Heading into next week’s NFL Free Agency period, the New York Jets have close to $70 million to spend ,projecting them to have the second-most cap space in the league. There was a reason why the team was so quiet a year ago in Joe Douglas’ first year as general manager — there was no player worth throwing big money at it that would immediately benefit the team. However, this offseason is different. The Jets should pursue free agent Joe Thuney.
Jets Should Pursue Joe Thuney | 2021 NFL Free Agency
Entering 2021, this has to be the most talented class in recent memory, and it bodes well for a team with money. Douglas will stick to his word and build through the draft, but expect him to make a few big splashes to improve Gang Green. This includes Thuney, even if they have to overpay for him.
Thuney is a top-notch lineman who has never missed a single start in five seasons with New England over an 80-game span. The consistency and production make Thuney the most intriguing lineman and arguably a top-three player on the market. At 28 years old, he is entering his prime and would be a golden ticket for any team that is desperate for star power up front.
The marriage just makes sense, as Thuney was the one player that Douglas was willing to overpay for in 2020. Once the Patriots decided to place the franchise tag on him, that dream was crushed. With New England recently trading back for OL Trent Brown with the Las Vegas Raiders, that guaranteed Thuney to hit the market and be in for a big payday.
[sc name=”nfl-fa-date” ]The Jets need to invest in the line, as they are preachers of it all starting in the trenches. Thuney’s versatility and durability are something that is rare in a lineman who is hitting his prime. Just imagine a left side that consists of Thuney and young phenom Mekhi Becton. It would make any quarterback’s life much easier.
It is time for the Jets to stop being a joke and use that money to make an impactful move and put the league on notice. Signing Joe Thuney would be a start in the right direction.
