The New York Jets could use some more weapons in their aerial attack, and cornerback Sauce Gardner thinks he sees a couple of potential solutions in free agency.
When a Jets’ fan account on X posed the question of which free agents the team should sign, Gardner responded with two big-name wide receivers in Calvin Ridley and Tee Higgins.
Now, the chances of New York signing both receivers are slim to none.
First of all, the Jets are going to have very limited salary cap space going into free agency (just under $8 million). Second, there would not be enough footballs to go around for a triumvirate of wide outs that would include Ridley, Higgins and Garrett Wilson.
But could Gang Green maybe land one of those two guys? Perhaps.
Of course, it would take some creativity on the part of the Jets’ front office, as, again, the team is really strapped for cash right now.
That being said, it became pretty clear this season that New York is in need of some depth behind Wilson at wide receiver, and with Aaron Rodgers returning in 2024, the Jets will probably be in the market for another pass-catcher this spring.
Ridley is coming off of a terrific season with the Jacksonville Jaguars. In 17 games, he hauled in 76 receptions for 1,016 yards and eight touchdowns.
Meanwhile, Higgins had a disappointing year with the Cincinnati Bengals, finishing with 42 catches for 656 yards and five scores. But, in Higgins’ defense, he dealt with some injury issues, and the Bengals were not exactly stable at quarterback due to Joe Burrow missing half the season.
How much say does Gardner have with Jets brass? Probably very little, if any at all, especially when it comes to making decisions on the offensive side of the ball.
However, making a play for one of Ridley or Higgins certainly makes sense for New York if it can get a firm handle on its cap status.
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