Multiple New York Jets free agent targets come off the board due to franchise tags

One of the greatest offseason traditions for New York Jets fans is the process of falling in love with a prospective free agent only for him to never even hit the open market.

Rejoice, Jets fans: it’s that time of year once again.

The NFL’s franchise-tag deadline is today (March 8) at 4 p.m. ET. Reports are flying in regarding which big-time free agents are being retained by their teams on the franchise tag.

One of the most popular Jets free agent targets, Dallas Cowboys tight end Dalton Schultz, will be tagged, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.

Schultz is not the only big name who will be prevented from hitting the open market at the tight end position. Mike Gesicki of the Miami Dolphins and David Njoku of the Cleveland Browns will also be tagged. It’s a big hit for the Jets, who have a massive need at the tight end position.

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Safety is another position where the Jets are supremely needy, and that market lost a big name, too. Cincinnati Bengals safety Jessie Bates is expected to be tagged.

Keeping the pain going for New York, there are three excellent wide receivers expected to be tagged: Green Bay’s Davante Adams, Tampa Bay’s Chris Godwin, and the L.A. Chargers’ Mike Williams.

All of this news is per ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

With star-caliber options dwindling, Joe Douglas and company may have to pivot their attention to some of the lower-tier free-agent options at their positions of great need.