Even after re-signing Josh McCown to a one-year, $10 million deal and plucking running back Isaiah Crowell off the market, the Jets still have money to spend and no Kirk Cousins to spend it on.
So where can the Jets spend that money now? Well, despite the feeling from fans the Jets are doing nothing at the start of free agency, there are still plenty of players available. Here is a look at what general manager Mike Maccagnan could do to spend some of that money:
1. Address quarterback: The Jets reportedly are negotiating a deal with Teddy Bridgewater. Coming off a gruesome knee injury that cost him the last two seasons, Bridgewater is not going to get big money. The Jets likely could sign him for $8-$10 million for a one- or two-year deal and have him compete with McCown for the starting job.
2. Land a top cornerback:Â With Malcolm Butler on the verge of signing a five-year deal with the Titans, according to NFL Network, Trumaine Johnson remains as an option on the open market. The Jets currently only have slot corner Buster Skrine as a starter under contract. Landing one of the top corners would cost $14-$15 million per year probably. They also should re-sign Morris Claiborne, who could get about $9 million a year.
3. Get a center: The Jets’ offensive line is not as bad as everyone makes it out to be, but they need an upgrade at center. Weston Richburg is reportedly signing with the 49ers, but Ryan Jensen of the Ravens is still out there. Jensen figures to get around $9 million per season and would fill the hole in the middle of the Jets’ line.
4. Land Lewis: The Jets would prefer to draft a running back, but Dion Lewis is a back who intrigues them. He would go for about $5 million a year.
Making those moves gets you down to a little more than $20 million a year, leaving you money to make a few smaller moves, sign your draft picks and have some money left over for the season.
See, Maccagnan, it’s easy to spend Christopher and Woody Johnson’s money.