So sad :Jets GM talks about how jets are running out of options for top receiver targets.

Jets are running out of options for top receiver targets.

 

 

Another wide receiver was signed on Monday, further reducing the available options just a week before NFL free agency begins.

 

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers reached an agreement with veteran Mike Evans on a reported two-year, $52 million contract, ensuring he remains with the team and off the free-agent market.

 

Evans is the most recent wide receiver to come off the market, and there may be more signings to come.

 

The Cincinnati Bengals utilized the franchise tag on Tee Higgins, while the Indianapolis Colts are anticipated to tag Michael Pittman Jr. before Tuesday’s deadline if a long-term deal is not reached.

 

With the free-agent negotiating window set to open at noon next Monday, the

situation poses challenges for the Jets, who are seeking a strong complement to emerging star Garrett Wilson.

If Pittman receives the anticipated franchise tag, Calvin Ridley would stand as the top receiver projected to enter free agency.

The Jacksonville Jaguars are unlikely to re-sign Ridley prior to the start of free agency, as doing so would upgrade the

Falcons’ compensation from a third-round pick to a second-round pick in their trade agreement.

It’s a strategic move for Jacksonville to delay, even if it presents opportunities for teams such as the Jets. For the Jets, the question revolves around how

aggressively to pursue Ridley in the bidding process. Despite Ridley’s impressive performance of 1,016 yards

and eight touchdowns last season, he comes with some off-field concerns, including a suspension for gambling in

the 2022 season. However, with prices skyrocketing in the receiver market, it’s expected that Ridley’s value will be significant.

 

The recent contract extension for Evans, averaging $26 million per season, raised eyebrows on Monday. Pittman is

anticipated to command even more, likely exceeding $20 million per season once negotiations with the Colts are finalized.

Would it be prudent for the Jets to allocate resources towards top-tier receivers, or would it make more sense to allocate those funds towards

strengthening the offensive line and acquiring less expensive wide receivers or potentially drafting one in the third round?

 

Following Calvin Ridley, there is a noticeable decline in the market. The subsequent tier of receivers includes

Marquise “Hollywood” Brown, Gabriel Davis, Darnell Mooney, Tyler Boyd, and Odell Beckham Jr. These players are

expected to command contracts in the range of $10 million to $15 million per year, which might be a more feasible option for the Jets.

Joe Douglas faced challenges in the wide receiver market last season when he signed Allen Lazard to what was deemed an overpriced contract. Despite a four-year, $44 million deal, Lazard’s

performance fell short, catching only 23 passes, with just one touchdown, and being inactive for three late-season games.

One wonders if this experience will influence Douglas’s approach as he considers delving into the wide receiver

market again. Notably, Marquise “Hollywood” Brown has a connection with the Jets’ new wide receivers coach,

Shawn Jefferson, having played under him in 2022 with the Cardinals. Jefferson’s assessment of Brown is likely to heavily influence the Jets’ interest in him.

Last April, the Jets pursued Odell Beckham Jr. at the request of Aaron Rodgers. While it’s improbable that Rodgers’ opinion of Beckham has

changed, Beckham’s underwhelming season with the Ravens, recording 35 catches for 565 yards and three touchdowns, may temper their pursuit.

Douglas may opt for a more economical free agency option before targeting a secondary wide receiver in the draft. With this year’s draft class boasting depth at the receiver position, the Jets

could look to utilize their first-round pick on a tackle and potentially draft a receiver in the third round, considering they currently lack a second-round selection.

 

While the Las Vegas Raiders are not expected to trade Davante Adams, as previously speculated, surprises can

happen in the wide receiver market, as seen with the unexpected trade of Tyreek Hill by the Kansas City Chiefs two years ago.

Navigating the wide receiver landscape will undoubtedly present Douglas with challenges and unexpected developments in the weeks ahead.

 

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