These NFL free agents would improve the New York Jets’ depth charts at wide receiver and offensive tackle
We recently took a look at players the New York Jets could potentially land from other rosters at their three biggest positions of need in the starting lineup: defensive tackle, linebacker, and safety. Today, we will look at currently available players who could add depth at two of the positions where the Jets need it most: wide receiver and offensive tackle.
When assessing the offensive depth chart Joe Douglas has built, there are not too many major concerns at the moment. The starters are set across the board. The depth at quarterback, running back, tight end, and on the interior of the offensive line is adequate.
In terms of backups, wide receiver and offensive tackle are the two greatest question marks around Zach Wilson. It is fair to say that the Jets view the third offensive tackle spot as a need considering they brought in Riley Reiff on a visit last week.
Along with Reiff, here are a few possible veterans on the receiver and tackle market who could fit.
Wide receivers
It is unlikely the Jets show interest in highly successful veterans looking for more of a starting role, such as Julio Jones, Odell Beckham Jr., Cole Beasley, Emmanuel Sanders, and T.Y. Hilton.
Two players with a specific skill set who could be used situationally, both under the age of 30, are Will Fuller and Adam Humphries. Fuller will be 28 years old this upcoming season and Humphries will turn 29 later this month.
After injuries caused him to play in 19 games over 2019-20, Humphries bounced back last year. He played all 17 games and totaled 658 snaps. Over 62 targets, Humphries caught 41 passes for 383 yards. Out of his 41 catches, 23 went for first downs.
Humphries brings a true slot presence, which the Jets lost in Jamison Crowder. He is a veteran who could be utilized on third down and can move the chains.
Fuller only played in 65 snaps over two games last season. In 2020, he had his best year in terms of catches (53), yards (879), and touchdowns (8). Fuller would add great speed and a deep-threat presence to the Jets’ offense. He could fit well with the strong arm of Zach Wilson.
Offensive tackles
Based on their older age and starting status throughout their career, players such as Duane Brown, Jason Peters, Nate Solder, and Bryan Bulaga are likely not options.
The Jets brought in Riley Reiff a few days ago. One player on the market who is similar to Reiff is Eric Fisher. Both are former first-round picks, over 30, and as a result of battling recent injuries, may now be valued more in a swing role.
A few more free-agent options for the Jets include Daryl Williams, Bobby Massie, Marcus Cannon, Kendall Lamm, Sam Tevi, Mike Remmers, and Cameron Fleming.
Tevi is the only player from that group younger than 30. He is coming off a torn ACL injury from last August. Williams, Lamm, and Fleming will play the 2022 season at 30 years old.
Williams started all 33 games for the Bills the last two seasons, accumulating 2,220 snaps. He offers tackle and guard versatility. Massie started 13 games a season ago, the most for him since 2018. He has 123 career starts over 10 NFL seasons, with 7,918 snaps.
Both Cannon and Remmers have played 10 NFL seasons and are coming off seasons in which they were placed on injured reserve. Considering age, Cannon (34) and Remmers (33) are both ideally swing tackles at this point of their careers.
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Great read, Ryan. Thanks! Will Fuller has enough boom potential that he is possibly worth a look. Do you think Dax Milne could get a shot if he becomes available?