The Jets are in the market for a starting right tackle on top of all of their other needs.
Free agent Austin Howard agreed to a five-year, $30 million deal with the Raiders late Tuesday night, according to a source. He will get $15 million guaranteed.
The Jets and Howard failed to reach a deal before free agency began Tuesday after negotiating for several weeks.
The team already is working on finding Howard’s replacement. Seahawks free agent Breno Giacomini is scheduled to visit Wednesday. The Jets also have inquired about Saints free agent tackle Zach Strief, according to a source.
Howard is not a household name, but he became a reliable player for the Jets. He supplanted Wayne Hunter as the starter at right tackle before the 2012 season. He started every game over the last two seasons.
The 26-year-old was the Jets’ top priority to re-sign, but the two sides never reached a deal after weeks of negotiations.
The Jets are interested in Jaguars free agent running back Maurice Jones-Drew, according to a source. The source said the Jets are trying to get Jones-Drew at their price, though, and it did not sound like they would budge.
Jones-Drew is a three-time All-Pro back but there are questions about how much he has left. He turns 29 later this month.
The Jets have concerns about depth at running back and plan to address the position either in free agency or the draft.
The Jets agreed to a long-term contract with kicker Nick Folk. The team had applied the franchise tag on Folk two weeks ago, but they kept working on a contract. The deal is for four years and about $12 million, with $2.1 million guaranteed, according to a source.
Folk, who has spent the past four seasons with the Jets, had his best year in 2013. He booted three game-winning field goals and made 33-of-36 field goals he attempted.
The Cowboys cut outside linebacker/defensive end DeMarcus Ware. He could draw interest from the Jets. Coach Rex Ryan is on record with his admiration for Ware. He once said the only thing worse than facing Bills linebacker Mario Williams was facing Ware.
Ware, 31, also played for Ryan’s brother Rob in Dallas, so he would have a scouting report.
Another ex-Cowboy to watch is WR Miles Austin, who the team reportedly will release. Austin, a New Jersey native, could be a fit for the Jets.