Building an NFL Trade Deadline Wish List for the New York Jets

After a heartbreaking 29-26 overtime loss to the New England Patriots in Foxborough this week, the New York Jets enter the midway point of the season at 3-4 and are one game out of first place in the AFC East.

Despite the losing record, New York is firmly in the playoff hunt, and they seem to just be clicking on both sides of the ball.

Additionally, the team faces a cake-walk schedule for the rest of the year.

New York has had some players step up after some key injuries, and their starting lineups on both sides of the ball are above-average. 

However, depth in the NFL is too often overlooked. 

Adding it at the trade deadline could determine whether or not the Jets are playoff contenders or a phony in the division race. 

1. Offensive Line Depth

New York's offensive line has been sensational as of late, but outside of Caleb Schlauderaff and Jason Smith, the unit lacks depth. 

Bringing in a solid blocker at the deadline would be wise, just in case injuries begin to take a toll late in the year. 

Among the possible trade options is Buffalo Bills backup guard Chad Rinehart. The Bills boast quality offensive line depth, and the Jets need depth on the interior. 

Rinehart would be a terrific replacement if Brandon Moore, Nick Mangold or Matt Slauson were out for an extended period of time. 

2. Defensive Line Depth

With Sione Pouha battling nagging injuries through the first half of the season, and Kenrick Ellis expected to miss four-to-six weeks with a sprained knee, the Jets are especially thin on the defensive line at the moment. 

Picking up a solid veteran to add to the defensive line could certainly provide the team with a boost late in the season. 

Among the finest options is former first-round pick Andre Carter. 

Carter registered double-digit sacks for the Patriots last season and was selected to the Pro Bowl. 

However, the 33-year-old suffered a torn quadriceps tendon late in the season that seriously diminished many teams' interests in him this offseason. 

The Oakland Raiders finally gambled on Carter a few weeks ago, but the defensive end is yet to make an impact. 

Oakland, sitting well out of the playoff picture, may try to trade Carter for a conditional late-round pick. 

The Jets would be wise to pull the trigger on such a deal. Carter could certainly improve the team's pass rush, which has registered just 10 sacks in seven games thus far. 

3. Veteran Wide Receiver

Although the Jets receiving corps has played fairly well through the last few weeks, the team could certainly use an upgrade at the position. 

Bringing in a veteran wideout to lead a young group would benefit the team both on and off the field. 

The most intriguing option is former Jet Braylon Edwards.

Edwards hasn't been implemented in the Seattle Seahawks offensive system at all this season. He has recorded just eight receptions thus far.

Therefore, the former first-round pick could be brought in for a relatively cheap price—perhaps a mid-to-late round pick in next year's draft.

Edwards could make an immediate impact in New York, as he had good chemistry with Mark Sanchez during his time with the team.

He would provide the squad with an explosive deep threat and reliable red-zone target to go alongside Stephen Hill and Jeremy Kerley.

Another compelling trade prospect is Kansas City Chiefs wideout Dwayne Bowe. Bowe wants out of Kansas City, so he could be on the trade block. 

Bowe is a phenomenal wideout, but he has struggled with drops and has had an attitude problem at times throughout his career. The asking price on the former Pro Bowler might not be as high as many think.

James Jones and Devery Henderson are also realistic possibilities.