Unlike the Super Bowl champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the 2020 season has been over for weeks for the New York Jets. They finished the season with a 2-14 record and are due for a big off-season. It could easily be an off-season that includes significant roster overturn. General manager Joe Douglas and new head coach Robert Saleh have plenty of work ahead of them prior to next season. Luckily, they are among the teams with the most salary cap space in the NFL. As the duo prepares for the off-season, they are going to have a handful of in-house players set to hit the market. Here is a look at some New York Jets free agents the team will need to take a look at this off-season.
New York Jets Free Agents Breakdown for 2021 off-Season
Joe Flacco, Quarterback (UFA)
One of the team’s later signings last off-season, it is easy to say signing Joe Flacco paid off. Nobody expected him to be the Super Bowl MVP he once was. No one even anticipated him being anything more than a backup to Sam Darnold. Nonetheless, Flacco made multiple starts in 2020 once Darnold went down with a shoulder injury.
Flacco showed he can still play, throwing for six touchdowns and 848 yards in four starts. Now 36-years-old, Flacco is not a guy who is going to go anywhere and compete for a starting job. Should Flacco continue to play, there are certainly worse backup options available.
Frank Gore, Running Back (UFA)
Like Flacco, Frank Gore is years out of his prime. Over the past six seasons, only once did he average more than four yards per carry. Then again, this is Frank Gore. He is third all-time in career rushing yards, has made five Pro Bowls, and this past season he proved he can still play.
But chances are he will not be back with the Jets. Despite his leadership being second to none, he is going to be 38-years-old in 2021. Adam Gase is no longer on New York’s sideline, and they are going to want to give as many touches as possible to La’Mical Perine, Ty Johnson, and whoever else may join them. While it was fun for fans to see Gore in a Jets uniform, it probably won’t be for more than one season.
Josh Adams, Running Back (RFA)
This past season, while Gore was the lead back, Josh Adams was one that fans desperately wanted to see get more touches. Adams rushed for 157 yards and two touchdowns, and averaged 5.4 yards per carry on 29 touches. At 6-foot-2 and 225 pounds, the Notre Dame product may not have top-notch speed, but he has quick feet and power to his frame. Do not be shocked if Adams is back in New York in 2021.
Breshad Perriman, Wide Receiver (UFA)
When the New York Jets lost Robby Anderson to the Carolina Panthers, Breshad Perriman was brought in as his replacement. The former first-round pick has always seen injuries prevent him from reaching his ceiling, and once again, they lingered. He played 12 games, catching 30 balls for 505 yards. Perriman was not able to replicate Anderson’s production, and will likely be playing elsewhere in 2021.
Vyncint Smith, Wide Receiver (RFA)
Entering the 2020 season, Vyncint Smith was expected to have an expanded role. He caught 17 passes for 225 yards in a limited role in 2019, but only caught one ball this past season as injuries kept him off the field. A restricted free agent, Smith would be a solid depth piece for the Jets to retain this off-season, especially considering he proved to be a great kick returner, averaging 29.9 yards per return in 2019.
Jeff Smith, Wide Receiver (ERFA)
An undrafted free agent in 2019, Jeff Smith continued to flash his speed and expand his game in year two. Smith stepped up with Perriman, Denzel Mims, and Jamison Crowder banged up early in the year, and he finished with 167 yards on 17 grabs. Like with Vyncint Smith, it makes sense to bring Jeff Smith back.
Daniel Brown, Tight End (UFA)
In his second year with the team, Daniel Brown once again was a versatile chess piece in limited playing time. At 6-foot-5 and 247 pounds, Brown lined up in the backfield, the slot, out wide, and inline. He has never been more than a third/fourth tight end for the Jets and will be 28-years-old in 2021.
Ross Travis, Tight End (UFA)
Having recently turned 28-years-old, Ross Travis is set to join Brown as they are the only tight ends for the Jets with expiring contracts. Travis saw little playing time this past season, as he was the fifth tight end in the rotation. He also bounced between the practice squad and the 53-man roster multiple times in 2020.
Josh Andrews, Center (RFA)
Brought on as a versatile interior offensive lineman, Josh Andrews saw significant playing time, and started four of the 15 games in which he played. At the same time, Andrews was a major liability on the interior, with an 18.1 pass-blocking grade per PFF. While moveable and athletic lineman fit new offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur’s offense, Andrews was one of the league’s worst interior lineman in 2020.
Pat Elflein, Offensive Guard (UFA)
Drafted in the third round in 2017, Pat Elflein made for a solid mid-season pickup for an injury-riddled Jets offensive line. He started all six games he played but also had his struggles in pass protection. Elflein certainly has upside, given his ability to play center or guard, and will only be 27-years-old in 2020. Bringing Elflein back as a depth piece would be a solid move for the Jets.
Last Word
Again, the Jets went 2-14 this past season for a reason. Their offense was abysmal, and it comes as no surprise that none of their upcoming free agents are starting-level guys worth bringing back. Nevertheless, a handful would make for strong depth pieces on a team that could benefit from having some players with experience.
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