The NY Jets could look to sign back cornerback Darrelle Revis a year after trading him to the Buccaneers, as Tampa Bay released the corner on Wednesday and now they could look to bring him back to keep him away from the New England Patriots and as this goes on, the team continues to target free agents Eric Decker, Golden Tate, Michael Vick and Brandon Pettigrew and now Revis has signed with the New England Patriots.
According to Pro Football Talk, the Buccaneers made the expected move of releasing cornerback Darrelle Revis after a trade with the Oakland Raiders and Cleveland Browns did not work out. The Jets now get a fourth round pick in the original deal with the Buccaneers after acquiring a first round pick as well and now they could get their man back too. The report said that Revis was unwilling to change up his deal in a trade and now he could get a new deal and while he likely won't get paid $16 million, teams will be lining up for him.
Here is a look at the Jets in free agency, it will be updated as names continue to sign with teams. The NY Jets have some money to spend this offseason and with a lack of playmakers at the skill position, that is expected to be a main focus for the team in free agency and some names to watch include Golden Tate, Hakeem Nicks, Brandon Pettigrew, Eric Decker, Michael Vick, Darren McFadden, Ben Tate and Rashad Jennings as potential targets to sign.
The team could use upgrades at both tight end and wide receiver and while the Jets may re-sign Jeff Cumberland, they still could use to add more firepower and Pettigrew could be an affordable option and so could Jermichael Finley. ESPN.com reports that the Jets have about $20 million to work with this offseason under the salary cap and that couple put the team in position to chase multiple players. Golden Tate is one option the team could look for, as he would cost much less than Hakeem Nicks at wide receiver despite coming off of a Super Bowl championship. Tate was very solid for the Seahawks last season and he also can serve as a punt returner and special teams contributor, which the Jets always love.
Last season Tate made under $700,000 and made 64 receptions to lead the Seahawks for nearly 900 yards and ha also added five touchdowns and 14 yards per catch average. On returns he had 51 punts returned for 585 yards for a 10-yards plus average and he also was on the field for over 75 percent of the teams snaps with Sidney Rice and Percy Harvin dealing with injuries during the season. Tate will be 26 years old over the summer and he has good speed from the wideout position and according to ESPN.com, he was the league leader in yards after catch per reception with over seven yards and that is an element the team can add and Tate could come in at the range of $5 to $6 million per year.
The Jets were reportedly interested in Jeremy Maclin, but he opted to stay with the Eagles and the team could also look towards players like Hakeem Nicks, Eric Decker and Emmanuel Sanders, although the first two players could be out of range for the team. The Jets won't go crazy this offseason, but Nicks could be within their range and they could offer him the ability to stay where he is living now and coming off of two injury seasons he possibly could be had for less than many expect. Decker is likely leaving the Broncos if he wants to get paid on this contract and the Jets could be a destination, while Sanders is a fast receiver that could add a breakout element to the Jets offense.
Pettigrew could be a nice option at tight end if the team lets Cumberland leave, as he was one of the most productive players on offense for the team last season. McFadden, Tate and Jennings could be options in the running game, while Michael Vick has been a rumored option to compete with Geno Smith at quarterback.
