Fansided

5 free agents the New York Jets need to sign

By Mike Phillips

NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 04: New York Jets Quarterbak Sam Darnold (14) models the New York Jets Gotham Green Uniform at the New York Jets New Uniform Unveiling on April 4, 2019 at Gotham Hall in New York, NY. (Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 04: New York Jets Quarterbak Sam Darnold (14) models the New York Jets Gotham Green Uniform at the New York Jets New Uniform Unveiling on April 4, 2019 at Gotham Hall in New York, NY. (Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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CINCINNATI, OH – NOVEMBER 11: Denver Broncos linebacker Shane Ray (56) warms up before the game against the Denver Broncos and the Cincinnati Bengals on December 2nd 2018, at Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati, OH. (Photo by Ian Johnson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
CINCINNATI, OH – NOVEMBER 11: Denver Broncos linebacker Shane Ray (56) warms up before the game against the Denver Broncos and the Cincinnati Bengals on December 2nd 2018, at Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati, OH. (Photo by Ian Johnson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

4. Shane Ray

Even though the Jets drafted Jachai Polite in the third round, they could still use some help on the edge. The Jets targeted Anthony Barr to be an impact player in their defense, but he reneged on a verbal agreement to return to the Minnesota Vikings for comparable money.

Polite has the potential to be an impact player, but relying on him to be their top edge rusher is a risky proposition for the Jets. Jordan Jenkins is a serviceable starter on one side, but the Jets could use an insurance policy on the other in case Polite isn’t ready to step into the spotlight.

Free agency at this point can lead to a lot of value deals, and one guy who fits this category as an edge rusher is Shane Ray. The former Bronco has battled injury problems the past two years, but is still just 26 years old and recorded an eight sack campaign in 2016, the last time he played a full 16 games.

Signing a guy like Ray is a smart buy-low move for the Jets, who need more production off the edge and haven’t had a true impact pass rusher since trading John Abraham to Atlanta in 2005. No one is saying that Ray is a lock to be that guy, but he is young enough that he could be a major bargain if he stays healthy.

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