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5 Players New York Jets Must Target In 2016 NFL Free Agency

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The New York Jets will enter the 2016 free agent period with around $20 million in salary cap space and some fairly big holes to fill. There are free agents at major positions and contracts that will need to be restructured. The Jets will have a very active offseason as they try to improve upon the 10-6 finish and get back to the playoffs. Even though it is early and a lot can happen, these are five players the Jets should target in free agency.

5. Muhammad Wilkerson, DT

Muhammad Wilkerson, DT Getty Images
He is due for a big payday and the Jets probably can’t afford him, but that doesn’t mean every effort shouldn’t be made to retain their defensive front leader. The Jets can’t afford him right now with all of the other holes they will need to fill, but they can’t afford to lose him either. It will be interesting to see what Mike Maccagnan does with Wilkerson.

He is due for a big payday and the Jets probably can’t afford him, but that doesn’t mean every effort shouldn’t be made to retain their defensive front leader. The Jets can’t afford him right now with all of the other holes they will need to fill, but they can’t afford to lose him either. It will be interesting to see what Mike Maccagnan does with Wilkerson.

4. Matt Forte, RB

Matt Forte, RB Getty Images
Forte is entering that gray area for running backs as he is on the wrong side of 30. However, the Jets are in it to win it now given the age of their skill players. Forte is one of the best pass catching running backs in football right now and can still play. He is coming off an injury-plagued season, but he shouldn’t be expensive given his age and injuries. If healthy he gives the Jets a proven running back who can team with a rookie from the draft perhaps. Given that Chris Ivory, Bilal Powell and Stevan Ridley are all headed towards free agency, the Jets might have to target a cheaper veteran with upside. Forte fits that bill, unless, of course, some team gets silly and offers him a lot of money.

Forte is entering that gray area for running backs as he is on the wrong side of 30. However, the Jets are in it to win it now given the age of their skill players. Forte is one of the best pass catching running backs in football right now and can still play. He is coming off an injury-plagued season, but he shouldn’t be expensive given his age and injuries. If healthy he gives the Jets a proven running back who can team with a rookie from the draft perhaps. Given that Chris Ivory, Bilal Powell and Stevan Ridley are all headed towards free agency, the Jets might have to target a cheaper veteran with upside. Forte fits that bill, unless, of course, some team gets silly and offers him a lot of money.

3. Janoris Jenkins, CB

Janoris Jenkins, CB Getty Images
There is no way Antonio Cromartie comes back. Buster Skrine played well last year, but the Jets need a third cornerback since Dee Milliner has been disappointing. Darrelle Revis is on the back end of his career, and the Jets will need a younger veteran to get the job done on the opposite side. Jenkins is one of the best corners due to hit free agency. He might fit in the budget depending on what the Jets do elsewhere. One thing is certain, they will need some help in the defensive backfield.

There is no way Antonio Cromartie comes back. Buster Skrine played well last year, but the Jets need a third cornerback since Dee Milliner has been disappointing. Darrelle Revis is on the back end of his career, and the Jets will need a younger veteran to get the job done on the opposite side. Jenkins is one of the best corners due to hit free agency. He might fit in the budget depending on what the Jets do elsewhere. One thing is certain, they will need some help in the defensive backfield.

2. Von Miller, LB

Von Miller, LB Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
The Denver Broncos will probably franchise Miller and the Jets probably can’t come close to affording him but that doesn’t mean you don’t try to get him. Calvin Pace and David Harris are getting old, and Muhammad Wilkerson might walk. The Jets need to do something to maintain some semblance of a pass rush and will need a linebacker who can get to the quarterback. Miller should be the target for every team this offseason, but put him on the Jets and Jets fans can start dreaming of a Super Bowl.

The Denver Broncos will probably franchise Miller and the Jets probably can’t come close to affording him but that doesn’t mean you don’t try to get him. Calvin Pace and David Harris are getting old, and Muhammad Wilkerson might walk. The Jets need to do something to maintain some semblance of a pass rush and will need a linebacker who can get to the quarterback. Miller should be the target for every team this offseason, but put him on the Jets and Jets fans can start dreaming of a Super Bowl.

1. Kirk Cousins, QB

Kirk Cousins, QB Getty Images
There is no way the Washington Redskins let him walk, right? Stranger things have happened, and if Ryan Fitzpatrick isn’t coming back why not go for the best quarterback on the market? You can bet the Jets won’t be able to afford him, but this is about targets and Cousins should be one of them if available. Imagine Cousins throwing to Brandon Marshall and Eric Decker. Something tells me the Jets might still be playing if Cousins were under center for them. If Cousins isn’t available, then Fitzpatrick might be the next best option as well as spending a draft pick on a quarterback.

There is no way the Washington Redskins let him walk, right? Stranger things have happened, and if Ryan Fitzpatrick isn’t coming back why not go for the best quarterback on the market? You can bet the Jets won’t be able to afford him, but this is about targets and Cousins should be one of them if available. Imagine Cousins throwing to Brandon Marshall and Eric Decker. Something tells me the Jets might still be playing if Cousins were under center for them. If Cousins isn’t available, then Fitzpatrick might be the next best option as well as spending a draft pick on a quarterback.

Christopher Gamble is a writer for RantSports. Follow him on Twitter and like him on Facebook.
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