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New York Jets free agency 2021: Top 5 targets

By Mike Phillips

The Jets practice at the Atlantic Health Jets Training Center in Florham Park on Tuesday, June 11, 2019. General Manager Joe Douglas.Delbarton Vs West Morris
The Jets practice at the Atlantic Health Jets Training Center in Florham Park on Tuesday, June 11, 2019. General Manager Joe Douglas.Delbarton Vs West Morris /
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BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – DECEMBER 20: Linebacker Matthew Judon #99 of the Baltimore Ravens looks on prior to the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at M&T Bank Stadium on December 20, 2020 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – DECEMBER 20: Linebacker Matthew Judon #99 of the Baltimore Ravens looks on prior to the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at M&T Bank Stadium on December 20, 2020 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images) /

2. Jets free agent targets: EDGE Matthew Judon

There aren’t as many clear defensive needs for the Jets but one that has haunted the franchise for a long time is edge rusher. The Jets have been seeking a dominant pass rusher since trading John Abraham to the Atlanta Falcons in 2005, churning through a combination of underperforming veterans and draft busts to try and patch that hole.

One player who could neatly fill that hole is Judon, who Douglas is familiar with from his days working with the Baltimore Ravens. The Jets were interested in Judon last winter, when he was coming off a 9.5 sack season with Baltimore, but had to move on after the Ravens slapped him with the franchise tag.

There is a better chance that Judon shakes free this winter since Baltimore traded for Yannick Ngakoue in-season. Ngakoue is also a free agent and is four years younger than Judon so the Ravens may tag him while letting Judon test the market.

Pass rushers don’t grow on trees so the Jets would need to pay up to ensure that Judon lands in Florham Park. Considering how badly this unit needs a pure pass rusher it makes all the sense in the world to sign Judon.

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