NFL free agency grades: How did each team do?

New York Jets

Whereas the Miami Dolphins, Buffalo Bills, and New England Patriots all made headlines in the first wave of NFL free agency for a number of reasons, the New York Jets were the AFC East’s most quiet team in this period.

Part of that is because they struck out on Chris Harris Jr., who chose to jump from the Denver Broncos to the rival Los Angeles Chargers, but part of that is in their approach. The Jets focused more on beefing up the offensive line in front of Sam Darnold, which is a prudent strategy. Darnold clearly needs help beyond the people he’s throwing it to.

George Fant was the biggest signing of the bunch, earning a three-year deal worth $30 million to start at one of the tackle positions. The Jets also signed quality interior lineman Connor McGovern from Denver and retained Alex Lewis, while letting Brandon Shell walk. (Shell joined the Seattle Seahawks and essentially swapped places with Fant, though Fant is the superior player.)

The Jets will likely end up keeping deep threat Robby Anderson, as the speedster’s market has proven to be far less robust than he probably hoped. In the end, that’s a win for the Jets, since Anderson is a highly useful playmaker for Darnold and one of the few skill position players of note in New York.

It’s hard to give the Jets overwhelmingly positive marks, but they did well to focus on the line and avoid making any risky signings. Their focus will be on adding stars in the draft and finally taking a slow-but-steady approach. But if the right blockbuster move appears closer to the draft, the Jets have spared the capital to jump.

Grade: B