The Jets have some major holes to fill this offseason. Among the largest is at the receiver position. After releasing Davante Adams, the receiver room is thin. Garrett Wilson headlines the group, but it falls off a cliff after that. The Jets aren’t expected to shop at the top of the receiver market, but that doesn’t mean they can’t add impact players. Free agency is all about finding value and there are some receivers out there that could be wise investments.
Under the Radar Receivers, the Jets Could Target In Free Agency
Josh Palmer
The former third-round pick has had a solid career so far. Palmer has been a guy that Charger fans have been waiting for to break out, but it hasn’t happened yet. Palmer is only 25 and put up an impressive 15 yards per catch in 2024. This was the tenth-highest in the league. Palmer has put up modest numbers totaling over 2,200 yards and 10 TDs so far in his career and has found a nice role as a deep threat. Palmer has the talent to become a complete receiver, but at the very least, he can stretch the field and help open up the offense.
The Jets have been lacking a true deep threat, and Palmer can slot into this role. The 25-year-old can join a young skill position group and properly complement stars like Garrett Wilson.
Darius Slayton
Another field stretcher available in free agency is Darius Slayton. The 28-year-old is ready to test free agency after a six-year career with the Giants. Slayton possesses a large catch radius and would bring in some veteran leadership. Slayton can beat defenses with his speed and has impressive body control and hands to rack in tough catches.
Slayton would add stability to the Jets’ receiver room, and adding a veteran to a young offense could be smart. Slayton is one of the better mid-tier free agents available and will have a vast market but he is someone the Jets should consider.
Tutu Atwell
Tutu Atwell is one of the more intriguing names out there. He has been a key part of the Rams’ offense and is an underrated player. Atwell is only 25 and coming off his most productive season. Atwell is a speedy pass-catcher who brought juice whenever he got the opportunity. Atwell could be looked at as undersized as he is listed at 5’9 and 165 lbs, but his effort and aggressiveness make him play bigger than his size.
To play in a Sean McVay offense, you need to be relentless as a blocker, and he was. Atwell could fit in well with the Jets as he will bring a high-effort mentality. He can also be utilized similarly to how Jameson Williams was in Detroit. He can beat defenses over the top and also be used over the middle of the field to create plays with the ball in his hands. Atwell should be on the cheaper side and could be a phenomenal investment for the Jets.
Christian Kirk
Kirk is hitting the open market after a very productive three years in Jacksonville. Kirk totaled over 2,200 yards and 12 TDs with the Jaguars. He has dealt with multiple injuries over the past two seasons, which have cut his seasons short. When he is on the field, he can do it all. He is a threat down the field and can also win in the intermediate areas. Kirk can line up in multiple spots but does his best work out of the slot.
Kirk would be a great addition because he can play off of Garrett Wilson and would also bring in a productive veteran to a receiver room that currently looks like a ghost town. Kirk could come at a discount after coming off an injury-riddled season. The previous injuries make him a risk but one that could pay off big time for the Jets.
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