Jets Top Free Agent Targets After Quiet First Day?

The New York Jets made some late-night free-agent selections on Day One of free agency. Now entering the second wave, which players make the most sense for Gang Green?

Day One of Free Agency has come and gone and what a crazy bonanza it was. Major trades, traitorous signings, and stunning deals have left the 32 teams waiting for the dust to clear for the next wave of available free agents. 

For a team like the New York Jets, minimal deals for players like John Simpson, Tyrod Taylor, and Javon Kinlaw left some fans wanting more. 

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While most Jets fans remain frustrated over the team's lack of aggressiveness, there are still plenty of big names that can help the roster in 2024. 

Let's go through a few of the names here. 

Calvin Ridley

The wide receiver free agent class has been very quiet outside of Gabe Davis' three-year deal with Jacksonville. That should lower the expected price tag of a receiver like Jaguars top man Calvin Ridley. 

The former first-round pick totaled over 1,000 yards receiving last year but is a better second option than the lead. 

That makes him a perfect fit for the Jets who already have Garrett Wilson and quarterback Aaron Rodgers on the roster. 

David Bakhtiari

Everyone can connect the dots here, right?

Bakhtiari was released from the Green Bay Packers on Monday and can negotiate with other teams. The Jets, having Bakhtiari's long-time quarterback on the roster, could offer the former All-Pro a chance to be a starting left tackle on the roster for the 2024 season. 

His knee injuries are a major concern, but when healthy, the long-time Packer is still among the best in the game. 

Kevin Zeitler

The guard position has been almost picked clean with quality starters, but there are still some available for the right price. 

Arguably one of the top names is former Baltimore Ravens Pro Bowler Kevin Zeitler. 

The star guard is coming off his best season but has been an extremely dependable offensive lineman in his entire career. If his price falls at all over the next couple of days, the Jets make a lot of sense for him. 

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Connor Williams

Should New York whiff on Zeitler, the next stage of players available along the offensive line is Connor Williams. The former Dolphin played a little bit of center and guard but could move to the right side and allow Alijah Vera-Tucker to transition back to the left guard position he was originally drafted for. 

Julian Blackmon

New York has needs at safety outside of just wide receiver and the offensive line as a whole. 

Julian Blackmon is arguably the top available safety on the open market that won't cost an arm and a leg like Justin Simmons or others will expect. Blackmon is a quality safety with four interceptions last year and 88 tackles. He's the kind of complete player who would allow Tony Adams to be the third safety as they expected last season. 

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