How the New York Jets Should Approach 2015 NFL Free Agency

Rebuilding mode is officially underway in New York. 

Just a fortnight removed from a 4-12 finish and the firing of Rex Ryan and John Idzik, the Jets found their new head coach and general manager this week. 

Former Arizona Cardinals defensive coordinator Todd Bowles and former Houston Texans director of college scouting Mike Maccagnan were appointed the two most important roles in the franchise. 

Bowles and Maccagnan are a step in the right direction for Gang Green, as each brings a calm, steady and experienced presence to the Big Apple. 

The two will have anything but a calm and steady first offseason with the Jets. 

Not only does New York possess the sixth overall pick in the draft, but it possesses a ridiculous amount of cap space heading into the offseason. 

According to Spotrac, the Jets currently have the second most cap space in the NFL, just behind the Oakland Raiders. 

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Considering the cap is almost undoubtedly set to increase, Gang Green will have about $45 million to work with in free agency. 

Moreover, cutting veterans Percy Harvin and Chris Johnson could add another dozen million to that already insane figure. 

Maccagnan and the front office have the flexibility to basically do what they want, but they need to first address some of the team's own free agents. 

Veteran linebacker David Harris and nose tackle Damon Harrison should be the two priorities early on, as both would leave a tremendous hole in the front seven if they were to leave. 

Neither Harris nor Harrison is a slam dunk to produce over the next few seasons if he inks a long-term extension. Harris is turning 31 next week, and Harrison dealt with injuries this year. 

Nonetheless, both should be brought back to New York. 

Harris can be signed to a three- or four-year deal worth about $3 to $4 million a year, while Harrison should get around the same kind of money over four years. 

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Even if the team can't sign Harrison to a long-term extension, it can still ink him to a one-year tender because he is just a restricted free agent. 

Once their own priority free agents are locked up, the Jets should turn to the open market to address some key needs. 

Wide receiver, the interior of the offensive line and cornerback all need to be upgraded in free agency. The Jets have no reason to count change with the amount of money they have to spend. 

Luckily for Gang Green, its three biggest need positions will all be well-represented in free agency. 

The amount of receiving talent available this offseason is absurd. Dez Bryant, Demaryius Thomas, Randall Cobb, Jeremy Maclin and Michael Crabtree are all set to hit the open market. 

And while a couple of those guys won't leave their respective teams, Crabtree and now surprisingly Thomas are virtual guarantees to test the market.

Thomas would be an unbelievable coup for Gang Green. With the uncertain future of the Denver Broncos and their quarterback, the Georgia Tech product could be interested in rejoining his old running mate, Eric Decker. 

The Jets certainly have the money to make it happen. 

At guard, Pro Bowlers Mike Iupati and Orlando Franklin should be New York's top targets. Both are still well into their prime and would serve as big upgrades for Willie Colon in the interior of the line. 

Cornerback is also ripe with potential options, including Kareem Jackson, Byron Maxwell and Chris Culliver. If New York can snag one of those guys, the secondary should be much better in 2015, especially if Dee Milliner can reach his full potential. 

New York could also opt to go after a pass-rusher in free agency, but given how much talent there is in that area in the draft, it may not be the best idea. 

As for quarterback, there aren't any franchise-altering options in either free agency or the draft. New York should give a veteran signal-caller a low-risk deal to compete with Geno Smith in training camp. 

Ryan Fitzpatrick seems like the most likely option. Maccagnan is familiar with him from his days in Houston, and new offensive coordinator Chan Gailey made Fitzpatrick look like a solid quarterback back during his time in Buffalo. 

While spending a boatload of cash in free agency doesn't seem like the right direction to go for a team seemingly in rebuilding mode, the Jets have to use most of their cap space in accordance with NFL rules. 

Maccagnan must find players who will still contribute in a couple of years but will fill some of the Jets' major needs right now. 

Expect a busy free agency for Gang Green.