Breakdown of Deadline Candidates for the New York Jets

As the NFL’s trade deadline and midseason free-agent window approach, the New York Jets—still in the playoff hunt but hampered by depth shortages—are evaluating a list of deadline candidates to address critical roster gaps. These candidates, ranging from veteran free agents to potential trade targets, focus on positions hit hardest by injuries: wide receiver, defensive tackle, and backup offensive line. For general manager Joe Douglas, the goal is to balance short-term competitiveness (adding players who can contribute immediately) with long-term flexibility (avoiding costly contracts that limit future moves). Each candidate comes with distinct pros, cons, and price tags, and the Jets’ final choices will hinge on their playoff aspirations and salary cap constraints. Breakdown of Deadline Candidates for the New York Jets examines the top targets, their fit with the Jets’ scheme, and what a potential acquisition would mean for the team’s stretch run.

The most urgent candidate pool is free-agent wide receivers, a position where the Jets have lost Mecole Hardman and Corey Davis to season-ending injuries. Leading the list is Odell Beckham Jr., a five-time Pro Bowler with 73 career touchdowns who spent last season with the Baltimore Ravens. Beckham, though 31, still has the speed to stretch the field—a skill the Jets’ current receiver corps lacks—and his experience with elite quarterbacks (including Aaron Rodgers in Green Bay) would allow him to integrate quickly. However, Beckham’s injury history (he tore his ACL in 2020 and 2022) and desire for a multi-year deal could be red flags. Another candidate is Jarvis Landry, a four-time Pro Bowler known for his reliability (65.6reer catch rate) and ability to win in the slot. Landry, who sat out the first half of the season recovering from knee surgery, has said he’s “100% healthy” and eager to join a playoff contender. For the Jets, Landry would provide a steady third option behind Garrett Wilson, though he lacks Beckham’s downfield speed. NFL insider Adam Schefter noted, “The Jets need a receiver who can step in and contribute without a long learning curve—Beckham and Landry both fit that mold, but the Jets will have to weigh upside vs. injury risk.” Breakdown of Deadline Candidates for the New York Jets frames these two receivers as the top options to fix the team’s passing game depth.

On the defensive side, the Jets’ top deadline candidates are defensive tackles, a position thinned by injuries to Jonathan Marshall and Vinny Curry. The most intriguing trade target is Shelby Harris—though the Jets already signed him as a free agent in December, his slow integration has led to speculation they could pursue a more proven option. A better trade candidate is Detroit Lions defensive tackle Alim McNeill, a third-year player with 4.5 sacks this season and the ability to clog interior running lanes. McNeill, 24, is under contract through 2024, making him a long-term asset, but the Lions (currently in playoff contention) would likely demand a third-round draft pick in return—a price the Jets may be reluctant to pay. For free agents, the top candidate is Ndamukong Suh, a 13-year veteran with 74.5 career sacks who played for the Philadelphia Eagles earlier this season. Suh, though 36, still has the strength to disrupt run plays and could serve as a rotational backup behind Quinnen Williams and Solomon Thomas. The downside? Suh’s playing time demands (he averaged 45 snaps per game in Philadelphia) might clash with the Jets’ plan to limit his workload. Defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich said, “We need a defensive tackle who can play 15-20 snaps per game and not be a liability—Suh can do that, but McNeill would be a bigger upgrade if we’re willing to give up draft capital.” Breakdown of Deadline Candidates for the New York Jets explores how these candidates could shore up the Jets’ run defense and reduce Williams’ snap count.

For the New York Jets, backup offensive line candidates are another priority, especially with left tackle Mekhi Becton’s knee injury creating uncertainty. The top trade target here is Washington Commanders tackle Charles Leno Jr., a 10-year veteran who has started 128 consecutive games—an attribute that appeals to the Jets, who value durability. Leno, 32, has allowed just 2 sacks this season and has experience playing both left and right tackle, giving the Jets flexibility. The Commanders, however, are rebuilding and may ask for a fourth-round pick, a reasonable cost for a reliable backup. On the free-agent front, the Jets could target Brian Bulaga, a two-time Super Bowl champion with the Green Bay Packers who played for the Los Angeles Chargers last season. Bulaga, 34, retired briefly in 2023 but announced in November he’s “ready to return” to the NFL. His familiarity with Rodgers (they played together in Green Bay for 10 seasons) would make him an ideal backup, as he already knows the quarterback’s tendencies and preferences. For the New York Jets, Bulaga would be a low-risk, high-reward signing—he’d likely accept a one-year, minimum-salary deal and could step in as a starter if Becton’s injury worsens. Offensive line coach Chris Strausser said, “We need a tackle who can play either side and doesn’t need weeks to learn our scheme—Leno and Bulaga both check those boxes.” Breakdown of Deadline Candidates for the New York Jets emphasizes how these candidates could stabilize the Jets’ most vulnerable position group.

The New York Jets are also considering special teams candidates, a phase of the game that has cost them three close games this season. The top candidate here is free-agent kicker Robbie Gould, a 17-year veteran who has converted 86.5% of his career field goals—including a 90% success rate in 2022 with the San Francisco 49ers. Gould, 40, is a proven clutch performer (he’s made 28 game-winning field goals) and would immediately upgrade the Jets’ kicking game, which has seen Greg Zuerlein miss 5 field goals this season. Another candidate is punter Michael Dickson, a Pro Bowler with the Seattle Seahawks who has averaged 47.4 yards per punt in his career. Dickson, though under contract with Seattle, could be available via trade if the Seahawks (currently out of playoff contention) decide to rebuild. For the New York Jets, upgrading special teams isn’t a “sexy” move, but it’s a necessary one—especially if they want to win the close games that will define their playoff chances. Special teams coordinator Brant Boyer said, “We’ve left points on the board and given up field position because of special teams mistakes—adding a player like Gould would fix that overnight.” Breakdown of Deadline Candidates for the New York Jets highlights how these special teams candidates could be the difference between a playoff spot and a missed opportunity.

Finally, the New York Jets’ deadline candidate strategy will be shaped by salary cap constraints and playoff urgency. The Jets currently have $8.2 million in available cap space, enough to sign two mid-tier free agents (like Landry and Suh) but not enough to pursue a high-priced trade target (like McNeill) without restructuring contracts. Douglas has shown a willingness to make bold moves—he traded for Rodgers in 2023—but he’s also cautious about giving up draft capital, especially with the Jets still building for the future. The key question: Are the Jets a “win-now” team, or do they prioritize long-term roster health? If they believe they can make a deep playoff run, they’ll likely pursue a trade for McNeill or Leno; if they’re more focused on 2024 and beyond, they’ll stick to free agents like Beckham and Gould. NFL salary cap expert Joel Corry noted, “The Jets have a choice to make: spend now to win, or stay patient and build a more sustainable roster. Their deadline moves will answer that question.” For the New York Jets, the stakes couldn’t be higher—each candidate they pursue (or pass on) will send a clear message about their goals for the rest of the season. Breakdown of Deadline Candidates for the New York Jets concludes that while the Jets have multiple strong options to address their gaps, the best choice will balance immediate impact with future flexibility—ensuring they don’t sacrifice long-term success for a single playoff run.