Adrian Amos highlights potential Jets free-agency class
Free agency begins March 15 at 4 p.m. ET
Positional needs for New York Jets: QB, OT, S, WR, interior OL
The Jets have $5,079,393 in effective cap space , but that number could rise to as much as $93,838,550 if the Jets used the maximum restructure allowed under the cap. Carl Lawson has a $15.7 million cap number if he's back in 2023, but the Jets would only incur a $333,333 dead cap penalty if they moved on from him. Corey Davis is another potential piece who could be easily moved to free up space.
Adrian Amos, free safety, Packers
Safety is a sneaky need for the Jets defense that finished fourth in scoring defense in 2022 (18.6 points/game).
Amos turns 30 in April. Amos isn't a traditional ballhawk - he has 10 career interceptions. Amos is a big safety, sound tackler. He had a career-high seven tackles-for-loss and a missed tackle rate of only 3.8% last season in 2022, per Pro Football Reference.
Amos would be an upgrade over Lamarcus Joyner, whose lack of size showed itself at times in the red zone and isolated coverage this season. Joyner is 32 years old and allowed a 110.6 passer rating in coverage despite his three interceptions.
Juan Thornhill, safety, Chiefs
The Jets defense could continue to ascend with upgrades to the safety position.
Kansas City's Juan Thornhill is a freak athlete. Thornhill had three interceptions in 2022, although has allowed passer ratings over 100 each of the last three seasons.
Thornhill has experience playing both down and deep safety and played some cornerback dating back to college. If New York values Thornhill's athleticism and the versatility, this could be a nice addition.
Mike McGlinchey, offensive tackle, 49ers
49ers right tackle Mike McGlinchey is set to hit free agency. He started 69 games across five seasons in San Francisco.
McGlinchey is a better run blocker than many options on the Jets' roster. He has his flaws and can be exposed by certain matchups, but the Jets need another offensive tackle, period.
The Jets have to pay Duane Brown, who turns 38 in August and carries a $11.2 million cap hit in 2023. Additionally, rookie Max Mitchell missed the end of the season with due to an issue with blood clots.
McGlinchey played right tackle in Kyle Shanahan's offensive scheme that parallels what New York does — and should still do so this year despite the offensive-coordinator changes.
The Jets should have more information about McGlinchey's specific strengths and weaknesses. Hopefully they have more insights about his potential fit after studying and signing guard Laken Tomlinson last season, who underwhelmed in his first year in New York.
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