The 2024 NFL Draft is over, but that doesn't mean the Jets' roster isn't without its flaws.
There are several key positions the Jets didn't completely resolve after New York selected seven players in the draft. And with the April 29 deadline passed, teams can now sign veteran free agents without it counting toward the compensatory pick formula. This means the Jets can add players without worrying about other teams picking up draft picks for 2025.
New York did a solid job in its draft but left a few holes across the roster. Safety, backup linebacker and more offensive line help are the main issues. Aaron Rodgers could always use another competent wide receiver, too, considering the Jets don't know how healthy Mike Williams is following his 2023 ACL tear.
The biggest issue for New York in the veteran mark is cap space. The Jets have just $5 million in net cap space, per Over The Cap, because they still need to sign their draft class.
Here are five free agents the Jets could sign following the 2024 NFL Draft.
5 free agents Jets can sign following 2024 NFL Draft
WR Odell Beckham Jr. (UPDATE: Beckham Jr. signed with Dolphins)
The Jets wanted Beckham during the 2023 offseason before the Ravens offered him a more lucrative contract. So, it stands to reason the Jets' interest remains, albeit at a lower price point.
OBJ had his ups and downs with the Ravens and finished with 35 receptions on 64 targets for 565 yards and three touchdowns. He had a solid stretch during the middle of the season where he tallied multiple games of at least 50 receiving yards and a touchdown. His inconsistency and age (he'll be 32 in November) are concerning.
However, those issues are why he could be a great fit on a Jets team that doesn't need him to play every snap. Garrett Wilson is the WR1, Mike Williams should play a lot when healthy and third-round rookie Malachi Corley will see significant action as well. Beckham Jr. would be a great fourth option for Rodgers as a reliable veteran.
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LT David Bakhtiari
This would be the least surprising move and one the Jets would really only make to appease Rodgers. Bakhtiari played just one game this past season and would not have a role on the Jets given the dearth of left tackles between Tyron Smith and first-round rookie Olu Fashanu. If Bakhtiari is amenable to trying out as a swing tackle or even taking snaps on the interior, he'd be a great veteran presence for New York.
S Justin Simmons
The Jets need a free agency, as the projected starter is Tony Adams. While Adams wasn't terrible as a starter in 2023, the Jets would be better off with a ballhawk like Simmons. He's a two-time Pro Bowler with 30 career interceptions and 64 defended passes during his eight years in the NFL.
Simmons could be a quality addition as well in case Chuck Clark doesn't perform well as the other safety. Clark missed the entire 2023 season and it's unclear how quickly he'll return to form.
DL Calais Campbell
Campbell was another player the Jets wanted to sign in 2023 before he picked the Falcons. He's on the market again and would immediately start on the defensive line. Campbell started all 17 games for the Falcons and registered 6.5 sacks — his most since 2019.
The Jets moved on from John Franklin-Myers and traded for Haason Reddick, so there isn't necessarily a need for Campbell. But Franklin-Myers was mostly a cost-saving move, meaning there could still be a role for Campbell.
WR Tyler Boyd
Boyd would give the Jets another reliable underneath receiver for Rodgers who wouldn't need to line up on every snap. He's a quality pass-catcher who is utilized best in the slot and can block in the running game. Those are key needs for the Jets' offense moving forward, especially if the team continues to rely on Breece Hall out of the backfield.
Adding another pass-catcher would take the pressure off Williams to push himself in his ACL recovery too. Boyd isn't a flashy name, but the Jets don't need big-name players to win games in 2024.