These teams could end up releasing FS targets for the New York Jets
Entering the 2022 offseason, the safety position was one of the most glaring needs on the New York Jets roster. Joe Douglas did a great job at strong safety by signing Jordan Whitehead in free agency. At free safety, there was no significant investment between free agency or the draft.
The team re-signed experienced veterans Lamarcus Joyner and Will Parks. There is a plethora of youth in second and third-year players Ashtyn Davis, Jason Pinnock, and Elijah Riley.
Acquiring a free safety that can provide an immediate substantial upgrade would complete the offseason overhaul in the secondary. For the defense to improve, the Jets could use all the help they can possibly get on the backend.
Following a league-wide review of each depth chart, I saw multiple intriguing players who could be buried on the depth chart of their current team, leading to the possibility of them soon being available on the open market.
Julian Blackmon, Indianapolis Colts
The Indianapolis Colts drafted Julian Blackmon in the third round of the 2020 draft. He showed promise as a rookie with two interceptions and six passes defended. Last season, he started six games before a torn Achilles.
At safety, the Colts already had Khari Willis before adding two new players this offseason. They signed Rodney McLeod and drafted Nick Cross in the third round, leading to the possibility of Blackmon being available.
Will Harris, Detroit Lions
Will Harris was drafted by the Lions in the third round of the 2019 NFL draft. He offers height (6-foot-1) and speed (4.41 40). Harris has played in 49 career games and started all 17 last season.
The Lions re-signed Tracy Walker this offseason. They signed Design Elliott as a free agent. In the draft, they added Kerby Joseph in the third round.
On the final year of his rookie contract, Harris may end up on the market.
Terrell Burgess, Los Angeles Rams
The Los Angeles Rams have Jordan Fuller and Taylor Rapp as their projected starters at safety. Nick Scott also saw his role increase drastically a season ago.
Terrell Burgess was drafted by the Rams in the third round of the 2020 NFL Draft. To this point, he has only played 139 snaps defensively. Burgess will turn 24 in November and was a solid prospect not too long ago.
P.J. Williams, New Orleans Saints
The New Orleans Saints probably have the deepest secondary in the NFL.
P.J. Williams’ role is an unknown. On the outside at cornerback, the Saints have Marshon Lattimore, Paulson Adebo, and Bradley Roby. They have versatile players in C.J. Gardner-Johnson and Tyrann Mathieu.
Along with Mathieu, the Saints added two other safeties this offseason in Marcus Maye and Daniel Sorensen. To finish it with the draft, they selected cornerback Alontae Taylor in the second round.
Williams is an eight-year veteran who offers versatility. He has played both safety positions in his career while also lining up at both slot cornerback and outside cornerback.
Juan Thornhill, Kansas City Chiefs
Juan Thornhill was a second-round pick for the Chiefs in 2019. He has played 49 games over his three seasons. As he enters the final year of his rookie contract, the team signed Justin Reid to a three-year deal this offseason and drafted Bryan Cook in the second round, leading to a possibility of Thornhill becoming available through a trade.
