwe is one of, if not the, best free safeties on the market. His knack for the ball and overall consistent coverage would make him extremely successful on the Jets, especially with a former teammate directly beside him while Revis and Cromartie lock down the outside. 

If playing in the bright lights of New York with a fellow teammate beside him appeal to Atogwe, it is in the Jets best interest to lock him up while they can. At 30 years old, the Canadian safety can provide some solid coverage for the next few years before it is time to move on.