Jets Free Agency: Justin Simmons Cut, Deep Safety Group Signals Upgrade?
With the latest news surrounding his release from the Denver Broncos, Justin Simmons is just the latest safety to hit the open market a week before free agency is set to begin.
And that's great news for a safety-needy team like the New York Jets.
New York enters free agency with just Tony Adams currently signed to the roster in the safety room. There is a good chance the organization will bring, not just one starter, but multiple to better add to the group's depth at the position.
There are, of course, other positions that must be addressed in droves during the start of free agency for Gang Green. Offensive line, the backup quarterback role, a top wide receiver, and an additional defensive tackle are positions that will be addressed by New York in the coming weeks.
The free agent safeties, however, provide a rare chance for the Jets to upgrade the position without spending too much money on any one player. With all the great players on the open market for one position group, the chances of the market severely decreasing is great.
"Something that organizations and analysts are far too familiar with in other spots," Athletic NFL reporter Dianna Russini said on Twitter. "Many GMs are approaching this free agency as the RBs, LBs, and safety markets to be similar to the past. Lower deals than we may imagine. Depressed market for those positions. A lot of one year deals."
One-year "prove-it" deals are great things for the Jets this offseason - especially at a position of need.
They could look to address the position by signing one of the free agents like Kevin Byard, Justin Simmons, Eddie Jackson, or Quandre Diggs - veterans who may be considered past their prime, but provide experience and some solid player to their back-end. They all are All-Pro or Pro Bowl caliber players that make a lot of sense for the Jets.
Then there are the younger core of available players. Stars like Geno Stone - who recorded seven interceptions in 2023, Xavier McKinney - a quality captain, or Kamren Curl - the best secondary player on a bad Commanders team, that could all cost a lot, but give the Jets a young, experienced back end with plenty of talent.
New York could go in a number of different ways to address their safety opening, but in one of the deepest classes of all-time, it will be hard NOT to find quality starters that can help an already top-five defense in 2024.
