Jets' shopping list
Miami Dolphins running back Reggie Bush runs away from Jets defensive end Quinton Coples during the first half. (Oct. 28, 2012) Credit: AP
(1) QUARTERBACK
If the Jets expect to be a contender anytime soon, the QB play has to improve.
Mark Sanchez had an abysmal 2012 campaign: 13 touchdown passes, 18 interceptions and eight fumbles lost. Little-used backup Tim Tebow isn't expected to be in camp. Neither Greg McElroy nor Matt Simms is the face of the future. Unfortunately, the free-agent crop of QBs leaves much to be desired.
Possibilities: Jason Campbell, David Garrard, Brady Quinn.
Intriguing long shot you've heard of: Drew Stanton.
(2) RUNNING BACK
Shonn Greene broke the 1,000-yard rushing mark for the second straight season, but the Jets' running game needs a big boost. With Greene an unrestricted free agent, Bilal Powell will be expected to shoulder more of the load. But the Jets need to add more speed.
Possibilities: Ahmad Bradshaw, Cedric Benson, Felix Jones.
Intriguing long shot you've heard of: Reggie Bush.
Even bigger long shot you've heard of: Steven Jackson.
(3) SAFETY
The Jets, who cut Eric Smith last month, now have no veteran safeties under contract. Yeremiah Bell and LaRon Landry signed one-year contracts a year ago and are unrestricted free agents. That leaves only Josh Bush and Antonio Allen on the roster.
Possibilities: Glover Quin, Abram Elam.
Intriguing long shot you've heard of: Charles Woodson.
(4) OUTSIDE LINEBACKER
Bart Scott and Calvin Pace are gone, plus Bryan Thomas turns 34 in June. The Jets need experience, depth and speed.
Possibilities: Connor Barwin.
Intriguing long shot you've heard of: Brian Urlacher.
(5) TIGHT END
The Jets could end up re-signing Dustin Keller, Sanchez's favorite target. If not, they'll need to secure another big target who can block in Marty Mornhinweg's West Coast system.
Possibilities: Anthony Fasano, Martellus Bennett.
Intriguing long shot you've heard of: Tony Gonzalez.
