As you all know, the last five years haven’t been too kind to the New York Jets; last season was no different.
They actually had a good season for their standards in 2019, finishing 7-9. This was made possible by Sam Darnold, who went 6-2 to end the season. Darnold showed glimpses of immense talent at that point of the season, making it apparent that he can only get better if awarded with better weapons around him.
It was extremely clear that the Jets did not have much of an offensive line, coupled with a lack of game-changing receivers in general. Between the draft and this year’s free agency class, the Jets must seek out a large amount of help in those areas.
It is expected that the Jets will take Alabama standout receiver Jerry Jeudy in the first round of this year’s draft. Jeudy, 20 years old, had 1,163 receiving yards on 77 receptions –– 10 of which were touchdowns –– for the Alabama Crimson Tide. He would potentially be able to replace the production that presumptive free agent subtraction Robby Anderson gave the Jets.
The Jets will also need to gather more receivers, but preferably a veteran star. One name that has been linked to them is Amari Cooper, formerly of the now Las Vegas Raiders and Dallas Cowboys. Copper had 1,189 receiving yards, eight touchdowns across 79 receptions for the Dallas Cowboys. The latter of the two will likely not have the cap room to retain Cooper which would allow him to depart in free agency.
In his career, Cooper has 357 career receptions for 5,097 yards and 33 receiving touchdowns in 77 games –– averaging 14.3 yards per reception. The last time the Jets had a season with a receiver north of 1,100 yards was with Brandon Marshall in 2015 when he had 1,502.
As you see, the Jets have not had a quality receiver in a while and it would seem time for them to find one to help out what they hope is their quarterback of the future in Sam Darnold. The Jets should look to sign the 25-year-old Cooper to at least a four-year deal so that he would be more likely to take the team seriously considering their lapses.
The Jets should definitely look for more pieces in free agency to help Darnold flourish and blossom into a top-tier quarterback. Names like Danny Amendola, Travis Benjamin, Chester Rogers, among many others should be considered in the receiving game in addition to Cooper.
