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5 big-ticket receivers Jets can target in free agency and trades

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The theme of the Jets’ offseason:

Get. Zach Wilson. Weapons.

Wilson needs more to grow in his development as a young quarterback — particularly receivers.

Yesterday, we listed possible targets for the Jets in the first round of the draft. Here is what Gang Green could do with trades or in free agency.

TRADES

Calvin Ridley (Falcons)

Ever since the January NFL Network report that a breakup between Ridley and the Falcons is likely, Ridley’s name has floated in trade talks. 

Ridley, 27, stepped away from the Falcons midway through the season to focus on his mental health. So, the Jets must make sure Ridley, the person, is flourishing internally.

When Ridley is playing, he’s one of the best in the game. He had 3061 yards and 26 touchdowns in three seasons prior to 2021. In 2020 he totaled 1,374 yards with nine touchdowns. He did play along five-time All Pro receiver Julio Jones, but Jones missed seven games in 2020. In the games Ridley played and Julio didn’t, Ridley had 938 yards.

So, it’s clear Ridley can be a No. 1 receiver. His contract is team-friendly with only one year left for $11 million.

The questions are:

Where is Ridley mentally? And what’s the market for him?

Robby Anderson (Panthers)

Anderson spent four years with the Jets before departing to the Panthers in 2020. Anderson achieved his first and lone 1,000 yard season in his initial year with Carolina, earning a two-year $29.5 million extension with about $20 million guaranteed.

But in 2021, Anderson had arguably his worst year as he finished with 53 catches for 519 yards — a career low — and five touchdowns. The main reason for his lackluster production was horrendous quarterback play from Sam Darnold, Cam Newton and P.J. Walker who all combined for 14 touchdowns and 21 interceptions.

There’s speculation the Panthers could move off Anderson now.

If Anderson is moved, the Jets are his preferred designation, a source said. He feels like he has unfinished business in New York and likes Zach Wilson’s talent.

Even though Jets GM Joe Douglas admitted it was a mistake to let Anderson walk in 2020, it’s unknown how receptive the Jets would be to a reunion. Anderson’s base salary for 2022 is $10 million.

But Anderson would provide a dynamic and downfield threat for Wilson, an aspect the Jets passing offense missed in 2021. Most of the damage was done in the short and intermediate areas, relying on yards after the catch.

Amari Cooper (Cowboys)

The writing is on the wall for Cooper in Dallas. Early buzz indicates his status with the Cowboys is up in the air because they want to bring back free agent Michael Gallup, according to NFL Network.

But Cooper’s arrival in Dallas is one of the main reasons why Dak Prescott’s production improved in his third year. In nine games in 2018, Cooper finished with 725 and six touchdowns.

After the 2018 season, he finished with 3,168 yards with 21 touchdowns in the following three seasons. Cooper’s route running would provide a safety blanket for Wilson because Cooper creates separation.

Cooper is the most expensive option out of the group. His base salary is $20 million, but only $6 million of it is guaranteed for the 2022 season. So he would probably want his contract redone.

The cost for a Cooper trade wouldn’t be particularly high, though. The Cowboys have little leverage since they want to re-sign their impending free agents like Gallup and tight end Dalton Schultz.

FREE AGENCY

Mike Williams

Williams played a big part in QB Justin Herbert’s early stardom and in 2021, the former Clemson standout produced a breakout season as he led the Chargers in receiving yards (1,146) and touchdowns(nine).

The 6-foot-4, 220 wideout could be the down the field option that the Jets are sorely missing. In 2019, he led the NFL yards per catch with 20.

Williams also fits what the Jets want to add to the group: a big body receiver who can consistently make contested catches and be a big target in the red zone. Williams had 21 contested catches, second most in the NFL, according to Pro Football Focus. The Jets receivers, led by Davis with six, produced only 24 contested catches total.

A trio of Williams, Corey Davis and Elijah Moore would be tremendous. It would be a bit expensive, but the Jets can get out of Davis’ contract in 2023 because only $666,667 of his $10 million for 2023 is guaranteed.

Chris Godwin

Godwin is a wild card because of his injury. He tore his ACL with the Bucs in December, and his recovery could extend into the 2022 season.

But when Godwin is healthy, he’s excellent. In the last three years, he totaled 3,276 yards with 21 touchdowns.

In 2021, Godwin dominated against man coverage as he racked up 411 yards, ninth most in the NFL, with three touchdowns according to PFF.  That ability is invaluable since the Jets are in a division with the Bills, Patriots and Dolphins who all possess strong secondaries.

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