This is the sixth in a nine-part series examining the Jets’ needs position by position with free agency starting on Tuesday.
Defensive line
Currently on roster:
Muhammad Wilkerson
Age: 24
2013 stats: 63 tackles, 10 ½ sacks, 2 forced fumbles, 1 interception
Sheldon Richardson
Age: 23
2013 stats: 78 tackles, 3 ½ sacks, 1 forced fumble
Damon Harrison
Age: 25
2013 stats: 66 tackles, 1 sack
Leger Douzable
Age: 27
2013 stats: 20 tackles, 1 ½ sacks
Kenrick Ellis
Age: 26
2013 stats: 16 tackles
Tevita Finau
Age: 28
2013 stats: N/A
T.J. Barnes
Age: 23
2013 stats: N/A
2014 free agents: Douzable
Overview: This has become the best unit on the Jets. Led by Wilkerson, this group was one of the few sure things the Jets had in 2013.
Wilkerson emerged last season as the force the Jets thought he would be. He was a beast and earned second-team All-Pro honors. He is the best player on the Jets now and should only get better.
Drafting Richardson in the first round seemed strange at the time since the Jets already had Wilkerson and Quinton Coples, but it looked like a genius move once the season began. Richardson was a force and was named Defensive Rookie of the Year. Richardson was a great run stuffer as a rookie and showed signs that he will develop into a pass rusher over time.
Harrison was the biggest surprise of the season. He entered training camp as Ellis’ backup at nose tackle, but took over the job when Ellis was injured in camp. He never gave it back. He was one of the best nose tackles in football and gave the Jets a huge push up the middle.
Offseason priority rating (1 to 5 with 5 being the highest priority): 1
Possible targets: Cheap backups
Costello’s call: There is not much tinkering to be done here. This unit is young and rock solid.
One thing I think Idzik should do is lock Wilkerson up long term. The Jets can pick up a 2015 option on Wilkerson, but I think Idzik should send a message that the organization rewards good, young players instead of making Wilkerson play out his rookie deal. Wilkerson is slated to make just $1.2 million this year, way under what he is worth.
Douzable is the only free agent from the group. He proved to be a solid backup and should be brought back if he is not looking for a starting role or starter’s money.
Coming Thursday: Linebackers