5 Bargain-Basement Free Agents the Jets Should Sign

Mo' money, mo' problems.

The New York Jets have a ton of salary-cap space to work with this offseason, and they have quite a few problems to address on their roster with that money.

That being said, some positions will likely cost more than others, and the Jets still need to use some discretion when determining how to distribute their spending money this offseason. It wouldn't take more than one or two big-money contracts to dig a Revis Island-sized hole in the Jets' cap space.

So here's a look at a few cheaper ways that Jets general manager Mike Maccagnan can address the holes on his roster.

Daryn Colledge, G, Miami Dolphins

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Between Willie Colon, Brian Winters and Oday Aboushi, the Jets could seriously use an upgrade at guard. There are some options available on the open market, but being that the Jets have recently used draft picks for the likes of Aboushi and Winters, perhaps they only need to add to the competition and provide a veteran presence with Colon on his way out.

Enter left guard Daryn Colledge, a nine-year starter for the Green Bay Packers, Arizona Cardinals and Miami Dolphins. It still remains unclear exactly what kind of offense the Jets will run under Chan Gailey, but Colledge is most well-suited for a zone-blocking scheme, which is the direction in which the Jets offensive line has already been built.

The Dolphins paid Colledge only $2 million in 2014, according to Spotrac, so the Jets could have him at a minimal cap hit for 2015 if they choose.

Darius Butler, CB, Indianapolis Colts

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The Jets' lasting memory of Darius Butler includes Braylon Edwards and The Dougie. But a lot has changed since the 2010 season for both the Jets and Butler. Since then, the former second-round draft choice of the New England Patriots has hit the open market twice, signed with the Carolina Panthers and Indianapolis Colts and also turned his game around.

In 2014, Butler allowed completions on only 56.5 percent of the throws into his coverage, according to Pro Football Focus. He was also responsible for only three touchdowns and seven pass breakups in the process. He allowed a reception on one in every 12 snaps he played in coverage, which was the 12th-lowest rate in the league.

Yet, despite his performances, Butler is not likely to command a big-ticket contract in free agency. He's talented, but just not the No. 1 shutdown-caliber cornerback who typically earns a fat paycheck. The Colts signed him for $2 million a year in 2013, and it would be a surprise if Butler's next contract earns him a lot more than that.

Walter Thurmond, CB, New York Giants

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When searching for bargain-basement free-agent options, one place to look is the injury report. Players who are returning from an injury will be surrounded by more question marks than The Riddler and may have a tough time finding anyone willing to fork over a long-term deal with big money.  

Last year, cornerback Walter Thurmond signed a one-year, $3 million contract with the New York Giants, due in part to a history of injuries. It won't help, then, that the Oregon product and former member of the Legion of Boom ended the 2014 season on injured reserve after only two games.

Thurmond has already indicated that he would like to stay with the Giants, according to Paul Schwartz of the New York Post, but the Jets could pull a fast one on the Giants in much the same way the Giants did to the Jets last year with Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie. 

Brandon Graham, OLB, Philadelphia Eagles

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The Philadelphia Eagles had grand plans for Brandon Graham when they drafted him in the first round in 2010. Five years later, the Eagles have made grand changes to their defensive scheme, and Graham is hoping for a four-year, $30 million contract, according to Geoff Mosher of CSNPhilly.com.

Graham has notched 14 sacks in the past three seasons, though, in what's primarily been a role as a sub-package pass-rusher. He had 5.5 sacks in 2012 and 2014 and three sacks in 2013.

The Jets could use a player like Graham to plug into their defense and help provide some pass rush at what's been a position of weakness on the edge. That being said, they should not mortgage their ability to sign other talented players simply for Graham.

Thomas DeCoud, FS, Carolina Panthers

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One of the big problems in the development of Calvin Pryor as a rookie was the fact that he was playing much of the time out of position as a free safety. The Jets need to find someone who can play the deep half in order to allow Pryor to play closer to the line of scrimmage, where he can excel. 

Carolina Panthers free safety Thomas DeCoud would be a strong fit. The seven-year veteran signed a two-year, $3.525 million deal back in 2014, but the team announced his release Tuesday. At 30 years old, DeCoud may not be considered the future of the free safety spot by any team in free agency, but he can provide a veteran presence on the back end.

If nothing else, the former Pro Bowl safety should be able to impart some wisdom onto the Jets' other defensive backs with his experience of six years as a primary starter.

Unless otherwise noted, all salary cap and contract information provided by Spotrac. All advanced stats provided by ProFootballFocus.com.