The New York Jets have finalized one major free agency deal to start beefing up their wide receiving corps, but the team does not plan on stopping there. Eric Decker is officially under contract after signing a massive deal in free agency. Could another move be coming before the NFL draft?
The New York Daily News is reporting the Jets are still evaluating their receiving options in hopes of landing at least one more free agent and then another player in the draft. After landing Decker, the team is no longer at No. 1 options, but instead target reliable No. 2 and 3 guys to help round out the rotation. NFL sources are reporting that Brandon LaFell is a player on the Jets' radar, as is veteran Jason Avant.
Both receivers have had luckwarm interest surrounding them since getting released by their respective teams. LaFell is younger and could be a better long-term option, but Avant has strong numbers after working in Philadelphia. The receiving market is relatively underwhelming at this point with Decker off the market and Julian Edelman too difficult to get. These two players could be the best free agents the Jets can afford before looking into the draft.
New York is a favorite to draft a wide receiver pretty early. The Jets will currently draft at No. 18 in the first round. That could leave them out of the running for Sammy Watkins and possibly Mike Evans, depending on who the St. Louis Rams and Oakland Raiders draft. However, the Jets appear to be favoring former USC star, Marqise Lee.
The Daily News reports that during the USC Pro Day, Jets personnel held a private meeting with the wide receiver and are likely targeting him in the first round. Lee is considered one of the best catch-and-run receivers in the draft and could also help in the kick return game.
The Jets need wide receivers. Decker will become Geno Smith's new favorite target, but if the only depth rests in Jeremy Kerley, the receiver will be double-teamed on every play. New York could sign a veteran in free agency and still draft Lee in the first round.