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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DETROIT, MI – NOVEMBER 17: Amari Cooper #19 of the Dallas Cowboys runs after the catch during the game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field on November 17, 2019 in Detroit, Michigan. The Cowboys defeated the Lions 35-27. (Photo by Rob Leiter/Getty Images) /

3. WR Amari Cooper

There is plenty to do for Joe Douglas this winter, but one thing he can’t forget about is finding weapons for Sam Darnold. The Jets were pretty thin at the skill positions a year ago, and Darnold’s top target, wide receiver Robby Anderson, is set to become a free agent.

Anderson figures to command a big money deal in free agency that may be more than Douglas feels that he is worth. If the Jets are unwilling to spend the money for Anderson, they could look to upgrade at a similar price point by bringing in Amari Cooper.

The Cowboys’ offense took off once Jerry Jones traded a first round pick to the Raiders for Cooper in the middle of 2018. Cooper ably filled the shoes of the departed Dez Bryant as Dak Prescott’s top target, showing the ability to run all kinds of routes and make contested catches over the middle.

The Cowboys will make a full-court press to retain Cooper, but the issue they have is that they also have to sign Prescott long term. If Prescott doesn’t have a new contract by mid-February, the Cowboys will have to use the franchise tag on him, ensuring Cooper makes it to true free agency.

There are few elite options at the receiver position in free agency, and the Jets need to land one in order to help Darnold take the next step in his development. Adding a proven no. 1 receiver in Cooper would be a massive boost for the young signal caller as he looks to ascend to franchise quarterback status.

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