Fansided

5 targets for Jets in 2022 NFL free agency

By Mike Phillips

TAMPA, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 19: Marshon Lattimore #23 and Marcus Williams #43 of the New Orleans Saints celebrate after a loose ball recovery during the 3rd quarter of the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on December 19, 2021 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 19: Marshon Lattimore #23 and Marcus Williams #43 of the New Orleans Saints celebrate after a loose ball recovery during the 3rd quarter of the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on December 19, 2021 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
5 of 5
Next
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – NOVEMBER 14: Marcus Williams #43 of the New Orleans Saints intercepts a pass in the end zone that is called back by a penalty during a game against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium on November 14, 2021, in Nashville, Tennessee. The Titans defeated the Saints 23-21. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – NOVEMBER 14: Marcus Williams #43 of the New Orleans Saints intercepts a pass in the end zone that is called back by a penalty during a game against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium on November 14, 2021, in Nashville, Tennessee. The Titans defeated the Saints 23-21. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /

1. Top free agent targets for the New York Jets – S Marcus Williams

The defense is in need of an overhaul for the Jets with the biggest area of concern being at safety. Marcus Maye, who was franchise-tagged last offseason, regressed before suffering an Achilles’ injury and is unlikely to be retained while LaMarcus Joyner appeared in one game before being lost for the season.

Add in the fact that 2020 third-round pick Ashtyn Davis failed to seize a starting job and it makes the safety position a disaster for the Jets. Fortunately for New York, there are a trio of high-quality safeties set to hit the market, with the headliner being New Orleans’ Marcus Williams.

Like Maye, Williams was franchise-tagged last year, but he stayed healthy and delivered an excellent season. Williams racked up 74 tackles, two interceptions and eight passes defensed while being the heart of the New Orleans defense at age 25.

The Saints are officially in cap hell and likely to stop kicking the can down the road with both Drew Brees and Sean Payton gone so they may sacrifice their chance at retaining Williams in the process. This is good news for the Jets, who have money to burn and a clear need to make Williams the centerpiece of a rebuilt secondary over the winter.

Next. Top 10 Super Bowl 57 favorites. dark

Home/New York Jets