Jets Free Agency Day 1 Recap: Defense, Corey Davis, and more defense

The New York Jets added a talented wide receiver and a few defensive pieces to commence the 2021 free agency period.

What a great job by Joe Douglas this past Monday. The Jets general manager possessed a whopping amount of cap space and used it to his advantage, agreeing to terms with multiple defensive weapons along with one of the league’s most underrated wide receivers in Corey Davis.

It’s clear this roster needed new bodies especially after a putrid two-win 2020 season, and the Jets are off to a hot start this offseason in that regard.

Douglas looks to improve the defensive side of the ball

The Jets already employ a few young defenders who they can build around in defensive lineman Quinnen Williams and safety Marcus Maye (who they just franchise tagged). Now, the team will add defensive end Carl Lawson as well as linebacker Jarrad Davis to the mix.

Lawson will certainly start and has proven to be a productive pass rusher in this league, having notched 5.5 sacks and 32 quarterback hits with the Bengals last season. He should provide a boost to the team’s pass rush, a unit that only recorded 31 sacks (tied for 20th in the NFL) last year.

Lawson received a three-year deal worth $45 million.

Davis could slot into the starting middle linebacker role amid reported trade talks involving C.J. Mosley. Davis racked up 100 combined tackles and six sacks with the Lions in 2018.

The new additions are expected to assist in the hopeful improvement of a defense that finished 24th in total yards allowed and 26th in scoring last season.

A new top wideout in Florham Park

Along with the aforementioned defensive pieces, the Jets additionally agreed to a three-year deal worth $37.5 million with wide receiver Corey Davis.

The young wideout just caught 65 balls for 984 yards and five touchdowns with the Titans this past year and has proven to be one of the more talented but underrated receivers the league has to offer.

The Jets required a new No. 1 receiver for a multitude of reasons. For one, they finished last in total offense, scoring, and 31st in passing in 2020, so it was clear they needed to enhance the talent on that side of the ball. The Jets also need productive weapons to help whoever starts at quarterback in 2021. If it’s Sam Darnold or Zach Wilson under center, they’ll require offensive assistance in order to experience an efficient on-field development.