As you may know, the Jets will (hopefully) have $100 million in cap space heading into free agency. They will look to make a big splash come March with a slew of big names available. Currently, their biggest priorities are quarterback, cornerback and offensive line. One of the top corners on the market this season happens to be Trumaine Johnson. The Jets should not shy away from pursuing the stud defensive back aggressively.
Jets Fit:
Johnson has proved himself to be a playmaking corner who can jump the ball and swat passes. The former Rams corner reeled in 18 interceptions during his six year stint with the team, and is expected to hit the market this year. Los Angeles used their 2017 franchise tag on him last year, and the two have yet to reach a long-term deal.
Johnson has been shutting down the left side of the field since 2015, which could pair perfectly with the Jets’ Morris Claiborne, who has been playing on the right side for the majority of his career. Johnson excels in press coverage as well, which would fit perfectly into Todd Bowles’ man blitz scheme. He’s almost like a modified, less talented Darrelle Revis.
Johnson is an absolute ball hawk. He plays the ball aggressively and flat out makes plays. With 18 interceptions and 67 passes defended through six seasons, he brings to the Jets the playmaking ability they so desperately need. He especially thrived in 2015, where he totaled eight picks, 17 passes defended and 71 tackles. Since that season, the Rams have held onto him with a franchise tag. But currently, the two sides have yet to reach a long-term deal. Assuming no deal is reached, LA is expected to let him walk.
Jets should pursue Trumaine Johnson in free agency https://t.co/DdSmGTwG6a #NewYorkJets #Jets #TrumaineJohnson #NYJ pic.twitter.com/XX8qUbTx9L
— The Jet Press (@TheJetPress) January 18, 2018
Break the Bank:
There are other viable options for the Jets to go after during free agency. Rashaan Melvin, Bashaud Breeland and Kyle Fuller are all not under contract for 2018 and could potentially hit the market. However, Johnson is considered the best of the bunch. The Jets would be fooling themselves to not go for the best in the business with all the cap space they have to spend. A perfect fit and a playmaker, Trumaine Johnson could find himself playing under a nice contract with Gang Green next season.
– James Cunningham is a staff writer for Full Press Coverage Jets and covers the New York Jets. Like and follow on Follow @nyjfansnationFollow @FPC_Jets
