5 more players the New York Jets should trade before the deadline

2. WR Jamison Crowder

Crowder had 78 receptions last season for the Jets, as Sam Darnold peppered him with targets when the young quarterback was healthy. Crowder missed two games early this season with a hamstring issue, but he has double-digit targets in all four games he has played with 29 receptions on 46 targets. Given the Jets’ ineptitude offensively, Crowder’s three 100-yard games this year especially stand out.

Imagine what Crowder could do with better talent around him, and more specifically a better quarterback (or least one that’s put in position to succeed). He’s not a vertical threat, but he is a reliable high-volume target out of the slot with some shake after the catch.

Crowder is under contract through 2021. But the cap hit for next year ($11.5 million) is not astronomical, and the guaranteed salary in his deal goes away after this year. If it doesn’t work out over the rest of this year for a new team, they can cut bait and clear $10.5 million in cap space for next year.

The list of contending teams who could use a wide receiver is long–the Baltimore Ravens, Green Bay Packers, Indianapolis Colts, Philadelphia Eagles and San Francisco 49ers are a good start. So the Jets have to consider cashing in on a robust market with Crowder, even it means removing the best offensive weapon they have.