Joe Douglas didn’t make any flashy moves at the start of free agency, choosing instead to look for bargains.
The Jets’ general manager is already addressing some of the team’s needs.
He has signed quarterback Tyrod Taylor to be Aaron Rodgers’ backup. John Simpson should be the team’s starting left guard.
He signed Javon Kinlaw and Leki Fotu to add depth at defensive tackle.
But Douglas still has a lot of work to do. Here’s a look at what the team’s biggest remaining needs are and what options the Jets have.
offensive line
Simpson was a starter, but he’s not the only move Douglas needs to take to protect Rodgers.
The team still needs two more starters, one of whom will likely be acquired in next month’s draft.
The fishing gear market is pretty quiet. Tyron Smith, considered the top free agent at the position, is unsigned.
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The Jets may have concerns about signing Smith because he’s 33 years old and at risk for injury, but if his market plummets and they can get him for a bargain, it’s worth the risk. Might happen.
Jonah Williams of the Bengals is also still on the market.
The guard market is much more active than the tackle market, with some monster deals being made.
The Jets added Simpson, but they could also sign another guard and have Ariya Berra-Tucker play tackle.
Another former Raven, Kevin Zeitler, is a top guard still on the market. He’s 34 years old, but the Jets would like to avoid another age risk.
wide receiver
The wide receiver market is developing very slowly.
Calvin Ridley, considered the top free agent receiver, may wait until after Wednesday’s 4 p.m. to re-sign with Jacksonville.
If they wait until then, the Jaguars will simply give up a third-round pick.
If they sign him before then, they would have to give the Falcons a second-round pick as a condition of the trade.
The Patriots are also believed to be pursuing Ridley, who could earn him close to $20 million per season.
Ridley’s market seems too rich for the way the Jets are currently spending.
Marquise Brown, Odell Beckham Jr. and Tyler Boyd are the next group of free agent receivers.
The Jets need to acquire someone to complement Garrett Wilson and may need to draft another receiver.
corner
It wasn’t necessary until a few days ago, but the departure of Bryce Huff to the Eagles created a hole at the position.
Robert Saleh and Jeff Ulbrich prefer to have three speed rushers on third down.
They currently have Jermaine Johnson and Will McDonald, but they need to find a third man.
Free agents aren’t left with many options after top players are franchise-tagged or already signed. Douglas must find a diamond in the rough.
safety
The Jets re-signed Chuck Clark, who tore his ACL in June but did not play down.
Ashtyn Davis and Jordan Whitehead are both free agents.
The Jets could bring Davis back, which would give them three safeties along with Clark and Tony Adams. The free agent market is overwhelming, but Douglas could land a cheap replacement contract.
In recent weeks, a number of veteran safety personnel have been laid off as part of cost-cutting efforts. It might be cheap.
defensive tackle
The Jets have already added two players here, but it’s questionable if it’s done.
Quinton Jefferson and Solomon Thomas are free agents, and the Jets may try to bring them back.
The Jets like a deep defensive line rotation and need a little more body to fill it out.
