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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MIAMI, FL – NOVEMBER 04: Morris Claiborne #21 of the New York Jets in action against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium on November 4, 2018 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FL – NOVEMBER 04: Morris Claiborne #21 of the New York Jets in action against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium on November 4, 2018 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

2. Morris Claiborne

The Jets still have quite a few holes on their defense, but none may be bigger than the cornerback position. Trumaine Johnson was a massive bust in the first year of his deal, and at the moment Darryl Roberts is the other starter on the outside.

The Jets are surely hoping that Johnson will perform better under Gregg Williams, who was his defensive coordinator during his best years with the Los Angeles Rams, but relying on Roberts as the second corner is very risky. The only addition the Jets made in the secondary this spring has been former Falcon Brian Poole, who will replace the departed Buster Skrine as the nickel back.

One option that could make sense for the Jets is to simply re-sign Morris Claiborne, who is still a free agent. Claiborne has signed one-year deals with the Jets each of the past two years, where he has played 15 games and put up solid but unspectacular production from the cornerback position.

If Johnson performs better this season, a solid but unspectacular two in Claiborne would make sense for the Jets. Roberts may have a higher ceiling in the eyes of the brass at 1 Jets Drive, but he has a much lower floor than Claiborne, which is a risky proposition for a team without a surefire pass rush threat.

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