The New York Jets have been pretty quiet as the offseason begins to approach. The team has several needs they must fill when the market opens up, but have yet to show any hints at what they are thinking. The clock is ticking for the Jets to make a call on costly wide receiver Percy Harvin while finding help for Geno Smith is getting increasingly difficult with the weakness of the free agency market. So which players could the Jets be aiming for?
The Jets first must make a decision on Harvin. That will likely factor into what other moves the team can make for the future considering just how big of a burden his contract is. The Jets can cut Harvin with no cap hit because the remaining four years of his contract are not guaranteed. However, the Jets need playmakers in the worst way. Coming off a 4-12 season, they need to add playmakers or at least retain them. Harvin is that type of player.
According to CBS Sports NFL Insider Jason La Canfora, Harvin has no interest in taking a pay cut. The receiver is well aware that he will not get that kind of money elsewhere, so why would he try to let go of it? The Jets need to determine just how invested they are in the future of Harvin considering his shaky past. The free agent market will be loaded with talent. The Jets could look at Andre Johnson, Jeremy Maclin, Torrey Smith, Brian Hartline and Randall Cobb as solid options to pair with Eric Decker.
The other move the Jets need to make is grabbing a quarterback. The team continues to be linked to Marcus Mariota in the draft, but they need to add a veteran to help with the youth on the roster. If the Buffalo Bills, Matt Cassel trade was any indication, the quarterback free agency pool is weak. The Jets' options are slim with Josh McCown off the board. The team would be wise to grab Brian Hoyer while he is still available. He is a solid stop-gap option to work with. Colt McCoy could be a strong option or Ryan Mallett is they can pry him away from the Texans. The Jets need to make some moves and quickly before they get shut out when the market opens up.