5 Perfect Free-Agent Fits for the New York Jets

The New York Jets are in for a busy offseason. 

The franchise will be looking for a new general manager and head coach, as well as new talent to add to a roster that won just four games in 2014. 

Luckily for New York, money won't be an issue. 

The Jets are already $46 million under the cap, and they can add to that total by releasing Percy Harvin and restructuring D'Brickashaw Ferguson's contract. Additionally, the league cap will undoubtedly increase from a year ago. 

To put it simply, Gang Green can do what it wants in free agency. 

With big holes at a variety of positions, including guard, wide receiver and cornerback, the Jets need a strong free agency to put themselves back into contention. 

Here are five impending free agents who would be perfect fits in the Big Apple. 

Jake Locker, Quarterback

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Despite his amazing Week 17 performance against the Dolphins, Geno Smith doesn't look like a franchise quarterback. 

Smith has thrown 34 interceptions and lost seven fumbles in his first two seasons. He has consistently made bad decisions that have decided games. 

However, the Jets will have a tough time finding a better option this offseason. 

There are only two quarterbacks in this draft class who look like future stars (Marcus Mariota and Jameis Winston), and they will likely be gone in the first two picks. 

There is also a lack of quarterback talent on the free-agent market. 

Nonetheless, Jake Locker could provide the team with a talented, young player who could actually compete with Smith for the starting job in training camp. 

Locker hasn't been great since being selected eighth overall in the 2011 draft. Injuries have derailed his career, as he has played just 30 games in his first four seasons. 

Locker, however, still has some potential. He has great size and a strong arm and possesses outstanding mobility. 

The Washington product isn't the long-term answer, but he will be a cheap option with some decent potential. 

At worst, Locker will give the team a capable backup. 

Michael Crabtree, Wide Receiver

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Michael Crabtree may not have lived up to his first-round pedigree, but he is far from a "sorry" receiver. 

Crabtree is a great route-runner with strong hands and solid speed. Even though he has just one 1,000-yard season in his six-year career, he has to be considered a top-20 talent at his position. 

The 49ers don't have the cap room to prevent Crabtree from hitting the open market, leaving him up for grabs this offseason. 

The former Texas Tech star will be far from cheap, but he won't be ridiculously expensive, either. He is coming off a disappointing year in which he totaled less than 700 yards, meaning his value is low. 

The Jets are in desperate need of play-making skill position players, especially if Percy Harvin is released. 

Crabtree would give the offense a talented target who is great moving the chains and in the red zone. 

Perhaps most importantly, though, is that Crabtree is just 27. He should be in his prime for at least another four or five years. 

Mike Iupati, Left Guard

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Mike Iupati is in the same boat as Crabtree. 

He has been a big part of the 49ers' success in recent seasons, but the team simply doesn't have the money to bring him back. 

Iupati will be one of the top free agents available this offseason and will warrant a massive long-term deal, and rightly so.

The former first-round pick has made three consecutive Pro Bowls and will be just 28 at the start of next season. 

The Jets' current left guard, Willie Colon, will be a free agent this offseason. Colon will be 32 by the time next season rolls around and has struggled recently, so the team will be looking to upgrade at the position. 

Iupati would be the perfect, albeit most expensive, option. He would add a tough presence to the interior of the line and immediately improve the offense. 

Jason Worilds, Outside Linebacker

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The Jets pass rush came alive last season, but it was more a result of the dominance of the defensive line than the success of the edge-rushers. 

In fact, the team's outside linebackers, particularly Calvin Pace, were disappointing in 2014. 

Jason Worilds would give New York a dangerous pass-rusher in the linebacker corps. 

Worilds, who will turn just 27 this offseason, has recorded at least 7.5 sacks in each of the last two seasons, as he has emerged as the Steelers' top pass-rushing threat. 

While it remains to be seen whether Pittsburgh brings Worilds back, there is a good chance he hits the open market in March. 

The former second-round selection won't be cheap, and he will likely be looking for a long-term deal, but the Jets have the money, and they need to make it happen. 

Kareem Jackson, Cornerback

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Kareem Jackson is far from a household name, but he has emerged as one of the game's best cornerbacks in recent seasons. 

Jackson was a big part of the Texans' success in 2014, as he recorded 57 tackles, nine pass deflections and three picks. 

Houston would love to re-sign the 26-year-old, but it probably doesn't have the cap space to do so. 

The former Crimson Tide star will be looking for a big-time contract, and a lot of teams will be fighting for his services, but the Jets shouldn't shy away from him. 

New York is in desperate need of a solid cornerback. Jackson would immediately upgrade the position and the defense as a whole.