In cutting six-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Brandon Marshall, the New York Jets cleared cap space, but they’ll need a big-time replacement.
Feeling the oats of showcasing additional cap space is great, but now Mike Maccagnan and the New York Jets must fill the huge void that Brandon Marshall’s departure leaves behind.Here are three players the Jets can get to replace Brandon Marshall.
1. Alshon Jeffery
The best receiver to replace Marshall is his old teammate from the Chicago Bears, Alshon Jeffery. He’s almost a full six years younger than Marshall and is, by far, the best available wide receiver on the market. Pro Football Focus ranks him the sixth best free agent available.
Injuries and suspension limited Jeffery to just 12 games this season, but when he was on the field he was effective despite the Bears poor quarterback play. He caught 52 passes for 821 yards and had five games where he had at least 75 receiving yards.
2. Terrelle Pryor Sr.
Pryor is the most versatile free agent on the market as he is an excellent pass catcher that can also line up in the backfield and throw passes. Last season with the Browns he led the team in receptions with 77 and recorded his first 1,000-yard season. Pryor will turn 28 this summer so he’s entering the prime of his career and will be an excellent receiving option for whoever is the Jets quarterback next season.
3. Mike Williams– Clemson
Williams is considered by most the best wide receiver in this year’s draft class. He helped the Clemson Tigers win a National Championship last season by catching 98 passes for 1,361 yards and 11 touchdowns. He showed in the championship game against Alabama that he can play on the biggest stage catching 8 passes for 94 yards and a touchdown.
At 6-foot-3 and 225-pounds, he’s the tall physical receiver that you need in the red zone. He’ll be available when the Jets pick at No. 6 and could be available a few spots later if the Jets elect to draft down and acquire more picks.