New York Jets fans are starved for some hope. The team hasn't enjoyed a winning season since 2010 and each of its past two high round quarterback picks - Mark Sanchez and Geno Smith - have failed to develop into real difference makers.
The Jets won't find their quarterback of the future in free agency this offseason, but the team could at least add some much needed talent to its roster. New York is expected to have almost $55 million in salary cap space, and that number could rise if the team parts ways with wide receiver Percy Harvin ($10.5 million cap hit in 2015).
"Former Jets GM John Idzik didn't add a ton of building-block players to the Jets, but he did leave the team with a healthy cap situation," ESPN NFL Insider Field Yates wrote. "While immediate needs for new GM Mike Maccagnan and head coach Todd Bowles start with quarterback and cornerback, the team would be well-served to lock up its best defensive player (Muhammad Wilkerson) sooner rather than later, as he's under contract for one more season. [Adam] Schefter already has indicated that the Jets would be interested in [Darrelle] Revis if he becomes available on the open market, and from the dot-connecting department, it would be easy to envision a pursuit of former Jets Antonio Cromartie, who played well for Bowles in Arizona last season."
Another defensive back that the Jets might be interested in is New England Patriots safety Devin McCourty, who will also become an unrestricted free agent later this month. New York may want to look at running back as well after releasing veteran Chris Johnson. Chris Ivory had a fine season for the team last year but getting a speed back on the depth chart to serve as a change-of-pace option wouldn't hurt.
Free agency will officially open on March 10.
