Bargain Hunters: 5 Free Agents Jets should target

  • Vonta Leach FB: 
    The Jets need a good fullback for their "ground and pound" offense

    The Jets need a good fullback for their “ground and pound” offense

    There is no question that the New York Jets love to run the football. However, in today’s game your more likely to find great fullbacks in a museum exhibit rather than on the field. Vonta Leach is a three-time pro bowler who is not only an excellent blocker but who can also be a great short yardage back. While Tommy Bohanon had an average rookie season, he still struggled at times throughout the season and has a lot to improve on. Bringing in Leach could do two things for Bohanon. Either push him to take the starting job or give him a mentor next season. Leach still has plenty of gas in the tank, and in the right system could be a Pro Bowler once again. Low risk, high reward type of signing.

  • Jermichael Finley TE: 
    Working back from a nasty injury Finley could be a solid backup

    Working back from a nasty injury Finley could be a solid backup

    The Jets may have picked Jace Amaro in the Draft, but still could use some depth at tight end. Jeff Cumberland is a solid backup player but Finley could be a good rotational tight end and help round out the Jets tight ends. While it remains to be seen if he can come back from his injury, the Jets should at least invite him to camp to see what he has. With 20 career touchdown catches and only 27 years old, he could be a steal for the right price. Geno Smith needs weapons and Finley could be a nice piece to New York’s offensive puzzle.

 

  • London Fletcher: LB 
    London Fletcher 1 Father Time 0

    London Fletcher 1 Father Time 0

    I can hear the criticism already. London Fletcher? He’s 39 years old! Why should the Jets pick him up? True he maybe old, but Fletcher can still play. Now I am not saying he should be a full-time starter, but Fletcher could be a great rotational linebacker. The middle linebacking position is thin in terms of depth for the Jets and London Fletcher’s ability to stay healthy, he has not missed a game in over a decade, would make him an excellent backup. Not to mention he’s had over a hundred tackles every year he’s played. He maybe old but he is reliable. Also, Fletcher may not be a game changer on the field, but there is no question that he is a great leader. He could become the voice and general of the Jets defense and whose presence would be more meaningful than his own production.

  • Asante Samuel CB: 
    An experienced corner who could push for a starting role

    An experienced corner who could push for a starting role

    He may be 33, but Samuel still is a solid man coverage corner. In a defense with a lot of questions at corner, it wouldn’t hurt to invite Samuel to camp to try to make the roster. His press cover skills are very good which fits the Rex Ryan defensive mold. He may not find the fountain of youth and be a pro bowler again, but Samuel could be a good number 2 or 3 corner in Ryan’s system. One thing that Samuel still does exceptionally is make plays in the secondary, something Gang Green has severely been lacking.

  • Jim Leonhard: FS 
    A reunion in New York

    A reunion in New York

    When the Jets released Jim Leonhard two years ago it was because of lingering questions about his health. Two years later Leonhard is available for Rex Ryan to bring back. He may not be an every down starter any more, but Leonhard is a great veteran presence in the secondary. With first round pick Calvin Pryor at strong safety, Leonhard could be a good mentor for Pryor and Antonio Allen. While I do like Antonio Allen, the presence of Jim Leonhard as a rotational player and knowing the ins and outs of Ryan’s defense could make Leonhard a great teacher. As a third safety Leonhard provides good depth in the secondary in case of an injury and can still make plays even with limited snaps on the field. This could be a nice move to get some veteran presence in the secondary.

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