The New York Jets are very aware that they need offensive help in 2014. The team squeaked by last season with an under-achieving wide receiving corps that offered very little help to rookie quarterback Geno Smith. While they could certainly use the upcoming NFL Draft to help at the position, the team is looking to spend big and grab a few free agents instead.
The New York Daily News reports the Jets are eyeing free agents Jeremy Maclin and Emmanuel Sanders with the hopes of boosting their receiving corps that ranked 31st last season. Santonio Holmes, Jeremy Kerley, David Nelson and Stephen Hill were the top four performers for the Jets. Combined they put up just 126 catches and 1,744 yards. To put that in perspective, Cleveland's Josh Gordon had just 98 fewer yards by himself. While Smith's roller coaster year certainly did not help, New York needs improvement.
First, the team must make space. It has been reported for most of the offseason that Holmes will be released before March 11. Cutting the veteran will save $8.25 million. Altogether, the team will have over $20.2 million to work with for free agents.
Maclin will be one of the top free agents and most attainable. The Philadelphia Eagles are currently trying to work out how to re-sign him and Riley Cooper, but might not be able to offer that much. Despite missing the entire 2013 season with an ACL tear, the Jets like what Maclin can bring to the table. The receiver has said he would ideally like to return to Philadelphia, but expect the Jets to try and top whatever the Eagles offer.
Sanders is another strong option considering the receiver agreed to work on a one-year contract last season. Sanders does not have the build that the Jets need, but his speed and big play ability fit into their scheme perfectly. If the Pittsburgh Steelers let Sanders walk into free agency, several teams will likely try and make a run at him.
The Jets might not offer any player more than a two-year deal. At one point, Maclin said he would be willing to work off a one-year contract, music to New York's ears.
"For a team that wants to give me a one-year deal, that's cool," Maclin said, via Comcast Philadelphia. "I'll just go out there and ball out, do the things I think I can do. Hopefully get that type of deal I'm looking for (after 2014). If a team wants to give me a long-term deal, I'll go out there and still do the same thing."
Rex Ryan confirms the team will be aggressive in free agency. The first position they will address is the wide receivers and move on from there.