As we near closer to the start of free agency and the new year, the Jets have several holes to fill on their roster. Aside from the obvious one at quarterback, the Jets are going to be in the market for a wide receiver (assuming Davante Adams is released), tight end, right tackle, defensive tackle, corner, linebacker and two safeties. All of that is just positions of need. Never mind positions of want, like a replacement for Micheal Clemons or an upgrade along the offensive line for some depth.

In preparation for the start of free agency on March 12 (legal tampering period is March 10), ESPN NFL analyst released his list of “Best team fits for top 50 players”. On the list he has the Jets grabbing two of the top 50 players. Granted he has those players listed at 43 and 48 on the list, which shouldn’t be surprising. The Jets are currently projected to have almost $24 million in cap space, but all of that will change when Aaron Rodgers and likely Davante Adams come off the books.

The first player Bowen suggests as a fit for the Jets is safety Justin Reid from the Kansas City Chiefs.

Under new coach Aaron Glenn, Reid could drop the hammer as a downhill tackler and interchangeable safety for the Jets. Thanks to his vision and field awareness, Reid had 261 tackles, four sacks, three interceptions and 14 pass breakups over three years with the Chiefs. The Jets' 17 forced turnovers tied for 20th last season, so they need playmakers. – Matt Bowen, ESPN NFL Analyst

AtoZSports Kansas City Chiefs Writer and Conference Managing Editor Charles Goldman said this about Justin Reid: “Reid is a tone-setting tackler, vocal leader, and someone anyone should want on their football team. Will he ever lead the league in statistical categories for safety? Probably not. But he's going to give you mistake-free football snap-to-snap and game-to-game, which can really help to stabilize a defensive secondary. The bonus with Reid is that he's also dominant on special teams, working on the kick-block unit (a big part of the Chiefs' two blocked field goals in 2024). As a former soccer athlete, he can also kickoff and kick field goals, which probably has some appeal for a team like the Jets dealing with kicker injuries in 2024.”

I like this move for the Jets. There is an obvious need at the position and Reid has a championship pedigree and can bring some stability for a position that has been in flux for the team for the last few seasons. I think Reid could be a driving force in new defensive coordinator Steve Wilks’ defense.

Bowen’s second suggestion for the Jets is tight end Juwan Johnson from the New Orleans Saints.

Yes, the Jets must figure out their quarterback situation this offseason, but regardless of who is throwing the ball, Johnson would be an upgrade over free agent Tyler Conklin. Johnson posted the best numbers of his career in 2024, catching 50 of 65 targets for 548 yards and three touchdowns. He can work the interior seams with his 6-4 frame, and he gets loose on underneath throws. -Matt Bowen, ESPN NFL Analyst

The Jets don’t have anyone ready to step up and take the lead at the tight end position thanks to some poor drafting and worse player development, so they will need to address the position at some point this offseason. Still, this move is a bit of a head scratcher to me.

The Jets had Ty Conklin. They liked Ty Conklin. Ty Conklin likes being a Jet. Why change him out for essentially the same type of player? Conklin is only a year older than Johnson and is a great locker room presence. Making a change from Conklin to Johnson feels like a lateral move that doesn’t need to happen.

New GM Darren Mougey made his stance clear at his introductory press conference that the Jets would supplement in free agency and build through the draft. So, I wouldn’t look for the Jets to be big spenders. 

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