NFL free agency is off and running, and we’re keeping track of every major signing, trade and release of the 2021 offseason, with analysis from our NFL Nation reporters and grades from our experts. The new league year begins March 17 at 4 p.m. ET, which means free-agent signings can be made official after that. The first round of the 2021 NFL draft begins April 29 on ESPN.
The New York Jets addressed three big needs in Day 1 by agreeing to contracts with defensive end Carl Lawson, wide receiver Corey Davis and linebacker Jarrad Davis. They’re only 26 years old (opening-day age), with Lawson and Corey Davis coming off their best years. The Jets still have work to do at guard, running back and cornerback. Then, of course, there’s the lightning-rod position — quarterback. Sam Darnold is in limbo, but his replacement likely won’t come via free agency. The Jets have nine draft picks, including five in the first three rounds, which reduces the pressure to address every hole in free agency.
Here’s a breakdown of every 2021 NFL free-agent signing by the Jets, and how each will impact the upcoming season:
Lawson will receive a three-year, $45 million deal, a source told ESPN. His $15 million-a-year average makes him the highest-paid player on the team.
What it means: The last time the Jets made a significant financial investment in an edge player was 2008 (Calvin Pace). They had to do something because Saleh’s 4-3 scheme demands a pass-rushing presence at defensive end. Lawson is a quick-twitch rusher who can line up alongside defensive tackle Quinnen Williams, giving Saleh an inside-outside combo. Lawson recorded 38 pressures from right end/right outside linebacker in 2020, the most in the NFL. He’s an ascending player.
What’s the risk: The Jets paid huge bucks ($30 million guaranteed) for Lawson, who was a situation player for the first three years of his career. In 2020, Lawson became an every-down player for the first time and finished with 5.5 sacks. He has 20 sacks in four years, hardly an eye-popping amount — but welcome to life in the edge-rusher market. They’re hard to find and cost a premium. Lawson is known for his relentless style, and that’s the mentality Saleh is trying to create on both sides of the ball.
What it means: It’s a starting-caliber receiver for Sam Darnold — or whomever plays quarterback in 2021. Davis is in the Denzel Mims mold, giving them two 6-foot-3 receivers on the outside. That should help with contested balls. The issue with Davis is … well, he has underachieved. Drafted fifth overall in 2017, he has yet to reach 1,000 yards in a season. He was supposed to be the Titans’ WR1, but he lost that to A.J. Brown. Davis perked up last season after the Titans declined his fifth-year option — 64 catches, 984 yards and five TDs. He had an impressive 71% catch rate. Is that his ceiling or the start of a career turnaround?
What’s the risk: There’s considerable risk, considering the guarantee — $27 million, which ranks ninth among wide receivers (pre-free agency). That’s a lot of money for a player who hasn’t reached expectations. Essentially, the Jets are betting on potential over past performance. That can be dicey in free agency, especially when it’s tied to one good, if not stellar season. It’s a daring move by general manager Joe Douglas, who evidently didn’t want to jump into the Kenny Golladay sweepstakes.
The Jets have agreed to terms on a one-year, $7 million contract with the former Detroit Lions linebacker, a source told ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
What it means: To say the Jets were desperate for a linebacker would be an understatement. It was their thinnest position on the roster, and that’s saying something. But here’s the catch: Their only proven holdover, C.J. Mosley, plays the same position as Davis — middle linebacker. They could keep both and slide Davis to outside linebacker in the 4-3 front, but the Jets are open to trading Mosley, sources said. They would love to unload Mosley’s onerous contract, but it won’t be easy because it still contains $14 million in fully guaranteed money over the next two years. This move to add Davis feels like the Jets are ready to move on from the disappointing Mosley.
What’s the risk: There’s not much risk in a one-year contract, albeit for a healthy $7 million. Davis, a first-round pick in 2017, is a run-and-hit linebacker. His coverage skills are poor, but he is effective as a blitzer (10.5 career sacks). He fell out of favor with Detroit’s previous coaching staff and was benched last season; he played 29% of the defensive snaps. Ex-coach Matt Patricia never figured out how to use him. Davis is a team-oriented player with a good work ethic. Saleh has big plans for him; Davis is the first signing of the Saleh era.