We can cross off one of the top free-agent wide receivers the New York Jets could target this offseason.
With the Cincinnati Bengals placing the franchise tag on Tee Higgins, the receiver pool in free agency takes a small but significant hit for wide receiver-needy teams like the Jets.
Luckily for Gang Green, there are still plenty of pass-catching targets that can still make an impact should they sign them in the 2024 free agency period. Before we dive into that, it’s important to note that the Bengals tagging Higgins does not mean the Jets are completely out on his sweepstakes. It just means that they’ll have to offer trade compensation for the player instead of just regular free-agent compensation.
That’s where many people begin to turn their heads to the open market though as they don’t want to see a team already tight on draft capital give up more for even a top player like Higgins.
The next tier with the Bengals for second-round receiver is easily Tampa Bay Buccaneers legend Mike Evans, and Jacksonville Jaguars wideout Calvin Ridley.
Both Evans and Ridley have their concerns to their name, but as the top free-agent players who are unlikely to be tagged, it’s easy to see how the Jets could look to spend a lot of money to bring at least one of them to Florham Park to play with four-time NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers.
Both come with their own set of baggage, though.
Ridley struggled down the stretch with the Jaguars and former first-overall pick Trevor Lawrence. He has shown that while he has tremendous talent, his skills may not be worth the kind of top receiver money he could command in free agency.
Evans, on the other hand, has played all 10 NFL seasons with the Buccaneers, and could very well give them some home-town discount should they bring back Baker Mayfield. Being over 30 years old means his market could be difficult to predict as well.
Despite those obvious concerns, both Evans and Ridley would solve the Jets’ second receiver spot. New York already has a top target in former offensive rookie of the year Garrett Wilson, and needs a player that can compliment him – not be a hindrance as many receivers were last year.
Outside of the top two options, though,
there are still plenty of strong value receivers that the Jets could target without giving up copious amounts of money.
“Hollywood” Brown, Curtis Samuel, and Kendrick Bourne all have injury concerns but can be dependable when they hit the field. If New York doesn’t want to spend money on a top receiver this offseason, bringing in one of the three players listed could be a nice compromise to not only improve the passing attack, but make their Hall-of-Fame quarterback pleased.
Other names like Odell Beckham Jr., Van Jefferson, and Tyler Boyd could also be nice fits even if they don’t solve New York’s major needs on the outside.
There are plenty of ways the Jets can solve their wide receiver need in free agency. Just because Higgins won’t be able to receive a contract offer doesn’t mean that the team will be out of the market as a whole.
And it might not mean the team is done negotiating with Cincinnati, either.
