New York Jets free agency 2020: Top 5 targets

ORCHARD PARK, NY - DECEMBER 29: New York Jets Quarterback Sam Darnold (14) throws the ball during the first half of the National Football League game between the New York Jets and the Buffalo Bills on December 29, 2019, at New Era Field in Orchard Park, NY. (Photo by Gregory Fisher/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

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Byron Jones, Dallas Cowboys. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /

4. CB Byron Jones

Another big area that the Jets have to address is their secondary. While Marcus Maye and Jamal Adams were a lethal duo at safety, the cornerback position was a nightmare after Douglas’ predecessor, Mike Maccagnan, failed to adequately address it a year ago.

Trumaine Johnson was a massive bust after getting handed a $72 million contract while Darryl Roberts flopped after being handed a starting job. The Jets will likely move on from both, leaving them in need of starting quality corners.

One of the best options on the market is Byron Jones, who was Second Team All Pro in 2018 and is set to become a free agent at age 27. The Dallas Cowboys would no doubt like to retain Jones, but they have a few big free contracts to hand out, so Jones could get squeezed out of the fold here.

The Johnson contract may still sting the Jets, who have to absorb a $12 million cap hit to move on, but Jones has been a more consistent performer than Johnson ever was. The Jets do have a few intriguing youngsters at the position, including sixth round pick Bless Austin, but they need a top cover guy with a bunch of elite quarterbacks on the schedule in 2020.

Jones can certainly fill those shoes for the Jets, and signing him would allow them to save a bullet in the draft for a position of greater need. There is always risk with spending big bucks on a corner in free agency, but Maccagnan’s inexcusable neglect of the position has left Douglas in a bad spot.

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